5 Minutes with
Melissa Ramirez
(@the_meli_show)
Each week, we're spending 5 minutes with some of our closest collaborators from the UO Community to learn a little bit more about them and what makes them tick. Melissa Ramirez, a Brooklyn-based model and designer, talks to us about her creative space and why uninterrupted alone time is so necessary.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m Colombian American and my family and I moved to the United States when I was two years old. Very early on I knew I wanted to create a life for myself in the city and it led me to attend college at the Fashion Institute of Technology. I studied International Trade & Marketing with a minor in economics and Latin American studies. Now, I’m a model with The BTWN and work on the leather and material research & development team for Handbags at Marc Jacobs.
What do you like to do when you’re spending time alone?
Real, uninterrupted time is something very special to me. It's highly unlikely I'm not thinking about what's important to me and what my priorities are when I’m spending time alone. Depending on how I feel at the moment, this can translate into many different forms. For example: writing, dancing, reading, meditating or learning something new.
What’s something new you’ve been trying to learn?
I’ve been trying to utilize all of this idle time by beginning to learn about and work with clay. Lately I’ve been finding myself being really inspired by ceramics.
Where is your favorite spot in your home? Why?
My favorite spot in my home would have to be my bedroom simply because of the full creative freedom that comes with having your own space. I have a tendency to place great value in my personal space and my privacy, so I’m constantly tending to my room. In return, it nurtures me back. In addition, I just have a lot of fun making messes and rearranging my furniture. There's also a point during the day which I really love because my room becomes drenched in sunlight.
Describe your ideal day at home.
An ideal day at home looks like this: waking up around 9AM. Moving my body a bit with some stretches, followed by my morning routine that consists of a warm shower, gentle exfoliating, my skincare routine and a complete breakfast. Then I proceed to throw something comfortable on and either spend an hour or two outside in my backyard or have my friends/family come over.
What’s your favorite way to unwind?
One of my favorite ways to unwind is by taking a nice steamy shower while listening to music.
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When you’re feeling down, what’s one thing that will always cheer you up?
For me, crying has always served as a huge release and I always feel severely better afterwards.
What’s one thing that is guaranteed to make you happy?
Honest conversations with my Mom.
Favorite account to follow on social media? Why?
IG account @samyoukilis. I like the way he’s capable of capturing daily tasks that are sometimes ordinary and mundane but then he shares it in a way that’s pretty extraordinary.
What are you watching right now?
The World's Most Extraordinary Homes on Hulu because I’ve watched everything else there is on Netflix! :-)