From Content Creator to Rising Journalist: A Love Letter to ESSENCE

Mel Davis|Essence Fest 2025

Dear ESSENCE,

Although July was a few months ago, I hope I'm not too late. I'd like to thank you for bringing a hidden talent of mine to life without even trying. In May I took a leap of faith and I bet on myself for the first time by applying to attend ESSENCE FEST as a creator and a photographer. Little did I know that a professional mystery door would unlock. You approved me based on my pitch and you saw me. While I possess many creative talents, I am, at my core, a storyteller—and writing is my first love.

I fell in love with writing at an early age and my method of choice was poetry. Then, it expanded to journalism for my high school news paper. I never stopped writing, but I stopped looking for a story. My love for journalism swayed when I fell in love with digital marketing and communications. I forgot what it felt like to curate a story purely based on interest and investigation, but thanks to you I found my calling again.

Not only did you grant me media access when only one other festival did, but you advised that I take a chance and visit the "daytime press room" and provide coverage of both the event and interviews. You even shared my content with other media contacts, which helped me expand my reach at an incredible pace. Since then, I’ve forged press and marketing relationships with companies such as Netflix, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal/Peacock, the Global Black Economic Forum, The Recording Academy, Billboard, Live Nation, a very cool marketing firm (that I’ll keep private) —and many more.

In my mind, I had plans for something new, a digital publication inspired by my visual series Moments With Mel, but I was waiting for the right time to hit publish on my first piece. While my series was on its way to written format, Moments With Mel: New Orleans' Visual Segment was the green light for me to solidify the digital publication, Moments With Mel: The Blog: a space to share and discuss moments in entertainment, art, culture, and media - either filmed, experienced, or told by me. 

Thank you for opening the door to my new, yet childhood dream of storytelling through investigation, interpretation and creativity. It’s only right that I publish my letter of gratitude on this beautiful platform, in my own words.

Sincerely,

Mel Davis