[Black Business Interview Series] Sapphire’s Spotlight on Talent & Stronger Than My Struggles by Melony Hill [Written by Shae McCoy]
This week I bring to you someone from Baltimore who is strong and leads by example.
Melony Hill has been through trials and tribulations, but did not let them defeat her and has come out on top. She has been diagnosed with multiple emotional illnesses including depression and dissociative identity disorder. Even with the diagnosis, Melony still pressed on.
Melony Hill hosts many talents. She is an author, entrepreneur, and speaker. Melony initially entered the entertainment industry as a model and adult entertainer. She gained popularity as “Sexy Sapphire” and became a book/magazine cover model.
Melony was labeled disabled after her health declined in 2010. Since then she started an entertainment and promotions business. Melony has been picked up by various indie magazines as a writer and went on to launch her own organization. This organization’s purpose is to empower and uplift those who struggle in their daily lives. She serves as a mentor to people who struggle to overcome their depression and emotional illnesses while trying to launch their businesses.
Melony has published three books, “Writing for My Sanity” a book of poetry, “Reflections of a Survivor” a collection of essays written by survivors from all walks of life, and “SapphirErotica” a book of short stories. She plans to release three more books this year.
Read the interview below.
What is the name of your business/organization?
As a serialpreneur, I run multiple businesses. I am the owner of Sapphire’s Spotlight on Talent, an indie talent and promotional business which provides digital marketing services and products. I also own and operate Stronger Than My Struggles, an organization started to show that no matter the obstacles we face, in our personal or professional lives, we can overcome them. Additionally, I am an author, blogger and magazine columnist.
How long have you been running your business/organization?
I started my journey as an entrepreneur in 2006 when I entered the entertainment industry. Each aspect of my business has been added through the years. Stronger Than My Struggles in my latest business venture, just launching in March of this year.
What services do you provide/products do you sell?
Sapphire’s Spotlight on Talent is a digital media and marketing company for indie talent and creatives. We offer a variety of promotional services and products from web and flier design, interviews, blog placement, digital marketing packages, and radio promotion. Stronger Than My Struggles provides small business solutions, coaching, workshops, a free weekly writing workshop, book publishing ,and more.
How does your business/organization serve the community?
We provide small business resources, entrepreneurial and life coaching at affordable pricing. Monthly workshops are held to help entrepreneurs and small businesses grow. We also offer a free weekly therapeutic writing workshop at the Impact Hub
Do you have plans on branching out further to serve communities other than your own?
I truly believe that Stronger Than My Struggles is a universal mantra. I hope that my movement will catch on as I spread my message of overcoming adversity, planning your way to your dream life ,and being transparent.
List one long term and one short term goal you have for your business/organization.
For each of my businesses, my main goal currently is to expand in Baltimore. I’ve had the luck of doing business nationwide. I love the exposure my brand has, however, I feel like I could do more at home if I did more community based things.
Where can people go to find out more about your business or organization? (social media, website,etc…)
Please visit my websites
http://www.strongerthanmystruggles.com
http://www.sapphirespotlightontalent.com
Follow us on Social Media
http://www.instagram.com/strongerthanmystruggles
http://www.instagram.com/bmoreshiddenjewel
http://www.instagram.com/sapphire_spotlight_on_talent
http://www.facebook.com/strongerthanmystruggles
http://www.facebook.com/spotlightontalent
http://www.facebook.com/sapphirewrites
http://www.facebook.com/bmoreshiddenjewel
http://www.twitter.com/sexysapphire