ENTERTAINMENT

Interview with Jessica Mellott

By Stephanie Lynn, age 23, Massachusetts
SDM Editor-in-Chief

You probably haven't heard of singer/songwriter Jessica Mellott from Maryland. But I have the feeling you will. Recently I interviewed Jessica for Sweet Designs Magazine. I found her to be refreshingly real and sweet, adorably cute, and surprisingly professional at age 18. Best of all, I loved her music!

Whether you're an aspiring performer or you like to check out fresh indie talent that hasn't been "discovered" by every girl at your school, we think you'll appreciate being introduced to Jessica Mellott. Also, be sure to check out Jessica's beauty tips within the article!!




Please tell us a bit about yourself and your style of music. What makes you stand out from other artists?
I am always working to create new songs and material. Right now I am going in an edgier direction. I think each artist has unique qualities that set them apart. My fans tell me I really touch them with my lyrics and they love my voice.

Who or what inspired you to get into the entertainment industry?
I've been singing since I was a little girl, and ever since I can remember I have always wanted to be a professional singer! When I did my first musical, The Sound of Music, in the third grade, I discovered that I loved acting as well.


SDM: Best beauty purchase?
I bought a big, silver makeup train case at K-Mart for around $30. It holds all my makeup, plus little extras like beauty tape to fix a hem, a water bottle, and so on. I can even tuck a dress in there! I take it along to all my photo shoots. It really helps keep me organized. My mom was so impressed she bought one for herself!


How did you start your music career? How old were you? What steps did you take to improve your skills and get noticed?
When I was in kindergarten I sang all of the time! The teacher told my mother to put me into voice lessons. I was 5 when I started private voice lessons, and from there I did musicals and choir and became even more involved with music.

What inspires the words to your songs? What is your favorite song you've written and why? What does it mean to you, and what do you hope it means to your listeners?
I get inspiration for my songs from everyday life. Sometimes from things that have happened to me, or things I am thinking about or feeling at the time. My favorite song that I have written is always the one that I am working on at the time. It's important to believe in the song and put your whole heart into it.



How do you feel when you're on stage? Do you ever get nervous before or during a performance? If so, how do you deal?
I absolutely LOVE being on stage. Performing is the most amazing feeling in the world. When I was younger, I would get really nervous before I went on stage, but once I was out there, I was totally fine. Now I don't get that nervous, though sometimes I get a little jittery with excitement right before I go on stage.


SDM: Pre-show Routines?
I plan my outfits in advance and think of ways to accent my lips or eyes that will work with what I'm wearing. If I'm wearing casual clothes I might do a soft eye look and pale lips. For dressier occasions I might go with bright red lips and dark smoky eyes. I like to experiment and have fun with my look!

SDM: Bargain Drugstore Finds?
Aquaphor is a lip balm that keeps my lips smooth! It can be found at any drugstore and is very inexpensive - a great beauty bargain!


You say that you also enjoy acting. What are some roles you've played, and which ones did you enjoy the most?
I have been in a lot of musicals. My first role was as Gretl in The Sound of Music. I was Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden, Glinda in The Wiz, and so on. I have been in tons of shows! In 2005 I earned a certificate in Musical Theater from Stagedoor Manor, a well known performing arts camp in New York. I love acting!



Whom do you look up to the most in both your personal and professional lives?
I really look up to my parents and sister. They are amazing people, and I love them so much. They are so supportive of me, and they are each so talented in their own way. My sister is an artist, and the things she makes are so beautiful and inspiring. Professionally I look up to people who are talented, creative, and driven to achieve their goals. I admire a variety of musicians, including Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Sheryl Crow, Jewel, Sara Bareilles, etc. I'm also really inspired by Audrey Hepburn. She was a great actress and a kindhearted woman who donated much of her time to helping UNICEF, her favorite charity.


SDM: Department Store Loves?
I love Yves Saint Laurent and Bobbi Brown beauty products. They have great quality lines with makeup in all shades and colors that can make your skin glow!

SDM: Favorite Nail Polish Color?
Definitely a classic clear or a French manicure is always nice. I also really like O.P.I.'s Japanese Rose Garden.

SDM: Can't Do Without?
I can't go without my amazing Shu Uemura eyelash curler. It really makes your eyelashes curly, which brings out your eyes and makes them pop!


