MELISSA

Speaking

I would love to speak at your next event. I have a passion for sharing my experiences as a non-profit founder & Executive Director, business owner, "mompreneur," and an all around expert-of-nothing but trier of everything. I love coaching and equipping audiences on how to serve the marginalized and how to foster community where it might not have existed before!

Before launching the Net, I traveled full time speaking and performing at conferences, camps, events, churches, & college campuses with a skit group under the umbrella of The Skit Guys. Today, a large part of my role as Executive Director of the Net is speaking & teaching in our community.

About me

My name is Melissa and I am originally from Dallas, but I now call Fort Worth my home. Growing up my dream was to be a stage actress, but after going on a 2 month trip to West Africa in 2002 the bright lights of Broadway faded and my entire worldview shifted. The trip shaped a lot of my 20’s. For the first time I realized that there are real people with real names and stories who are in need. In fact they are beautiful people with amazing stories that are worth pursuing and getting to know. This began my journey to see more of the world and work with NGOs and other ministries that care for people in poverty. In between going to school and volunteering with Young Life, I spent time traveling to Morocco, Nepal, China and other countries serving and sharing the love of God with different people all around the world.

I have always wanted to start a non profit or somehow make a career out of helping others, specifically the marginalized and the poor. I was able to launch and found my own 501c3 called The NET in 2012. Jamey and I thought it would be a great idea that same year (while I was working at a church full time) to open a restaurant/coffee house called BREWED with some friends, all while we were also remodeling and investing in historic homes in our neighborhood. Did I mention Jamey was on tour with his band and that I was going to school in the evenings to get a degree in social work as well? Whew!

Although I wouldn't suggest the insanity of the way we got here, I am thankful for our crazy unconventional and very full lives. We currently live in our dream house and through our remodels I discovered my passion for eclectic decor and design. Our current house was built in 1920 with cherry trees, a big ‘ole front porch and a wooden balcony where I get to drink coffee and read. Renovating and restoring homes while humbly attempting to redeem and restore lives is definitely our sweet spot and where we find purpose. Our goal is to follow where God leads us and to do our best to steward those things well. 


Right now my favorite ‘new venture’ is being the mommy to Roosevelt Pearl, my sweet baby girl.

FUN FACTS

I am obsessed with lipstick and believe in wearing it no matter the occasion.

Estate sales, flea markets and garage sales are my jam. My entire home is decorated with second-hand treasures.

Adoption is very near and dear to my heart. We will complete ours in 2017 to add another little one to our family.

When I’m not busy with my role of being Executive Director of The NET, you can find me doing one of the following:

  • avoiding laundry

  • making a Pinterest board for my next project

  • piecing together outfits at midnight

  • podcasting all my entrepreneur heroes