Melody Ehsani found it difficult to pursue her creative interests in design due to her parents wanting her to only view art as a hobby, but she defied tradition by leaving law school to focus on her design career. She launched her own jewelry, apparel, shoe, and nail art lines after an internship inspired her designs. Ehsani opened a boutique in Los Angeles to create a community for her streetwear brand, M.E., whose celebrity customers help support her mission of empowering women through education.

1. Overview
Although she was born into a
creative Los Angeles household,
Melody Ehsani found it hard to
break out of her shell and embrace
a nontraditional art form. It was
challenging to be seen as an artist
when she was more into designing
than painting. Due to her mother’s
negative experience in the artistic
field, her parents made it clear that
her pursuit of art should only be a
hobby.
Ehsani completed a few weeks of law school, then defied tradition and at the age of 23
decided to pursue her strong interest for design. Since finding her calling, the rebellious
creative has launched jewelry, shoes, apparel and nail art designs.
Background
After a life-changing internship with Creative Recreation, Ehsani decided to design her
own shoe line. She moved to China for four months on the hunt for a shoe manufacturer.
During her downtime, she played with the laser cutter at design school and was inspired
to create the brightly colored, oversized plexiglass earrings she’s so well known for
today.
Accomplishments
In 2013, Ehsani opened a boutique in the streetwear mecca of Los Angeles, Fairfax
Avenue, with hopes to create more of a community. Many celebrities visit the store
throughout the week to shop and hang out in the only woman’s streetwear shop in Los
Angeles.
As the M.E. brand continues to grow, Ehsani has had her designs worn by celebrities
such as Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Rihanna and Beyoncé. For the past four years, she
teamed up with Reebok and has created iconic and bravely styled pumps inspired by
fearless and rebellious women. In addition to being the first non-athletic woman to design
a Reebok pump, she remains a vibrant member to the woman empowerment movement.
To support her cause, a portion of each M.E purchase goes towards the advancement and
education of women and society.
For Ehsani, designing and running the brand has become a complete purpose. In the
future, she plans to continue collaborating with other brands and to empower and inspire
women around the world.