Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Caban
Hi Melody, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story from museum visitor to museum consultant began in childhood. Growing up in Southern California, I was captivated by the magic of museums. My parents instilled in me a lifelong love of art and culture, often taking me on visits that sparked my imagination.
My journey into the commerce side of museums was somewhat accidental. After earning my degree in Art History, I landed a job in a museum store and quickly fell in love with the unique blend of art, history, and business.
I recognized the potential of museum stores to engage audiences and create inclusive spaces. After all, we all know how to shop! This passion, combined with my business acumen, led me to start my own museum store consulting business, Melody Caban Consulting. That’s right, I made a career out of entering through the gift shop!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While my journey has been incredibly rewarding, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Building a business from the ground up, especially in a niche industry like museum retail consulting, requires resilience, perseverance, and drive.
One of the biggest hurdles has been challenging the status quo in the museum industry. Many museums are just realizing they’ve treated their stores as an afterthought, rather than a vital revenue stream and a key component of the visitor experience. If a museum has invested to modernize, diversify, and enrich the rest of a museum and not the store, then the work isn’t done.
As a consultant, it can also be difficult to reach the very clients who need my assistance the most, those who want a top-tier museum store but don’t have the bandwidth to get it there. I get it. We have so many hats to wear. But I want them to know, they don’t have to go it alone!
Of course, then there’s navigating economic shifts, adapting to retail trends, and staying on top of industry research which have all been part of the process. However, these challenges have shaped me into a more resourceful and adaptable consultant.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What Do I Specialize In?
I help museums across the U.S. create impactful and engaging museum stores, earned revenue, and visitor experiences. What does that look like? Imagine a museum store that’s not just a gift shop, but an extension of the museum itself. One that feels like it was made just for you and brings delight to visitors while supporting a museum’s mission & bottom line.
What Sets Me Apart?
I’m passionate about helping museums thrive, and I’ve dedicated my career to empowering cultural institutions. I’ve worked with museums of all sizes, from small regional institutions to associations. My work has been recognized by industry leaders and featured in publications like USA Today.
As a Latina in the museum field, I bring a unique perspective to the table. I’m committed to breaking down barriers and creating inclusive spaces for all. I do this by working holistically with departments across the museum and connecting with the community, deepening the store’s connection to mission and place.
What Is Earned Revenue?
Earned revenue is the income generated by providing goods or services, such as ticket sales, retail sales, food and beverage, and rentals. It’s also a vital funding source that can be used to support the long-term sustainability of museums.
What Am I Proud Of With Melody Caban Consulting?
This year I’m particularly proud to have launched the Pro Bono Texas Museum Store Accelerator, a free pro bono consulting project to one deserving small or mid-sized museum in Texas. Just in time for the holidays, we’re helping this year’s winner make impactful and inspiring changes to connect with new audiences.
How Can I Help Your Museum?
I offer a range of consulting services tailored to a museum’s unique needs. This helps museums:
Maximize Revenue: Watch sales soar as we create a museum store experience that visitors love.
Drive Mission: Curate a product mix that’s as unique and engaging as your museum.
Enhance Visitor Experience: Create a world-class experience based on your mission.
Streamline Operations: Say goodbye to chaos and hello to efficiency. We help optimize your processes and empower your team to focus on what matters.
Pricing
Every museum has a unique story to tell. At Melody Cabán Consulting, we work closely with each client to develop a customized consulting plan that aligns with their specific goals. Our flexible pricing models allow museums to choose the level of support that best suits their needs.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’m incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by amazing people who have played a significant role in my success.
First and foremost, I want to thank my clients. Their trust and willingness to collaborate have been instrumental in shaping my business and pushing me to continually innovate.
I’m also grateful for the support of my colleagues in the museum field. Their insights, encouragement, and willingness to share their expertise have been invaluable. They truly understand the importance of my work and its impact on the broader museum community.
And, of course, I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my family and friends. Their love, encouragement, and belief in me have kept me going through thick and thin, empowering me to strike out on my own.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melodycabanconsulting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodycabanconsulting/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-caban/
