Today we’d like to introduce you to Milan Merlo.
Milan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always had a need for creative expression and growing up I did that through fashion and writing. The way I learned to cope with things was through my writing, and I was a very shy kid/teen/young adult, so it grew to be an incredibly important aspect of my life.
Eventually, when I turned 21, I started my blog, Milan Darling where I got to do both. I found myself not quite satisfied with the fashion/blogging world as I found it really hard to find the balance between “aesthetic” and “authentic.” The Instagram world grew frustrating for me, and I just missed all the real, genuine content. I missed just sharing my life and others sharing theirs without the need for followers or attention. I felt like I began to lose my voice and felt too much pressure to be a certain way. I hated it.
During this time, I found my way to the music scene in Dallas and started meeting a lot of amazing, talented, genuine people. I started to make real connections with people that truly inspired me and helped me find my voice again. It was important to me that others always have their voice and a place to share their story. That’s why I started The Honey. I want those who express themselves creatively to always have a place for their voice, a place to connect and share with others.
The Honey is meant to go beyond social media and youtube videos. The world can get crazy, and it’s easy to get caught up, and that’s why it’s so important to be part of a community that helps keep you grounded. I want The Honey to be that community for other creatives.
Great, 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?
Was it easy? Definitely not. I don’t think it ever is. Especially when starting something new, it can be incredibly terrifying. I had this idea that I knew was important to me and basically convinced my best friend to work on with me. She understood it, but no one else really did. Especially, my family, I told them these words: I know you don’t understand what I am trying to do but it’s important to me and I just need you to trust me. Give me time to work on it, and I will show you. And they did.
During this time, I was both excited and scared as I now felt a tremendous amount of pressure and it was up to no one but me to make it happen- something I’m sure a lot of people can relate to.
Then I had the launch party, and everyone really got behind the idea. It was life-changing for me to be able to show everyone, this is what I have been working on, this is what I do. Along the way, having my best friend, Chloe Gonzales, be part of it with me was really important as well. She was able to see the importance and see what The Honey really is about and kinda take on that meaning for herself, so that’s been cool to see. Now something that was just an idea and just important to me is important to others as well. It’s pretty cool.
But other than that we learned a lot from filming. We have already changed direction from our first season of episodes. We learned how we want the setup to be different, the questions, the way it’s filmed, etc. We have decided to change a lot already in trial and error, but that’s also just what happens with everything. You learn how to pivot. And if you’re lucky it will be in Ross Gellar fashion.
AND now we have some exciting collabs to come in the future wink, wink. 😉
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Honey – what should we know?
The Honey is a YouTube series for creatives. It started out as an interview series but has already branched out into more than that. We had plans to make docu-series and started a new series called the Greenroom where we hang with the band before their show and ask random quirky questions. Basically, we want to give you a place to find cool creatives you wanna be friends with, and we give them the platform to show their personalities. It’s always been important to me to get to know people, and that’s what The Honey is about.
We’re so focused on being raw and real that we really seek out people who are fearlessly themselves. We’re attracted to people who aren’t afraid to express themselves and are truly in it for the sake of making art. And are also fun, good people… of course.
Who runs The Honey? Girls. Who runs The Honey? Girls.
Hopefully, you got my Beyonce reference. But yes, The Honey is run by girls… Myself and my best friend, Chloe Gonzales. The music industry is overrun by men, so I assume this makes us different. But what really makes us stand out is how close our friendship is. People often ask us if we’re sisters and I truly believe people are drawn to this dynamic — two besties pursuing their dreams for the love of art and music. But that’s just my opinion.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Can I only pick one? I would say hands down being genuine. That’s what The Honey is all about.
Actually caring. That’s a huge one. People tend to not really care these days, or if it doesn’t directly affect them, they’re not worried about it.
Being empathetic with a big heart. And Always having a strong aesthetic and creative aspect.
Contact Info:
- Website: ILYHONEY.COM
- Email: HI@ILYHONEY.COM
- Instagram: INSTAGRAM.COM/ILY2HONEY
- Twitter: TWITTER.COM/ILY2HONEY
Image Credit:
Chloe Gonzales and Said Abusaud
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