Melissa can’t remember a time when she wasn’t called “loud.” She was fed a diet of “children should be seen and not heard” and “curiosity killed the cat,” which only fueled her defiance. After a boisterous and awkward adolescence, Melissa learned how to focus and control her voice as the Drum Major for her high school band. Her volume was a natural asset. She learned leadership, confidence, and resilience. Melissa attended the University of Maryland, where she was a theater major and played the trombone in the 'Mighty Sound of Maryland' marching band. After college, Melissa explored several careers. She’s been a waiter, bartender, puppeteer, radio DJ, stage manager, actor, director, columnist, house manager, and party planner. She eventually found her calling in floral and event design. Her company Studio H specializes in weddings and parties. She has designed for the Rose Bowl Parade and the Philadelphia flower show, and she is a presenter at the Washington Entertaining and Cooking show. Never really content, Melissa also uses her voice as an historical story teller in downtown Annapolis, preferably with a beer in hand.