Meet Melissa Rodriguez | Social Media Content Creator & Full Time Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, why did you pursue a creative career?
I heard a quote growing up that stuck with me, and it was “Do what you love, and the money will follow”. I’ve always loved the arts or anything creative and I knew that even if I did go the traditional route, I would still want to embrace my creative side. I used to always say I wanted to be a singer, backup dancer, actress, literally anything creative you can think of. I’m grateful social media has given me the flexibility and chance to do that while still being a student!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a social media creative, with a concentration in Lifestyle, wellness, and College content creation. I started creating content since I was 16 during Covid-19, and my passion/love for oversharing got me to where I am today. Since starting to put myself out there, I’ve been given the opportunity to help others, create life-lasting bonds, and leave the positive impact I’ve always wanted to. I’ve gotten the chance to fly to New York for Fashion Week and Mountain View, CA for a brand ambassador trip. Although content creation is tedious, timely, and a non-traditional business; I would pick this profession in every lifetime. While having goals for follow count or engagement reach is nice, my top goal is to help others or be a familiar face to them. Although I didn’t face many challenges, one challenge I faced was self-judgement when it came to posting. I was always my biggest critic, but thankfully I’m learning to push past this with time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Here in Houston, not only is it a melting pot with foods from all over the world; but the activities are endless! For food, I’d suggest Feast Buffet if you’re looking for a variety of Mexican, American, and Chinese cuisine. I would also take them to try Top Sushi in Cypress, for the best spicy edamame you’ll have. Of course we need coffee, so I would take them to Agora over by Montrose. It’s a Greek inspired coffeehouse with late night hours, 2 story seating, and my favorite Pistachio Baklava. To hang out, I would suggest either an Astros game over in Daikin Park, or a picnic in Eleanor Tinsley Park! Galveston isn’t too far either, so I’d also probably recommend sunrise at the beach! If we’re talking shopping, Emerson Rose in The Heights has the cutest clothing items. My last activity would be the Heights Mercantile Farmers Market every Sunday with lots of home baked treats and fun trinkets.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout would have to be my village, aka my family and friends. They’ve never once doubted me or told me my dreams were too small, and if anything they’ve encouraged me to reach for the impossible. They always hype me up and tell their friends jokingly, “She’s a famous influencer” or say I’m going to get them a brand trip to Bora Bora. I also would like to shoutout my professors in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University, those who know about my content creation are extremely supportive and I’m extremely grateful.

Website: https://hoo.be/melissardiaz

Instagram: Melissardiaz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaashrodriguez

Other: Tiktok: Melissardiaz_