Women's History Month Spotlight
Melanie D. West
BIO:
Melanie D. West is a native Washingtonian, author, playwright/director, podcaster, graphic designer and entrepreneur with a passion and love for the arts, youth and drama ministry, and all things creative. Melanie loves to use her gifts, talents and platform to inspire, create, and shine. One of her life's missions is to convey and spread the message of God's love.
Melanie operates a creative graphic design and virtual assistance business online, www.KingdomKreatives.com, serving clients both locally and nationally. She also creates inspirational products and content of her own to further carry out her life’s mission.
A compassionate and passionate writer at heart, Melanie wrote and published her first book, “Love Check: How Do You Measure Up?” during the pandemic in November 2020, a transformative and thought-provoking contribution that helped breathe life and add light in the world during a volatile time and is still making impact. She has contributed to anthology poetry books, blogs, and stage plays in her community, as well as helped to birth the books of several authors. She is a member of the Nonfiction Authors Association and the Black Writers Collective.
Melanie is the host/creator of the “Inspire.Create.Shine.” Podcast, which explores topics on life, love, literature and the arts from the Christian perspective, and is featured on all major podcast platforms.
A few of Melanie’s loves are reading, writing poetry, spending time with her loved ones, nature walks, sunsets, the beach, seafood, working out, theater, movies, singing, arts events, learning new things and sharing them with others.
Women's History Month Spotlight Interview
Thank you, Melanie D., The Author, for being interviewed in the “Women’s History Month Spotlight” for Growth Women’s Business Networks Magazine.
Please introduce and tell us about yourself.
Thanks for having me. My name is Melanie D. West, I am from Washington, D.C. and have lived in the DMV most of my life. I wear a few hats as graphic designer, author, content creator, podcaster, playwright and entrepreneur. It is my passion to help others birth their dreams and visions, to uplift, encourage, and convey and spread the message of God’s love through these various roles and mediums. A longtime youth and drama ministry leader, I am also passionate about pouring into youth especially, as well as others, using my talents and gifts. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, enjoying quiet time in nature, reading, writing, singing, working out, challenging games/activities, movies, theater and other musical or arts-related events, sharing and learning new things.
Melanie D. The Author, you wrote the book, “Love Check: How Do You Measure Up.” Tell the readers about this book and the reason you wrote it.
"Love Check" takes you on a transformational odyssey that highlights the supremacy of Love, its power to change hearts, change your world and change the world, one person at a time. If you’ve ever felt unloved, undervalued, unseen or unheard, or if you’ve ever experienced trials that made you question your relationships, friendships or faith, this book is for you! The phrase "I love you" is tossed around quite loosely at times, but that love hits different when it's real. This book will challenge you to take a closer look at yourself and others through the eyes of Love. You'll discover what real love is like, some wisdom for the ages that only comes from God. You’ll hear beautiful love stories, spiritual and natural examples of real love in action. You are invited to go on a healing journey into this wonder called Love.
Writing this book was something that God impressed upon me to do, and to complete it with urgency a few months into the pandemic. It was not my idea; however, it was influenced a little by my own relationships (with friends, family, etc.) and also by what I observed in the world, in the church, and even in me. The book’s foundational scripture, 1 Corinthians 13, has become for me a perpetual self-examination and discipline for a better love walk, and a way for others to improve as well. I’m truly blessed to hear that people who have read the book rave about the transformation that takes place when reading it and how it really opened their eyes to recognize genuine love. I would love for you and your loved ones to read it and hear how it impacted you.
Where can the readers purchase a copy of your book?
My book is currently available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books-a-Million. More information, reviews and links to purchase a copy of my book are also on my author site, www.MelanieDTheAuthor.com.
You have an amazing podcast called “Inspire, Create, Shine Podcast.” Tell the readers about your podcast.
Thank you. My podcast actually started near the end of 2020 as an offshoot of my book, “Love Check.” It is an exploration of various topics on life, love, literature and the arts from the Christian perspective. However, all are welcome to listen via all your favorite platforms, including Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio and Apple Radio. The podcast reaches a diverse audience from around the world, mostly women, and we are seeing continual growth each year.
Where can the readers tune in to listen to “Inspire, Create, Shine Podcast”?
Links to past/current episodes can be accessed via my author site, www.MelanieDTheAuthor.com, or all major podcast platforms. Those interested in being a guest and sharing their stories are welcome to email me at melaniedtheauthor@yahoo.com for a possible feature. I am especially looking to feature fellow Christian authors, creatives, those with powerful healing testimonies and love stories.
