The Alembika Team We asked Melanie, our next Zoom Café guest, a handful of questions so you can get to know her better—and get excited about meeting her in the Zoom Café this Friday, June 17th @4PM (EST) for a fun, candid conversation. YOU CAN RSVP HERE!
What do you do for work?
I work for myself! My biggest accomplishment is being President of Essential Elements-Chicago, Ltd. It’s a gift from God, it’s who I am. Earlier in life, I taught preschool, I loved it, kids say the darnedest things. It’s a vast difference from fashion, but entrepreneurship and fashion was always deep inside. Several years ago, I petitioned hard to spearhead the opening of a Christian bookstore on my church campus, I had grand plans. But, we can only see up the street, God is already around the corner, knowing that He had something better for me.
What do you do when you don’t know what to do?
I pray, prayer is my core. I believe that talking to God and seeking His wisdom always steers me in the right direction, to the right people, hopefully helping me make a solid decision. Just as a kid avoiding his parents direction, I don’t get it right all the time, but I do get up when I fall. I also eat French fries when I just don’t know what to do!
What would you do if you had the whole day to yourself?
If I had the whole day to myself, I would probably work. It seems I can’t catch up. Family and friends constantly nudge me about that, it’s a very bad way of living, the first step to rehab is I realize it. My goal is to work smarter, not harder. I took in a movie with my Senior & Citizen (mom & dad), I hadn’t been to one in several years, it was a wonderful exhale.
What is the best thing about being a woman?
The best thing about being a woman is working with women and servicing women! I have been immensely blessed to meet some of the most amazing women, hearing their stories, working with them, gleaning wisdom has been most fulfilling. It’s great to live in a time when women are on the rise, getting their just due, there’s a long way to go, but we’ve come a long way too.
What is your favorite piece of clothing?
I love, love, love a great tunic and leggings. I feel like a broken record at times telling customers “all you need is a great pair of leggings!” The fun leggings that Alembika offers are amazing! The funny thing is, the ultimate fashion maven, my mom, doesn’t like leggings at all, but she enjoys them on others, me included.
