Life and Work with Marily Melis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marily Melis.

Marily, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up on a small ranch in Grand Lake, Colorado instilled a strong sense of community and tenacity to survive in the mountains, ya gotta have grit. With my small town upbringing, I still managed to travel a ton as I studied abroad, did around the world trip and most recently took my 7-month-old daughter around New Zealand via van for a month. I am a sporty outdoorsy gal who loves to dance and explore.

I was always an active outdoorsy kid with a knack for marketing. My lemonade stands had books for sale, handmade business cards, I got PR in the local paper and networked with the neighbors beforehand to get more business. I was always a worker, I manage to save for a car and bought one when I was only 14 years old, my mum drove it before I could. My love for the outdoors and need for creative outlets lead me to many adventurous jobs. First mate on a yacht, horse yoga guide, hunting camp cook, ski patroller, outdoor DIVA, outdoor industry marketing director and most recently co-owner of a marketing and PR company, Turn It Up Media.

Has it been a smooth road? Any advice for people just starting out?
Ya gotta get out there – showing up is half the battle and never be above the task. Schlepping gear and long hours are a rite of passage – when you get into annual budget meetings and 3-year strategic planning you’ll long for a day in the shipping room.

Look up – smile – be aware – and show up!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Turn It Up Media – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a roll up your sleeves, get down to the nitty gritty kinda gal. I love to be behind the scenes or in front of the camera. My favorite projects are based in the outdoors and usually include branding, sponsorships, video, and social media outreach, which is why I found my niche in the outdoor industry. Having been involved with brands like Sierra Designs, Kelty, ultra running brand Ultimate Direction and the hunting brand Slumberjack most recently. I am down-to-earth and approachable yet professional and dedicated.

Currently having my own company allows me to put all my skills together to help bring brands to life! With Turn It Up Media we help BUILD, TELL & YELL out your brand story.

Who has you been inspired by?
I find inspiration all over the place; from the lady working in the deli to the mom hustling kids around town all day, women truly have super powers! Most notably Kim Walker – Found of outdoor DIVAS influenced me early in my career. She gave me the reins and pushed me to stay on brand and make outdoor DIVAS more than just a store, it was a community. She challenged me by making me accountable, but also let me stumble and learn for myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.turnitup.marketing
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turn_it_up_media/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TurnItUpMedia/

Image Credit:
Emily Sierra Photography and Ali Vagnini

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