Meet Melissa Cohen | Student & model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Cohen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, what’s your definition for success?
Success to me means a couple of things it’s not only about the money or about making it big. To me it’s about the impact I make on the world as well as the personal fulfillment. It has always been a dream of mine to become a model. I’ve been a decently confident person, but I never thought I would have what it takes to become a model myself. So after putting myself out there and working hard to jumpstart my new career, it has been extremely fulfilling to see even the small success I have made in this tough world and industry. As a model, all eyes are on you. The camera, the creative directors, stylists, and the whole outside world. Everyone is looking at you, and you are the voice without being heard. What you portray in your work can speak a million words and can impact so many people, whether it’s a confidence boost for someone to see a model with their similar body type or hair, or something that they’d typically be insecure about, or the fact that in creative work, we have the ability to promote and be the face of things like environmental sustainability, mental health awareness, gender equality and so many other possibilities.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m just starting out as a model, and what excites me most is the chance to connect with people through my work. What sets me apart is my focus on authenticity—bringing my true self into every shoot and telling a unique story with each image. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but overcoming rejection and self-doubt has only made me stronger and more determined. I’ve learned the importance of patience, persistence, and surrounding myself with supportive people. I’m excited for what’s to come and can’t wait to keep growing in this industry. This is just the beginning!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Downtown & Mid-City Vibes
Start with breakfast at Flying Biscuit Cafe for their amazing biscuits. Followed by visiting the Georgia Aquarium because everyone needs to see it atleast once in their life! We would then end the day with dinner at Ponce City Market and walk around visiting all their cute little shops.

Day 2: Explore the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, then head to the Atlanta History Center and check out the Swan House. And lastly, dinner at South City Kitchen for classic Southern food in midtown.

Day 3: start early with a hike at Stone Mountain for views or walk the Atlanta BeltLine. Grab lunch at Krog Street Market.
Catch live music at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur or Tabernacle downtown.

Day 4: Start in Little Five Points, a cute little area with cool shops. Then later visit Ponce City Market again for more shopping or head to BeltLine Eastside Trail. Grab dinner at Rasa for an Indian dinner. And lastly grab a drink at Pinewood Social or The Painted Duck for a mix of cocktails and bowling.

Day 5: Visit the High Museum of Art. Then stroll through Midtown for cool shops and cafes. And for dinner get tapas at Barcelona Wine Bar.

Day 6: Visit Alpharetta or Roswell for charming streets, good food, and local spots like Avalon for shopping. Or check out the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Day 7: Chill Day. Get brunch at West Egg Cafe. Explore Piedmont Park and have a picnic or rent bikes. End the trip with a dinner at Canoe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A huge shoutout to my incredible parents for their unwavering support and belief in me from the very beginning. Their encouragement has meant the world to me and I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing today without their help. Also, a massive thank you to all the talented photographers who took a chance on me when I was just starting out. Your trust and collaboration helped me grow, and I’ll forever be grateful for the moments you captured and the paths you helped me pave. And most importantly, I want to give credit to my best friend Lizzie Campanella. She is the one who encouraged me to do this and helped me navigate my way through the beginning steps of starting this path. A huge thank you to everyone in my life that was there cheering me on and supporting me through what is hopefully the start of a very successful and fulfilling career for me.

Instagram: @melissacohennnn

Other: Email: melissacohen4712@gmail.com

Image Credits
Colin Caldwell : first two images
Adrian Calle
Elizabeth Fernandez