For over 18 years now, Melyssa Ford has made an incredible name for herself in the entertainment industry. She started off her career in the late ’90s and early 2000’s starring in music videos for A-list artists like Jay Z and Usher. Since then, the vixen icon has hosted on networks like BET, Starz, and ESPN and been on popular shows like Bravo’s Blood, Sweat & Heels and Entourage. She is now the co-host of the Hollywood Unlocked Uncensored radio show, which airs in 50 markets nationwide on iHeart radio!
Ford has had to overcome major hardship to get to where she is today, as she experienced a massive brain injury and couldn’t walk for a while after being hit head on by an 18-wheeler. Battling depression and pain, she found her journey toward recovery by expressing the importance of mental health through various platforms. Home Business Magazine recently caught up with Ford to discuss her various ventures. She happily shared the inside scoop on her journey in the entertainment industry, tips and more.
HBM: You are the co-host of the Hollywood Unlocked Uncensored radio show. Tell us about it!
MF: “Jason Lee and I began the show together in April 2016. It has been a crazy ride but it’s been inspiring to watch it grow and to interview some of the most interesting and fascinating guests. Having had a friendship prior to the show, Jason and I have such strong chemistry that it makes work a lot of fun! And to see the podcast turned into a nationally syndicated radio show on iHeart has been insane. I’m a nationally syndicated radio show host! Wow!”
HBM: What is your favorite part about co-hosting the show?
MF: “My favorite part of the show is finally being recognized for more than my looks; women and young girls seem to feel represented and empowered by me and my unapologetic way of living and expressing myself. That feels really good.”
HBM: How did you get your start in radio hosting?
MF: “My interest in radio hosting was born from having to do so many interviews over the course of my professional life. Everyone would always tell me I had a really strong presence and opinions and a great radio voice. I eventually started doing radio full time in January 2007 at Sirius Radio on Channel 50 Hot Jamz.”
HBM: You also recently launched your own podcast, I’m Here For The Food. Could you tell us about it and the topics you discuss? Why are these topics important to you?
MF: “Launching my podcast has been a dream in the making for quite a while. The title is a cheeky take on my dating life (I’m ALWAYS down to eat!), but the idea of ‘food’ is more figurative: Food for Thought, Food for the Soul. We discuss a wide range of topics; everything from dating and relationships to sex trafficking, colorism and race relations, death and legacy, social politics, entertainment, etc. I wanted to create a show that offered a variety of topics with a broad range of experts, intellects and personalities who could participate in the conversation. Inclusion on every level was my ultimate goal.”
HBM: What has been one of your most memorable episodes thus far? Why?
MF: “My most memorable episode was with Alua Arthur, an attorney and Death Doula who is the CEO of Going With Grace. Her organization helps the terminally ill and their families prepare for death with dignity. My mother has Stage 4 Cancer and I was prematurely grieving; I couldn’t function and Ms. Arthur and her knowledge and expertise was a much-needed form of therapy for me. I am most proud of that episode, as I helped a great many people.”
HBM: You have worked in the entertainment industry for over 18 years now. What tips do you have for others aspiring to get into the industry?
MF: “My tips would be to enjoy being young but whatever your interest is, STUDY YOUR CRAFT. As a model, I studied everything and everyone from the models I admired to photographers, photo composition, the science of body movement and symmetry, etc. With acting, watch and study film, directors, actors, playwrights, etc. In addition to that, study the business of film and filmmaking. And you can’t get good at something without failing and making mistakes. Try not to internalize disappointments because the entertainment business is full of them. And if you are lucky to find one, having a mentor is a major PLUS.”
HBM: You also strive to express the importance of mental health through various platforms. Why is mental health such an important topic to you?
MF: “I’ve suffered from extreme anxiety and deep depression over the course of my life. I’ve felt shame because of it and isolated myself and suffered in silence for many years. It’s only now, since the car wreck that almost took my life, that I realize there is no shame in needing help. Asking for it and being transparent saved my life. I want to save people, especially young people, from suffering the same way I did. I want people to stop looking at therapy as a luxury and start looking at it as a NECESSITY.”
HBM: What other projects do you have in the works?
MF: “I’m currently writing my first book, which will be published Fall 2020 or Spring 2021. And I’m Here For The Food isn’t just a podcast; it’s a brand. I have plans for its growth this year, such as more content development, a podcast tour and merchandise, etc. I’ve even written a feature length film with a partner based on my dating life! I had to find a way to laugh at my pain!”
To stay updated on all of Melyssa’s ventures, follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Contact: shannahch@gmail.com
