OUR TEAM: Meet Melina
Meet Melina! Our operations manager takes us behind the scenes in her life to share what her day-to-day at Vismaya looks like, how she practices self-care, and the best (and worst!) advice she's ever been given:
Where do you live: Hermosa Beach
Favorite spot in L.A.: Cliche, but I love the beach, and living so close to it, it’s a must.
Favorite Vismaya Style: Give Love Bandana - I'm so happy we'll be restocking it soon!
Favorite Podcast:
The Journal - I love how they report the news in such an engaging way - or No Stupid Questions.
Favorite vacation spot:
Definitely somewhere where the sun is shining - I love Maui, HI.
What is your happy place?
Laying in my bed and reading a book - I’m big on self-care!
A book that has changed your life?
Grit by Angela Duckworth. When I read this book, I was at a stage in my life where I was trying to figure myself out both personally and career-wise. That book helped me really cement what I wanted to do.
Song that gets you pumped:
I’m Latina so I of course love anything by Bad Bunny.
Do you have a life mantra and what is it?
Kill them with kindness - I always say it to my friends!
Do you have a Sunday routine that helps you prepare for the week/day?
Sunday is my self-care day. I wake up and go for a run or a walk down the beach. Next, I go out with my girls for brunch. I come home and watch some Netflix, do a face mask, and have some wine. Before the day is over, I create my to-do list for the week and try to prioritize what needs to get done.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
I need to be more intentional and intuitive. I needed to be more honest with myself and once I started to be honest with myself, life started to fall into place.
A piece of bad advice that you love?
I don’t know if it’s bad advice, but my fiance always says you should always try something once. As a person who prefers control, this feels dangerous to me but necessary.
What is the one thing that centers you?
My values and beliefs. When I feel like the world is burning, if i steer back to what my parent’s instilled in me - being caring and kind and genuine. Going back to my roots centers me.
What is your favorite indulgence?
A GOOD Netflix series - I can’t stop! I’ll stay up to finish it and just accept that I’m going to be exhausted the next day.
What is a day in the life in your job?
I manage all of the L.A. operations so my day can include anything from shipping to customer service to working with the sales team on inventory. I also have some input on production and design based on trend. I work with Shivani, our CEO, on planning upcoming activities to showcase our new collections, upcoming photo shoots, shows, and talking to some of our biggest clients.
How do you wind down after your day?
Reconnecting and reflecting with my friends over the phone. Trying to stay connected. We talk about our goals, our careers, our struggles. Connection to those you love is incredibly important.