Meet Mel
ALOVE UK has been chatting to Mel who is going to be on tour this summer as p
art of the Spire team that will be visiting summer schools all around the UK territory. We wanted to introduce you to Mel as she is going to be leading some of the seminars focusing on identity that will be taking place on the tour. We thought that you might be interested to find out a little bit more about her and some of her thoughts about the summer ahead.
Melanie is from Toronto Canada and is married to Chris Greenwood aka Manafest.
Mel and Manafest co-own a company called Manafest Productions, which incorporates both music and art media and they hope to be an influence on today's youth culture. Melanie runs the Art Department of the company, which she named Vision City. With years of experience as a fashion model and artist, Melanie has a strong desire to inspire young women to dream big and allow their creativity to inspire their generation. For more information on Melanie, you can check out her blog: www.lettersfromvisioncity.blogspot.com
What did you want to be when you were at school?
A photographer & graphic designer
What is your biggest fear?
Sharks! I can hear that Jaws music now.... Yikes.
What is your favourite thing about the UK?
Street style fashion....LOVE LOVE LOVE it. British girls got swagger!
Timbrel or tambourine?
Tambourine!
Have you ever been to a Salvation Army summer school before and do you have any idea what to expect?
Yes I'm pretty sure I have been to one and I expect it's gonna be a lot of fun and awesome to meet some fabulous Brits! Brilliant!
What is the most important possession that you will have with you on the road this summer?
My camera, or course:)
What are you most looking forward to this summer while on tour with ALOVE UK?
Meeting great people, seeing the UK and inspiring young people to grow and be creative!
Why do you think looking at identity and vocation are so important for young people today?
The more we live and travel all over the world the more I realize that the way we identify ourselves affects every aspect of our lives. Our identity will effect how we act not only today but also as we move into our future. Once we realize we are valued in Gods eyes, we can also love ourselves and love others too. And dreams and aspirations for our future stems out of our identity in Christ. If we see ourselves as a failure, we will fail. But if we see ourselves as a success, we will be successful.
When did you realise that what you do now is the right job for you... if you think it is?
Well, this has been years in its development. I've always wanted to be an artist of some kind, but did not know how to focus... But I found God always leading me to work with music artists... I mean... I married a rock star!!! Holla. But even still... I find God really directing me to do both print design and photography within the music scene as a way to inspire youth culture. Music and art have always been a major part of culture and today's culture is no different. Chris and I have a desire to truly inspire our generation to follow God through both our art forms, music and visual art.
What would you be doing now if you weren't doing the job that you are?
In all honesty, I feel like I am really pursuing the very thing that is in my heart to do with my life. Even though some days are hard and sometimes I feel like I don't know how it's all going to work out... I still know I am pursuing the dream God has given me and when I follow Him I know he will take care of all my other needs. Trying to figure it out on my own is no fun. I've tried but it doesn't work. Following Jesus works. Everything good in my life came because of Him!
Read part one of our identity series
Find out more about Spire