Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Long
Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a nurse of 10 years who moonlights as an Afrobeat singer by the name Vanilla Skeye. I started my nursing career in Nevada and subsequently continued developing my career after I moved to Phoenix, AZ. I found my passion in the field of Memory Care for people suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia and moved up the ranks to eventually become a Director of Nursing for several assisted living facilities there. I put my nursing career on pause shortly after the pandemic subsided to pursue a career in tech. I worked in the tech industry for two years before my employer sold the company and laid off the majority of staff. I decided to re-enter the healthcare field and I am currently working as a Charge Nurse for the Memory Care unit of my employer.
My music career began as a child where I played several instruments and sang in my hometown church choir. After I moved to Phoenix, I joined a hip hop group who inspired me to start my own solo music career. Since then I’ve released a R&B album in 2018, and several Afrobeats hits over the last few years. My latest single “Live Life, Enjoy!” will be featured and included in the soundtrack of the upcoming film “Volition” by Ryan Barnes. I am also set to release my second album “Dansarena” in December 2024.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Some of my biggest struggles was raising my children as a single mom while still pursuing my passions, especially after the loss of my biggest support, my mother. She battled with breast cancer and passed in 2007 and my life was forever altered. She was my biggest inspiration for becoming a nurse after experiencing the impact of healthcare workers in her final days. I’ve overcome battles with depression, abuse, divorce and relocating across the country to Dallas.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Some of the highlights of my music career has been to sing background vocals for Neil Diamond and Stevie Wonder in the 2011 and 2012 Billboard Awards, respectively. I’ve also grown an international fan base for my music where the majority of my audience hails from Jamaica, Haiti and Nigeria. I am very proud of my accomplishments as a nurse, the highest accolade being recognized as a top Director of Nursing in the southwest region for Brookdale. i have specialized mainly in elderly care with a primary focus on Memory Care. I’m also a proud mom of two wonderful children who have become awesome athletes and entrepreneurs.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest advice is to find people in the industry you are pursuing and don’t be afraid to reach out and network with others about your ambitions. Your biggest support will most likely be a complete stranger.
What has worked well for me is keeping a close circle of friends who support my goals and help keep me accountable for them. I always try to keep a positive outlook on every situation.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @vanilla.skeye
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/vskeye
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/vanillaskeye
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/vanilla-skeye
Image Credits
Silver Dragon Studios and Tcha George Photography
