Q&A With Melody Ehsani

They want to know, who’s that girl? (La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la). Melody that girl. (La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la). Just who is Melody Ehsani? More formally, we know Ehsani as being an innovative fashion designer. But once you learn more about her vision and her life’s philosophy, you quickly realize that she is more than just that. Breaking cultural traditions to follow her true passion, Ehsani believes that design is part of her divine blue print. She knows in heart that designing is what she was born to do. And as far as I can tell, I totally agree.

A Word For My Sistas: Growing up, did fashion play a huge role in your life?

Melody Ehsani: Music probably played the biggest role and then fashion followed. To me, they were both connected. Music and fashion both helped me to identify who I was.

A Word For My Sistas: When did you know that you wanted to have a career in the fashion industry?

Melody Ehsani: I never considered it until after college. I worked in retail at the mall for like 10 years during high school and part of college, but I never imagined owning my own store or having my own line. It seemed like an unattainable dream at that time. It wasn’t practical for me. Clearly, I reprogrammed that belief.

A Word For My Sistas: How did you get started and when did you make your first accessory?

Melody Ehsani: I got started designing shoes and then branched out into accessories. My first piece was the three finger ring made out of acrylic that I made for my friend Saul Williams. He was working on a music project (Niggy Tardust) at the time and I had a dream that showed me what his persona looked like. Based on the dream and being inspired by him, I made him those pieces along with other things.

A Word For My Sistas: What steps did you take when it came to marketing your brand?

Melody Ehsani: I wish I had this great formula that I could share with you, but I’ve never really thought about marketing my brand. I don’t have a marketing team or strategy. From the beginning, I just made things and put them out there. However, through the process of making things and putting them out there, I’ve realized that I don’t need to have a marketing plan. I’ve realized that as a woman, I have many natural resources that have allowed me to create my own way of doing things. For example, I’ve learned that women are incredibly resourceful. If they buy something that they like, they naturally like to share it with everyone and are able to spread word about it faster than the internet. Therefore, I don’t need to follow the traditional model and do things like create a commercial or be on TV or buy ad space in magazines in order to market myself. I can simply make things that I love and connect with individuals on an authentic level; where they see me and my art and want to share it.

A Word For My Sistas: Who are some of the celebs that have worn your accessories and how do you feel when you see them wearing pieces that you have created?

Melody Ehsani: There are a number of them…Rihanna, Keri Hilson, Erykah Badu…etc. I feel wonderful when people wear my things. It makes me feel like I played a tiny role in helping someone express themselves.

A Word For My Sistas: How do you come up with such creative ideas like the edgy gun ring?

Melody Ehsani: I read a lot and study a number of different things usually at the same time. When I connect with things in my environment, I’m usually inspired to translate that into a piece of jewelry, a shoe, and etc. I’ve also adopted the belief in accessories where beauty comes before function, so I don’t limit myself to pieces that needs to be comfortable or fit a certain box.

A Word For My Sistas: Your shoes are amazing! Do you sketch them yourself or do you have a design team to help you?

Melody Ehsani: Thank you! Yes, I sketch them all myself. The collections are so small that at this time, I don’t need a design team.

A Word For My Sistas: Do you hand make each accessory?

Melody Ehsani: Yes, almost all of the jewelry is handmade or hand assembled.

A Word For My Sistas: Do you plan on expanding your brand and designing clothes any time soon?

Melody Ehsani: Yes, we’re working on clothes at this moment. They should be available around the end of March.

A Word For My Sistas: What advice would you give to aspiring designers?

Melody Ehsani: Stay in your truth. Remember who you are. Show up daily as YOU, unapologetically. Don’t worry about what others think. Everything you need is inside you. Don’t seek validation from anyone other than yourself and God. You will be sent everything and everyone you need at the right time as long as you stay on your path. You are enough, if all you do is wake up everyday and let your light shine.

To learn more about Melody Ehsani and to purchase items from her collections, visit www.melodyehsani.com.