Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelina Melendez.
Hi Angelina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am Angelina, a Senior Master Sergeant in the Space Force, an award winning portrait artist, and the owner of Elle Rosegold Studio. I’ve always been into fashion and art ever since I can remember. My mom used to take us to various museums where I discovered world history and Renaissance artists. She allowed us to play dress up in her clothes and have tea parties. Whenever my picture was getting taken, I always had a pose ready. My childhood really shaped who I am and what I am passionate about now. When life forced me to grow up and venture out into the world, I joined the military and had some defining experiences along the way. I learned that a lot of women in uniform are viewed differently and often stereotyped. I found myself conflicted because my authentic self loved the girly and fancy side of things, whereas my professional side felt it necessary to hide that and be more of what I felt I needed to be. In Hawaii, I had dabbled in modeling for a while, but it only made me feel more self-conscious. Once I picked up photography in 2020, I knew I had found my calling. I loved building photo sets, creating outfits, and using my camera to create new worlds or tell a story. When I started photographing military women, I realized we all had that piece of femininity we were hiding. Showing the beauty and building the confidence of uniformed women has been the most challenging and rewarding journey I have ever embarked on and every day, I am amazed at some of the stories I get to tell through my portrait art.
**Elle Rosegold Studio, LLC is not affiliated with nor endorsed by the DOD. Our views and experiences are strictly our own and not the shared views of the DOD.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would love to say that it has been easy, but this road has been filled with obstacles. While stationed in Hawaii, I began my entrepreneurial journey. During quarantine, I learned photography through self-portraiture and that following year, I decided to pursue it as a side venture to my military career. I managed to get a few clients and discovered mentors in the field to learn from; I felt I had found my calling until I received orders to move. After several years in Hawaii, the move was the hardest I had ever gone through. I fell into depression while stuck for 2 months in a hotel, waiting for my house in Hawaii to sell so I could buy another.
Out of desperation, I tried to sell my camera; I knew an apartment with the money would be better than another few weeks in a hotel room. However, no one wanted to buy my camera as much as I tried to negotiate the price. I took it as a sign that I was not finished with this journey yet. Eventually, I moved into a new home and was ready to continue my photography, except I had no clients. I knew I had to make this work to afford a pay cut and a higher mortgage from the housing market spike. I contacted a marketing coach I had previously been on the fence about and hired her to help; I was still on the edge of desperation. I told her my idea, and she loved it. She told me to trust her and do the work, and I absolutely did. Portrait sessions began to fill my calendar every Saturday and Sunday. With her help and the belief that I could do it, I made my portrait campaign, Glory & Glamour, the success it is now.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create fine portrait art of women to empower them, honor them and ensure they are celebrated for all they are and have accomplished. I most relate to the fine art style of photography because of my love of historical art. I love bringing in old styles and creating something new and magical. I’m known for giving women a portrait art experience like none they have had before. I am passionate about ensuring every client learns to feel beautiful, authentic, and celebrated, especially those who are servants to this city and country. I am most proud of being able to showcase all of the amazing women I had the honor of photographing this year in my inaugural Glory & Glamour Gallery Exhibit. Showcasing their images in an exhibit their families and friends could attend was a joy. I saw these ladies transform into a version of themselves that they likely had never seen. I am incredibly grateful for the transformative power my photography holds. My artful eye and level of customer service are what sets me apart in my industry. I have studied many luxury brands and pulled those ideas into my own, like a welcome kit mailed to their home, interior design services, and complimentary wall art installation. Every client gets completely pampered from start to finish, as we provide makeup, wardrobe, and a posing course to ensure they are fully prepared for this lavish experience.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There is a team behind me. I couldn’t possibly be able to run a portrait studio by myself at this level while also maintaining my military career in tandem. Firstly, I am deeply grateful for my mentors, Sue Bryce and Andre Brown. They were the first in the industry to help me get established in the way that I am now. Dina Mande is a true master in marketing and helped me build my business from a move to what it is now. I must thank my immediate team, Tiffany Abbassi, my editor, and Lorien Sasek, my assistant, for their help. They keep the operations behind the scenes running smoothly. Also, to my favorite makeup artists in the area, Lydia, Nadia, Eddy, and Sara, I am grateful for them helping my clients feel their absolute best. Also, my family and friends have been some of my biggest supporters in this endeavor, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their never-ending support. Finally, my amazing clients deserve all of the honors. They have stepped out of their comfort zones and entrusted me with creating beautiful artwork for them. Their love for my art has motivated me to continue growing this passion of mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ellerosegold.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellerosegoldstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellerosegoldstudio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ellerosegoldstudio
- Other: www.gloryandglamour.com
Image Credits
Elle Rosegold Studio, LLC.
