Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Matticoli.
Hi Melinda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Skillman, New Jersey, and am glad to call it my home base for my business. I am a choreographer, filmmaker, and director, and I work across music videos, branded content, and live performance projects. I grew up dancing locally and expanded to train in New York City through high school. I’m so grateful to have called New Jersey home for so many years and to be able to have access to many connections and communities through it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! Life has its way of throwing lots of curveballs, and while those moments in time can be challenging, they’ve also been the ones that shaped me the most. One of my biggest struggles has been learning to stay grounded in my own worth and value, no matter what others may say or think. As a freelancer, every job stands on its own (very few last for more than a few months), and learning to navigate that uncertainty is just part of the industry and is a norm we all face. Finding my people and building a supportive community took time as well, but that support has been the silver lining, helping me stay grounded, confident, and moving forward through all the ups and downs.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a choreographer, filmmaker, and director working across music videos, branded content, and live performance projects. My work focuses on blending music and movement to tell stories through the body. I’m especially proud of developing my movement style that brings a sense of originality and intention to every production I’m part of, no matter the scale. What truly sets me apart is my collaborative approach. I believe the strongest product comes from inviting other perspectives into the process, and I’m always open to feedback and creative input, no matter someone’s role.
What were you like growing up?
I was a very creative and entrepreneurial-spirited kid. I remember being on my swing set and having my imaginary swing studio, where I taught my imaginary students throughout my backyard how to do different things on their swings. Although being 7 years old, I really was confident in this, by making myself the “swing master” and writing down all of my swing routines on little scraps of paper I found in the recycling. I feel this translates to how I run my business today- with passion, dedication, belief in what I do, and the ability to grow and expand.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melindamatticoli.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/melindamatticoli