How do you use your talents to give back to the community? What do these experiences mean to you and the people you reach out to?
I sing for a lot of different charity events. I love to perform for others, especially when it is for a good cause! In the past, I've performed at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital for some of our soldiers. It was definitely a life changing experience for me. It was an honor entertaining those brave men and women who put their lives on the line for their country, and it was amazing to me that they were so grateful and appreciative that I had performed for them. That experience will definitely stay with me.


SDM: Hair Dilemma?
Once I decided to get my hair highlighted a light, honey blonde color. The hairdresser accidentally went too light, and gave me almost white hair! I went back the next morning and they tried to fix it but made me a redhead! Happily I have naturally thick hair that grows fast, and it went back to my normal blond quickly.

SDM: Craziest Beauty Question You Ever Got?
A woman once asked me how I got my underarms so cleanly shaven! I thought that was just a little out of the ordinary!!


What do you do when you're not singing or acting? What do you do for fun? Are you currently in school?
I love spending time with my family and friends, relaxing, songwriting, reading, dancing, watching movies, going on vacation, shopping, etc. I currently attend a music college and I am planning to graduate in 3 years instead of 4, so that takes a lot of time as well, but I love learning new things, so it's worth it.



With your busy schedule, do you have time for guys? Is there any advice you'd like to give to our readers from your own experiences?
I am pretty busy and focused on my music! However, my advice would be to find someone who loves you for who you are and accepts you. Also, really think things through before you do them, because you never want to have any regrets.


SDM: Best Beauty Tip to Share?
If you can, go to a makeup counter in a department store or makeup store and get one of the makeup artists to show you what colors look best on you and work the best with your skin tone.

SDM: Best Beauty Tip Ever?
The most important product you can ever buy is sunscreen. It is really important to protect your skin from the sun and keep yourself healthy! Don't risk getting skin cancer to get a tan. It isn't worth it.


What professional advice would you give to readers aspiring for a career in the arts?
If you are interested in a having a career in the arts, you should definitely take lessons in whatever you are interested in! You can learn so much from a great teacher. Also, make sure to stay determined and focused! Don't let other people distract you from achieving your goals, and never do drugs or alcohol. That will only hurt, never help you in being the best you can be.



How can readers find out more about you and your upcoming performances, CD information, and new releases?

♥ You can find out more about me and listen to my music at my website: www.jessicamellott.com You can also join my mailing list there!

♥ Also, be sure to add me as a friend at: www.myspace.com/jessicamellott, where I have performances posted.

♥ And go to www.broadjam.com/jessicamellott to download my music!



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February & March Magazine Issues

March 15, 2012

The February and March issues of Sweet Designs Magazine are now online, featuring a combined 53 new articles and features!!

- Cover: Stephanie Lynn reflects on 5 years
- Cover: India (of Darn-licious knitwear)
- Life in the dumps (moving in with my bf)
- The difference between men and women
- Angels among us (parts 1 and 2)
- Arts graduates & the dark night of the soul
- Triple threat (how I survived my teen yrs)
- Dating isn't easy (my true story)
- How to turn not-so-great gifts ... (fashion)
- Ten reasons to love being single
- Taking the big leap (college)
- Valentine's Day (not what you'd expect!)
- The last of the cold (hopefully) (fashion)
- A month full of love
- Ten tips for successful airline travel
- Reasons I love writing for SDM
- Who needs love?
- They're not all the same
- The life I'm glad I don't have (fiction)
- Professional dress/ finding Fendi (fashion)
- An airport anniversary: a true story
- Inappropriate Facebook photos
- The perks of a big city (college)
- A night(mare) to forget (part 2)
- The Anita Blake series (book review)
- Saving June by Hannah Harrington (book)
- Under the Mesquite by GG McCall (book)
- The Lullaby by Sarah Dessen (book)
- If I Stay by Gayle Foreman (book review)
- My sweetheart (original poetry)
- Isn't it funny (original poetry)
- The stranger (original poetry)
- A winter wonderland (original poetry)
- One night valentine
- The thick envelopes (college acceptance)
- Southern love
- Healthy hair and vitamins
- It's a date (dating idea alternatives)
- The 30 hour famine
- School's out forever!
- Marching right back into spring? (fashion)
- Dear John
- When TV shows depict your life
- 3 Fun ways to rock spring's hottest trends
- Neglected teeth
- Starting something new
- Guy movies
- To hesitate or dive in?
- Deadly, by Julie Chibbaro (book review)
- Beastly, by Alex Flinn (book review)
- I don't care (poetry)
- Together, alone (poetry)

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