Melinda Anderson, Event Designer & Producer at
MeMe Design & Events
Age: 34
High School: Cass Tech
College: University of Michigan, Architecture
Neighborhood/City: Oak Park (Coming back to The D Soon!)
How she’s making her mark on the city of Detroit:
“I design one-of-a kind events that highlight the great people, architecture, and music of the D.”
Photo by Myron Watkins
On how she got her start:
“I kind of stumbled upon it when I volunteered with Detroit Synergy for Linen on the Lawn years ago. I loved creating the event and working on the look and feel so much that I decided to do a career change. Initially I always wanted to move to New York or LA to pursue event design but decided to give it a go here. No one would hire me because I had no “real” experience…that is until I spoke to Todd Hardiek of Colonial Event Rental. He and his team were the first ones that gave me a shot and I have been designing ever since”.
On her work:
“I have done small and large, weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, SXBL 40, and fundraisers. Best Event: For five years I poured my heart into designing and producing Bravo Bravo at the Michigan Opera Theatre. Worst Event: The Mystique Masquerade at the Music Hall. I learned to under promise and over deliver.
Usually my events are hot and sexy with lots of hot music, flowing fabric, sleek furniture, and cabanas…LOTS of sexy people and a sexy look. For the upcoming 80’s event, I am switching it up and will be making the vibe sexy, cheesy, and lots of fun. Think Animal House meets Sixteen Candles. I have break dancers, 3 DJ’s – Dj Surab Deb, Dj Dolce DeLuca, and DJ PhifeDog (Breakin/School Daze Rm), That 80’s Band will perform. I just found two Atari’s (flashback version) and TONS of 80’s style memorabilia. I have searched high and low through junk yards, and the Salvation Army for the perfect look. I will be joined by my talented partners Kia Chevon of Ke Event Productions, and Crystal Marie of C-My Style events producing and designing this event”.
On why she chooses to stay in Metro Detroit:
“I have always yearned to move back to Europe but my heart is here. I stay here because it is my desire and dream to build the impossible. I love Detroit and believe in the possibility of it becoming a truly great city. We need to start investing in this city with our time and talents. Right NOW!”
On her favorite things about Detroit:
“I love exploring Detroit with my family and friends. I have lived here for 33 years of my life however, I am always discovering more layers to this fascinating and underground city.”
Photo by Myron Watkins
On what she wishes you knew about Detroit:
“I wish people would not take Detroit for what they can see with their eyes, but for what they experience here. Detroit feels like a grown-up fraternity/sorority where many individuals are working hard to make great things happen.”
On future plans:
“I have bunch of GREAT events in the making for the summer and this fall. I plan to produce 6 big events and year and to continue to build my brands. Eventually, I would also like to get on the national circuit and to take a couple of the events on the road such as to the SuperBowl, Olympics, Grammy’s, or other big events such as that. That is my dream. But I plan to now build and establish my studio, and to make beautiful memories one event at a time”.
MeMe’s words of wisdom:
“You have to work your butt off. Although it is sometimes hard to to, you have to believe in yourself and continue to make your dreams become a reality. My favorite quote is \”When one strives in the direction of his\her dreams, the outcome will be greater than anything every imagined…\” something like that, but I believe in this every day.”
Related Websites:
March 13th, 2010 - 3:37 am
very commendable girl child!
March 14th, 2010 - 7:51 pm
Awesome!!!!!!! I am too young, black, female, graduated from Cass Tech, and studied Architecture at the University of Michigan. There are some very talented people in Detroit!
June 2nd, 2010 - 2:58 am
Go BABE!!! I am so happy for you! This was a great article!!