Today we’d like to introduce you to Jelisa McMillion.
Hi Jelisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Melanated Source started as a review column for Zumble Media, where I would review movies & music from the ’90s. Once I began listening to these albums, I realized a lot of the songs used samples or were covers of songs from the ’70s & ’80s. I then began to post music trivia questions on my Instagram stories & my followers would love them & I would get multiple messages about creating a real game based around music samples. Once I received that third message about creating the game, I knew then that was God telling me this was something I needed to take serious. From there, I reached out to Jason Gray, who is the CEO of Zumble Media, that creates trivia games & received guidance from him on where to start.
After 2 years & a lot of patience, Sample Me This Vol. I was created with the help of Chris Gadson, who helped with the design of the game & website! I am a huge music lover, so creating this game is when I realized this is something I could do for the rest of my life. I’ve hosted many game nights & I love the joy & happiness people have when they’re playing these games & that’s exactly what I want people to feel when they play Sample Me This.
Although it took 2 years to get Sample Me This Vol, I launched, those 2 years gave me time to create Sample Me This Vol. II & III, which I plan on releasing later this year. My mother has always taught me God’s timing is always better than my timing, so I’m grateful for the 2-year delay. It gave me time to fully understand what I wanted to accomplish with my company.
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?
I wouldn’t consider it an obstacle, but there was a 2-year delay due to miscommunication of a possible partnership. That situation is what pushed me to start my own company. I don’t look at it as a real struggle but more of a lesson & another situation where I can look back and say, “This happened for a reason,” and that reason was for me to start my own company.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Melanated Source LLC?
Melanated Source LLC is a trivia game company that specializes in creating music trivia games. Our first game, Sample Me This Vol. I is the first of 3 volumes that the company has released. When creating this game, financial gain wasn’t the motive behind it. I wanted my game to be something that my supporters will be able to play years from now & it feel fresh every time they play it. Seeing my family, friends & supporters having such an amazing time playing Sample Me This & it bringing back nostalgic vibes from the music that is used in the game is what fulfills me as the creator.
I think what separates my business from others is the goal to get my small business so established that I’m able to help other small businesses become successful with mentorship, free marketing, or any other service that can help them get their products & services the exposure they need.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
One of my favorite books that I’ve read was “Take the Lead” by Betsy Meyers. It’s a great self-help book that gives a holistic approach on leadership.
Contact Info:
- Website: Melanated-Source.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/melanatedsourcellc/
- Facebook: facebook.com/MelanatedSourceLLC
- Twitter: twitter.com/MelanatedSource
- Other: tiktok.com/@melanatedsourcellc
