Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Ann Pollack.
Hi Melissa Ann, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a small-town girl growing up in West Virginia, I loved dancing, cheerleading and posing for the camera. At an early age, I knew I had many dreams to accomplish. In high school, I was selected as a teen board model. This led to many pageant invitations, commercials, and more modeling opportunities. At the age of 21, I won Miss West Virginia and by 23 I was a two-time Mrs. West Virginia. Finishing as 2nd runner up nationally in Mrs. USA. which was televised nationwide. While pursuing my modeling career, I also attended Marshall University. I was on the Marshall University basketball dance quad and Charleston Gunners semi-pro cheerleading squad. Being on the Charleston Gunners led to national attention by being televised on ESPN. I was featured in commercials, newspaper ads, posters, and postcards. Next, I graduated with my registered nurse degree from the University of Charleston with honors.
After college, I became a successful Bridal and Fashion Show coordinator. This led to pageant coaching and I became an instructor for Barbizon modeling school. After this period, I married and had three beautiful children Natalie, Nick, and Julianna. I focused on raising my kids and took a break from modeling. Once they were school age, I began down the path of continuing my dreams and being the best mom I could be. I got in the best shape of my life and started playing USTA tennis on a league. I started modeling again and landed in my own 16 months swimsuit calendar. A portion of the calendar proceeds went to the West Virginia Veterans Association. I had calendar signings all over the east coast including NYC. To my surprise, one of my calendar pictures “hut shot” was featured on billboards from California to Las Vegas in 2011. My children and I moved cross country to San Diego in 2010 and I had spokesmodel /model jobs for various companies including a commercial for Leo Hammel Jewelers based in San Diego. I transitioned again for a few years and became the publisher for Renaissance and had clients throughout southern California. Doing the PR and marketing as well for the company. I was fortunate to continue modeling for runway and print being featured in several magazines. I moved to Temecula, CA to be closer to LA to further my television/film career and for a calmer upbringing for my children. Also, CEO of Beverly Hills Bling Boss an online women’s fashion business. I filmed a few reality show pilots and I just had my first supporting role this past year in Ace and the Christmas Miracle (alongside my Maltese Coco Chanel) that was released nationwide and streaming on Prime Video. I have a few projects that are in the works currently. Reality show 50 and Flawless where I am an associate producer, another pilot where I will be a producer, and several films to read for this coming year. I feel very blessed to have this rich full life. I know I have more dreams and goals to accomplish!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it took me a while to have confidence because in middle school, I had to wear a Milwaukee brace for scoliosis (curvature of the spine) which can damage a girl’s self-esteem. I take it as something that was thrown in my life to help me develop self-confidence despite my handicap. I was the only girl in school who wore the brace. I did have a friend that had the spinal surgery so after visiting her, I knew I needed to comply so I didn’t need the spinal fusion surgery.
I was allowed to take it off for sports so I became a cheerleader that year.
It took me until high school to have more self-confidence and my brace worked and helped me with my modeling as well.
Moving cross country and taking a chance to fulfill my dreams didn’t come without a price. The adjustment to the big cities and culturally was a challenge for sure for me and my children.
Finally, with Covid I had issues with my international shipping and I had to close my Beverly Hills Bling Boss online fashion business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work started in high school as a commercial and runway model and has continued throughout my life to this current time. Modeling Instructor and Producer for Bridal and Fashion shows.
Registered Nurse ADN degree and BA. I have devoted a lifetime in helping others and myself with self-improvement. I have worked on Medical Surgical floors, Short Stay Surgery, to Plastic Surgery OR. I have maintained my license in West Virginia and now California. I currently have a part-time company The Crown Lips providing lip enhancement businesses I also work as a aesthetic RN at Lilly’s Beauty Medspa in Temecula.
I am proud to be among one of the most hardworking professions in our current times.
I am proud that my confidence evolved and the small town “brace “girl became a confident women. I showed that you can evolve as a person at any time in your life and blossom. From a teen board model to runways walking the catwalk east and west coast. Blessed to be featured in commercials, several magazines and walking alongside celebrities in Hollywood on the red carpet.
Also, a publisher of Renaissance Publishing and Productions. I traveled from San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles promoting and looking for new projects.
CEO of Beverly Hills Bling Boss a successful online women’s apparel
Finally, ending the year off with a supporting role (along with my Maltese Coco Chanel) national movie released by Lionsgate.
What sets me apart is my drive!
A registered nurse degree and working in several areas from Short Stay to aesthetic nursing. Continuing my education, five years period Publisher for Renaissance. From modeling, commercials, runway to acting in film. In the meantime, being the best mom I can be to my children. I never get too comfortable and I am always evolving, learning and growing in all areas of life!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned is to never lose myself! Even if we have different challenges and wear many hats as women, we need to have a healthy balance in life. Remembering that if we aren’t happy with ourselves, how would we ever expect to find true happiness in life and be the best version of ourselves. I just want to be an inspiration to others and show that perseverance will get you to the goal. It’s all about the mindset. It’s okay to inch your way up achieving goals throughout your life! There is no age or expiration date. Just keep learning and growing every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Email: melissaannpollack@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaannpollack/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.a.pollack
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIl05L2EfKY
Image Credits:
Dan Kennedy Photographer, Addi Miller Photographer
