Meet Melissa C. Welch, a Connecticut-based marketing communications specialist. From her early days as a PR intern in Paris to running her own biz, Melissa has worked with hundreds of brands throughout her career. She gave us an inside look at her work as a strategic brand partner, what she loves most about consulting and why it’s always about the people for her.
Where are you based?
Fairfield County, Connecticut
What are your specialty practice areas?
I have a passion for connecting people and creating beautiful experiences, which truly informs my work as a strategic brand partner. Brands hire me to develop and execute digital-first launch strategies that leverage earned media and drive engagement. I get most excited about crafting brand storytelling, devising brand partnerships and concepting experiential events.
Tell us about your career background before becoming a consultant.
My path to PR originated in Paris, where I interned in the press office at Sonia Rykiel. The staff spoke French exclusively, so I first experienced corporate and couture in another language. That resulted in a follow up role in their New York office, which launched my career in multiple long-standing agency roles. Twelve years ago, I leapt into self-employment to afford myself more independence, control and flexibility with my work.
What are some of your current projects/clients?
The assignment I recently completed with Drunk Elephant is a highlight for me. I led their US comms team working with a group of people I respect and adore; many of whom I’d collaborated with in the past. We strategized and executed a media strategy for their biggest launch of the year, which resulted in us exceeding their launch sales goals by 300%. It was a coup for both our team and for the company. When you work with a team you love, you thrive individually and collectively.
What are your favorite aspects of freelance life - and least favorite?
Being self-employed is gratifying and freeing and terrifying all at once! It empowers me to work with people whose values and work ethic align with my own. It also allows me to build a very meaningful network. Having worked with hundreds of brands, I’ve established strong ties with a diverse group of executives, journalists, influencers and vendors, which has been critical to my success. However, the hustle is non-stop. And self-employment taxes are no walk in the park.
Who would be a dream client?
The brands that I’m most thrilled to work with are ones with kind, collaborative and creative people leading them. For me, it’s always about the people.
I’m attracted to the wellness and fitness space on a personal level, so I’m always looking to expand further into that world professionally. As an avid tennis player and dedicated yoga practitioner, I pay close attention to brands that offer thought leadership on the mind-body connection.
