Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Locke
Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a classic LA story.. Finished up college at Purdue, lived in Chicago for a year doing some theatre and improv and then drove across country to Los Angeles in the mid 90’s. Decided I was going to become an actor. I lived in Venice Beach and got my three vouchers for SAG and took lots of acting classes( that has continued throughout my life) and waited a lot of tables. I needed more money so I went to esthetician school and met my husband who is a plastic surgeon and he needed a skincare person so I started doing facials and other procedures there at his office. Fast forward I decided to get back in to acting and started back with all the classes and reels and auditions and short films etc and now I do modeling for NY and LA fashion weeks and editorials. I have always danced since a child so I am part of a dance group as well called Hip Hop Tribe. I love volunteer and charity work and try to help as much as possible in a range of ways but I love children and animals so I find myself with those organizations for the most part. Although I miss my family a lot I have a created a wonderful LA story for myself. Although these are the highlights which we all like to share, it was a tough road for me at different times and still is but it is worth all of it. I have a wonderful husband and furbaby Sammy and my family and friends that make my life incredible and I thank God morning and night.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No not a smooth road. There was and still is a lot of uncertainty and getting back up and brushing yourself off. When you put yourself out there and audition it’s very challenging to deal with rejection. I had to put together a rejection strategy so I wouldn’t ruminate over the past auditions. I do my art and then I have to completely detach and detachment is a practice that I am still trying to develop and improve on.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Currently I am working on a biopic about Elizabeth Taylor. It’s a short film. I have studied her and she is fascinating as everyone knows. I am most proud of my sponsee Vincent who lives in an orphanage in Kenya and have committed to helping him for an undisclosed amount of time and my volunteer work here in LA. Acts of service make me a better human and actor. It ignites empathy. We do need more sponsors and it’s called River Jordan Orphanage in Kenya if you would like to sponsor a child.
What are your plans for the future?
I will continue everything I have started with passion and compassion. I won’t be giving up on my dreams. I will be brave and help others. I will love my family and keep my heart soft. I would love to see my short film in festivals. I would love to continue my classic modeling and dancing and serving others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.melissalockemodelingportfolio.com
- Instagram: Iammelissalocke
- Facebook: Melissa Locke
- Other: TicToc Melissa Ip
