Meet Mel Jackson of M.E.L. in DFW Metroplex

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mel Jackson.

Mel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My love and passion for serving others led me down the path that has unfolded many opportunities for me. I started M.E.L. Inc (Manage Elevate Lead) 10 years ago and it was just a vision of a mentoring program for young women, which I originally name MHMP Inc. (Mended Hearts Mentoring Program). At the time, I had no idea that would be just a small piece of the bigger plan for my life. It was just the foundation that needed to be laid in order for me to begin operating in my gift of service. That small dream to me that I was oh so passionate about lead me down a path of entrepreneurship that has opened doors I never envisioned when I began. Currently, I am the Executive Director for The Josh Howard Foundation were I oversee the Summer Food Service and Child and Adult Care Food (After School At-Risk) Programs that are governed through the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Providing 300 plus meals per day to children in economically challenged communities. The programs allow us to provide healthy meals and teach healthy eating habits, in efforts to help control childhood obesity. To make touring accessible if necessary and organize interactive group activities for participants to engage in during their downtime. I currently hold a seat on the North Texas Summer and Supper Council which is a Leadership Council for the Texas Hunger Initiative (partnered with United Way and Baylor). I am also a two years Committee member in the WorkForce input Group for the Texas Department of Agriculture; which allows myself and the other members to aide in the process of finding solutions to everyday issues that arise and are voiced by those who run equal programs on a daily.

In addition, I am the Co-Owner of Prime Time hair established in 2015. The Prime Time Hair platform is a gateway to providing quality hair extensions to women of all ethnicities at an affordable price. Yet, at the same time also providing a way for us to use our for profit business to give back. Yearly we make it a point to donate wigs to surviving cancer patients who suffer from hair loss. Tailoring each wig individually for every recipient in efforts of helping them to feel beautiful despite the obstacles and health challenges they face daily. M.E.L. Inc is the thriving force behind the efforts I put forth in both areas daily. I truly believe that the name suites the vision. “M” – Manage Your Life, “E” – Elevate to the Next Level and “L” – Lead someone along the way. M.E.L. that’s who I am, that’s how I live, and that’s what I strive to do daily.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been an easy road. So many times, I became discouraged. I’ve spent countless days and hours standing in front of my mirror coaching myself to not quit. Encouraging myself and being my biggest cheerleader. When I first began this Journey I had just gotten laid off my job in Corporate America. I had bills that still needed to be paid and with a new business venture (a non-profit) one at that, I prayed cried and questioned God more than I ever showed 95% of the time. I have always had a preserver spirit. A willingness to overcome obstacles and a mindset that refused to quit. My grandmother taught me that resilience is the key to success. So my desire to succeed overpowers my fear of failure daily…still. This journey has been lonely at times. I’ve stayed up working some nights to the point where I was nauseous. I’ve had people start out with me and quit because they couldn’t see and didn’t believe in my vision. To top it off I lost my sister to a tragedy in June of 2019 and that merely knocked the breath out of me. She was one person that had and I always knew would have my back. Yet, even in the midst of the heartbreak I had a responsibility to the children I feed, the communities and the staff that help me make it happen daily, so quitting was not an option.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with M.E.L. INC – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
My business is Giving, Helping, Encouraging, Providing and Guiding. Those are the things that I am most proud of. Loving what I do, and operating daily as though it is a lifestyle, verses work is what sets me apart from others. It gives me the opportunity to bridge the gap between the community and the consumer. To provide resources, products, and services to everyone I encounter.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My future plans is to become a Career Coach. To help those that desire to make a change in some way find the path that’s needed to do so. It is my belief that “my life hasn’t elevated me in my career, rather when I began to excel in my career path it elevated my Life.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melinc.org
• Phone: 213-444-0624
• Email: mel.jackson@melinc.org
• Instagram: instragram.com/mjaethegr8
• Other: instagram.com/shopprimetimehair

Image Credit:
The Josh Howard Foundation, Prime Time Hair, University of North Texas Zeta’s, Ashton Lampkin Camp, Oak Cliff YMCA, Two Wins Foundation, DRE Foundation

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