Melanie D. The Author, I know you are a Playwright/Director. Tell us about your work as a Playwright/Director.
Next to film, there’s nothing like seeing a story come to life on stage, and it’s a pleasure being able to tell stories in this manner that also uplift, heal, inspire and encourage viewers who need to know and experience the love of God. I have written and co-directed a number of gospel stage plays and skits in collaboration with friends and colleagues in my church and community. We especially enjoy retelling Bible stories in creative ways and featuring Bible-based themes geared toward audiences of all ages, often with a modern twist. There’s more to come.
You are a creative person who “love to use your gifts and talents to inspire, create, and shine.” Tell us about the wonderful work you do as a graphic designer and virtual assistant.
Yes, I have been a graphic designer for almost 15 years and a VA for 20+ years. Through my website, www.KingdomKreatives.com, my associates and I service clients locally and abroad, catering primarily to the Christian community – churches, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, etc., but also to others.
Our aim is to help clients present their events, ministries, businesses and brand in a positive light through print and digital design, technical and administrative support. With a focus on event flyers, we also offer additional design tools for event marketing, business awareness, and companion tools that help promote each client's message. We also design/sell inspirational tees and other Kingdom products.
What services do you offer clients?
Graphic design services include anything from postcard flyers and banners to funeral programs and brochures. Virtual assistant and technical services include proofreading and editing, book self-publishing assistance, document prep, website, email & social media management, etc. We help clients run their businesses smoother, handle the details, and creatively enhance their visual presence online and in their community.
Where can the readers learn more about your services?
More info about our services is available on my website, www.KingdomKreatives.com.
I follow your amazing page KingdomKreatives.com on social media. I love that you share and spread the message of God’s love on your social media platforms. Tell readers about KingdomKreatives.com and where they can follow and support your page.
Yes, it’s a pleasure being connected with you as well. KingdomKreatives.com is like a hub for much of my creative work and inspirational content. We can be found on most social media platforms, including Facebook (KingdomKreatives.com), and Instagram, YouTube and Twitter or X (@kingdomkre8ives.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to experience God’s love in their life?
It all starts with relationship with God, for God is Love. I’d advise them to first seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:13 that, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with your whole heart.” You can seek Him through prayer – just talking to God like you would a friend; through reading His word, the Bible; and through going to church where His word is preached. Also, stay connected to other true followers of Christ. Truth be told, God has been loving on you all your life, and when you begin to recognize it and draw closer to Him, your life will never be the same.
What is one of your greatest accomplishments?
Writing and publishing my first book is one of my greatest accomplishments, because it was a long time coming and like a birthing for new ministry endeavors and the expansion of work I was already doing. It’s yet another tool to spread the message of God’s love.
Do you have any upcoming conferences, events, or workshops?
A few things are in the works. Subscribers to my author site at www.MelanieDTheAuthor.com are notified via email about upcoming events and engagements, so all those interested in staying in the know, please connect with me there.
Please give us some words to educate, inspire, and encourage women and the readers of Growth Women's Business Networks Magazine.
There is so much I could say to my brothers and sisters reading this, but I will keep it short and simple: The very fact that you are alive right now means that you have purpose and a lot to offer this world, and every act of kindness you do makes a huge difference in someone’s world. So rise up, make your mark and keep pursuing your passions, but spread love in the process. We’re all in this together.
BOOK TITLE: LOVE CHECK: HOW DO YOU MEASURE UP?
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
"Love Check: How Do You Measure Up?" takes you on a transformational odyssey that highlights the supremacy of Love, its power to change hearts, change your world and change the world, one person at a time.
If you’ve ever felt unloved, undervalued, unseen or unheard, or if you’ve ever experienced trials that made you question your relationships, friendships or faith, this book is for you!
The phrase "I love you" is tossed around quite loosely at times, but that love hits different when it's real. This book will challenge you to take a closer look at yourself and others through the eyes of Love. You'll discover what real love looks like, feels like, sounds like, acts like - and ways to improve your love walk. You'll discover some wisdom for the ages that only comes from God, experience and proven insight from those who have walked the walk and talked the talk. Go on a healing journey with me into this wonder called Love.
Follow on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingdomkreatives
Instagram: @kingdomkre8ives
YouTube: @kingdomkre8ives
If you would like to learn more about Melanie D. West books and services, visit her website www.KingdomKreatives.com or www.melaniedtheauthor.com
You can order a copy of her book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Check-How-You-Measure/dp/0578806916