Melissa Hurtado is no stranger to a good challenge. As a Houston-based creative, she is passionate about helping others reach success through digital marketing. She has a vast range of experience in the ¦eld, from building brands and designing visual aesthetics, to shooting event videos and recording podcasts.
Though originally born in New York City, her family relocated to Ecuador when she was a young child. After a bad business decision, her family worried about affording her college education. However, at 20 years old, she made the decision to relearn English and move back to the United States. She attended Queensborough Community College, where she received her Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts. Melissa then moved to Miami and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Motion Graphics and Visual Effects from Miami International University of Art and Design.
Since graduating, she’s held a variety of positions in the digital marketing field. In Miami, she worked as the Social Media and Membership Coordinator for The Grove Isle Hotel & Spa. There, she handled the private island’s social media platforms and events. She held additional positions with The Four Seasons Miami and The Four Seasons Orlando Resorts as a graphic designer. Melissa also gained experience in building brands as the Visual Communications Coordinator for fashion designer Domenica Domenica. There, she developed media kits, designed visual layouts, and created custom artwork.
She also has in-depth experience in helping individuals grow their brands. As the Director of Operations & Creative Media for Artistic Initiative, she helped companies hone their marketing strategies while also assisting in graphic design, copywriting, and visual aesthetics. It was at Artistic Initiative that Melissa found her passion: helping people ¦nd their best attributes and creating a brand that focuses on those qualities. She takes great pride in helping others become successful, especially through digital marketing.
In addition to her creativity, Melissa also has extensive skill in cultivating new talent. She has onboarded and trained new employees in several industries, including hospitality and marketing. She’s also passionate about training diverse and international hires. As an artist and businesswoman, Melissa loves to surround herself with talented, intelligent, and wise people. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and skills with the world so that everyone can grow togethe.