Meet Melissa McIntosh: Healthcare Worker & Content Creator

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

Hi Melissa, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When it comes to risk taking, I look at it in a positive light. I often will ask myself “how can this risk I take, take me to a higher level or opportunity in my career/life?” “How is this going to benefit me in the long run?” “What will my future look like should I take this risk?” If I can answer those questions with a positive answer with no doubt behind them, then I know for a fact that the risk is worth taking. For someone who is open-minded and outspoken most of the time, I find risk to be a good thing especially when a person knows that it is an opportunity that they may not find elsewhere. I’m not saying to put “all your eggs in one basket” but I’m saying that sometimes that risk will land a person in places they never thought of.

Throughout my life/career, risk taking has landed me several opportunities that I never envisioned myself being in today. For example, I took a leap of faith back in 2015 when I started my junior year at Rutgers University majoring in Healthcare Administration. The journey was a worthwhile one and though the path to adulthood came quicker than ever, it was the job process that really had me questioning if the field was for me. With a lot of faith and family support, I finally scored a job in my field which ended up being the most rewarding part of my career. From my childhood years until now, I’ve always been that person to take risks in all aspects of school, work and everyday living in between. I believe that in order to grow, a person should take a risk once in a while. Even as a content creator/influencer, I never thought that what I was doing with my platforms would impact people the way they do. Looking back on my success to this point, I can wholeheartedly say that I am grateful for all those risks taken. Not only have they instilled growth in me as an individual, but also gave me a better outlook on my life and the years to come.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My daily life consists of a 9 to 5 and 5 to 9. My 9 to 5 is my purpose (healthcare) and my 5 to 9 is my passion (content creating). It just so happened that both aspects came about in 2018. I graduated Rutgers University with a B.S in Healthcare Administration. I always knew in life that my purpose was to help people due to my background in community service and the numerous leadership roles I’ve embarked on in my educational journey. I eventually landed a job of working for a hospital network in my town with the pleasure of working with my colleagues to get patient inquiries and other office tasks completed. It is not an easy job, I’ll admit, but it pays off knowing that I have put a smile on a patient’s face, no matter the situation. Later on in 2018, I started my path as a content creator/influencer. I had a huge interest in natural hair being that I was in the process of transitioning from relaxed hair to natural. I found an interest in brand ambassador opportunities and within a few months time, I landed my first partnership with a natural hair company. Since then, I’ve branched out to doing more content focused on lifestyle, fashion and natural hair included. I love the feedback I’ve been getting from my audience, it only means I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. The love and support I get is worthwhile and content creating is something I enjoy doing no matter the time of day.

I want the world to know that nothing happens overnight and if your heart screams for it, go for it. I always encourage people to start that blog, Youtube channel, podcast or fashion page if it’s the one thing they can’t stop thinking about. Go ahead and apply for that job, what’s the worst that can happen? being told “no”? Life is worth living and I am a firm believer that success starts with “you.” My story may be similar to others or it may not, but I want people to know that we all have the same 24 hours, and there is no limit to the potential that they can add to this world. With a little faith and determination, the sky is the limit. Don’t EVER limit yourself! If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I will say, a week long trip would consist of my best friend and I traveling to the city and checking out different museums and restaurants. I’ve traveled to Washington D.C a good few times and will say it is the place for millennials to explore. I would definitely do brunch at Liberte DC and then stop for a little treat at Levain Bakery. When it’s hot out, the Botanical Gardens in D.C is the PLACE to explore nature. There’s levels of different plants and exotic presentations of different tropical environments all in one setting. D.C is the place for a little excitement and fun all at the same time. For me, anywhere that has a good vibe, good music, fun scenery and awesome amusement, is the weekend stay for me!

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Image Credits
@nestadagreat @jamelthecreator