The Stick Of The Week! is Melissa Bessey. Melissa is in the NOW as owner, journalist and publicist at, Melissa Bessey Publicity. If that isn't enough, Melissa also finds time to blog for Huffington Post Canada and freelances as an entertainment writer/editor. Melissa Bessey Publicity works with notable Canadian artists to promote their music to the world and has a track record for securing media placements normally secured by big name agencies. Melissa also works with other local businesses and mompreneurs in the fashion, health and wellness industries and loves to partner with other publicists in Canada and the US, to achive common goals.
I am a self-made industry leader because I jump in with two feet running and don’t look back or wait for ‘approval’ to try new things. I feel humbled by my opportunities and feel blessed to have contributed to the development of many independent Canadian artists.
Melissa Bessey
As a visual artist, Melissa Bessey can relate to musicians and creative minds, which allows her strong business sense to create successful media campaigns, in-line with each artist’s true vision.
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On the Wall).
I’m a Toronto based entertainment journalist and publicist, my work is made up of 50/50 writing and editorial assignments and publicity work for people in the entertainment industry.
I’m a Toronto based entertainment journalist and publicist, my work is made up of 50/50 writing and editorial assignments and publicity work for people in the entertainment industry.
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
I’ve been in the industry for almost 10 years but I wouldn’t call my work al dente quite yet. I’m definitely still simmering as my focus has evolved a lot throughout the past decade, to lead me to the full pot I’m stirring right now. I’ve grown from a live music photographer, into a sought-after publicist, freelance writer/editor and parenting expert.
I’ve been in the industry for almost 10 years but I wouldn’t call my work al dente quite yet. I’m definitely still simmering as my focus has evolved a lot throughout the past decade, to lead me to the full pot I’m stirring right now. I’ve grown from a live music photographer, into a sought-after publicist, freelance writer/editor and parenting expert.
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
When I first began my adventures in freelance entrepreneurship, I was also starting my family and I kept wondering how people found that magic ‘work-life balance.' I’ve come to realize it simply doesn’t exist. The good news is that while it’s next to impossible to have a ‘balance’ between work and family as a mompreneur; what’s more important is having a strong support system around you that helps you make sure work is getting done and that family time still happens. I’ve also learned that by having a positive attitude, challenges that are normally perceived as negative, such as how to balance work and babies; allows you to find creative solutions that work for you.
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
I’ve always had a huge passion for art and music and grew up in Niagara where I have fond memories of sneaking into the local reggae club (as a teen) to hear amazing live music. When I moved to Toronto 10 years ago, I saw there was so much amazing Canadian talent that wasn’t getting recognition and that particularly in reggae and other urban genres, artists needed more support. I threw my noodle without thinking and began writing about local artists, covering their shows and securing media placements and fell head over heels for public relations. I couldn’t be happier that I did. As my career has progressed, I’ve discovered that not only adults are entertainers and that kids in entertainment need support too; becoming a mother has had a very positive impact on my growth as a publicist and representing kids in entertainment is one of my most rewarding opportunities to date.
When I first began my adventures in freelance entrepreneurship, I was also starting my family and I kept wondering how people found that magic ‘work-life balance.' I’ve come to realize it simply doesn’t exist. The good news is that while it’s next to impossible to have a ‘balance’ between work and family as a mompreneur; what’s more important is having a strong support system around you that helps you make sure work is getting done and that family time still happens. I’ve also learned that by having a positive attitude, challenges that are normally perceived as negative, such as how to balance work and babies; allows you to find creative solutions that work for you.
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
I’ve always had a huge passion for art and music and grew up in Niagara where I have fond memories of sneaking into the local reggae club (as a teen) to hear amazing live music. When I moved to Toronto 10 years ago, I saw there was so much amazing Canadian talent that wasn’t getting recognition and that particularly in reggae and other urban genres, artists needed more support. I threw my noodle without thinking and began writing about local artists, covering their shows and securing media placements and fell head over heels for public relations. I couldn’t be happier that I did. As my career has progressed, I’ve discovered that not only adults are entertainers and that kids in entertainment need support too; becoming a mother has had a very positive impact on my growth as a publicist and representing kids in entertainment is one of my most rewarding opportunities to date.
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
I am most inspired by the power of positivity and I love supporting causes that contribute to peace and global unity. I am also very inspired by the youth of today and have made it a life mission to help nurture future generations to achieve positive changes in the world.
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
Many entrepreneurs talk about the scheduling freedoms of working from home and for moms it’s reassuring to know that you can choose to put the kids first any time you need to. Personally, I’m a workaholic so juggling kids schedules and snack times, with business calls and celebrity interviews, is a challenge I love and I often end up with funny stories to tell about interviewing (insert celebrity name) while running through my home, away from loud kid-noises, as they ask for help with a movie or a toy that desperately needs a change of batteries!
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
My ultimate dish is contributing to the Canadian urban music industry in a positive way, and helping to raise Canadian reggae music to an international level, at the same time as developing the youth of today. Outside of writing and PR, I also love making one-of-a-kind jewelry and in time I hope to juggle work and kids with jewelry design, on a large scale.
I am most inspired by the power of positivity and I love supporting causes that contribute to peace and global unity. I am also very inspired by the youth of today and have made it a life mission to help nurture future generations to achieve positive changes in the world.
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
Many entrepreneurs talk about the scheduling freedoms of working from home and for moms it’s reassuring to know that you can choose to put the kids first any time you need to. Personally, I’m a workaholic so juggling kids schedules and snack times, with business calls and celebrity interviews, is a challenge I love and I often end up with funny stories to tell about interviewing (insert celebrity name) while running through my home, away from loud kid-noises, as they ask for help with a movie or a toy that desperately needs a change of batteries!
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
My ultimate dish is contributing to the Canadian urban music industry in a positive way, and helping to raise Canadian reggae music to an international level, at the same time as developing the youth of today. Outside of writing and PR, I also love making one-of-a-kind jewelry and in time I hope to juggle work and kids with jewelry design, on a large scale.
Check out Melissa's daughter, Aria's awesome kid's blog,
Give The Kids A Voice
Give The Kids A Voice
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