Two Sisters Revolutionize, Empower & Inspire Through Creative Event Production - Page 2

Twin sisters, Melonie and Melorra Green are blazing trails in San Francisco with their dedication to fostering and developing the arts in their community. #TeamBeautiful caught up with these Memphis natives to discuss their road to success and plans for the future.

Name, Occupation, Title, Company

Name: Melonie J. Green

Title/Company: Co-CEO, Infin8 Sync LLC; Manager, Gallery 1307 & Infin8 Sync, LLC Operations

Name: Melorra J. Green

Title/Company:  Co-CEO, Infin8 Sync LLC; Visual Arts Coordinator, African American Art & Culture Complex

Education:

Melonie J. Green

Tennessee State University/B.S., Speech Communication & Theatre

Academy of Art University – B.A. Motion Pictures & Television – Emphasis in editing

University of Denver – 3rd year, Environmental Policy & Management

Melorra J. Green

Tennessee State University/B.S., Speech Communication & Theatre

Academy of Art University – B.A. Motion Pictures & Television – emphasis in editing

University of Phoenix – MAED, Curriculum & Instruction

Previous Job Experience:

Melonie J. Green

University of the Pacific – Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry (2002-2007)

Co- Executive Producers, SF Black Film Festival (2005-2009)

Melorra J. Green

African American Art & Culture Complex, Office Manager

Co- Executive Producers, SF Black Film Festival (2005-2009)

HelloBeautiful: Briefly describe your day to day activities and responsibilities as Co-Owners of Infin8 Sync, LLC.

Melorra Green:

7:30AM My day begins with a meditation where I try to maintain perspective of why I am here. I don’t always get it right, but I try. Next, I go straight for my phone where I check emails and text messages to help develop my to-do list for the day (or next day).

11AM I arrive at work – African American Art & Culture Complex, San Francisco, CA – to start my work day which begins with checking each of the galleries and completing a walk-through where I take an inventory of the art to ensure we are ready for any guests who may arrive.

Soon after, I check in with other staff members before I head to my office where my day begins by managing all emails (to and from three accounts) that are too long to send via phone. Most emails are from either artists in a current exhibition, artists in upcoming exhibitions, artist who would like to have their own exhibition or those who would like a tour. So, most of the day I am coordinating and managing the logistics of three exhibitions at a time, while coordinating our newsletter and website updates with our web developer/manager.

I have roughly three phone conferences and approximately two in-person meetings a day. I also have a check-in with our two graphic designers who I work closely with to ensure we have the most professional and creative gallery cards possible.

On any given day, I could have an off-site meeting where I am visiting an artist’s studio or meeting in a coffee shop with an artist about an upcoming program/exhibition. It could also involve working with my sister Melonie on a program for both AAACC and Infin8 Sync or where Infin8 Sync is providing a service to AAACC under the management of Melonie Green.

In addition to all of the meetings, emails, events, opening receptions, I am also responsible for assessing the success or needs of improvements for the Visual Arts Department by providing quarterly reports and board reports.

My day ends with a walk-through of the galleries and final check in with the staff. After leaving work, I go to the gallery or home to check in with Melonie about what programs or events Infin8 Sync has in store and do what I can to fall right in under her leadership.

I love what I do because everyday is different from the day before and I am surrounded by artists and art supporters who know what it takes to inspire and empower artists. I have learned there is an order to everything and it is so important to be business savvy in addition to being creative.

Melonie Green:

Things always change according to the projects we are working on. First thing in the morning (usually around 7:30am), I check the emails/text messages and make sure as many responses and loose ends are covered. The most pressing events and collaborations receive priority phone calls and responses. There are usually several meetings throughout the day. I check in on the gallery and do my best to physically be there (even for just a few short hours) a couple times a week.

My biggest goal of the day is dedicated hours to solid work on the computer with little to no distraction. This is… a goal. We work for and with the art and public service communities, so it’s very hands on and often makes day-to-day activities unpredictable. The main goals for us are to stay engaged and make sure we provide the best support and partnership for all of the events we host and collaborate on.

HB: What prompted your interest in the arts, and specifically revitalizing the Western Addition/Fillmore arts district in San Francisco ?

Melorra: Melonie and I have always been interested in the arts for as far back as I can remember. From taking art classes to being in the marching band, we have found ways to surround ourselves with the arts. Upon moving to San Francisco and graduating from the Academy of Art University, we knew we needed to find a community of artists and art resources that could encourage us and allow us to grow. We found the San Francisco Black Film Festival (SFBFF) where we were able to work our way up from volunteers and stuffing bags, to serving as ticket sales managers, to Co-Executive Producers. The founder Ave Montague was very encouraging in that way.

We also learned from the SFBFF that there was a need or a problem in communication between pic and sound artists. So we created events that would bring these two together in an ego-free environment. This marriage of pic and sound artists and our need to help fill that gap is where the name of our company, Infin8 Sync, came from. In the film industry, ‘sync’ is the perfect marriage of pic and sound. We have tried to maintain that marriage since and it has been quite a journey.

We did not set out to revitalize the Western Addition/Fillmore District via the arts. It just happened. We only did what came naturally to us and before we knew it people would thank us for being there. And we had to thank them for allowing us to be there and for embracing us.

HB: What suggestions regarding networking would you give to those seeking to work promoting arts based projects in their city?

Melorra: I would say it is so important to come up with your own style of communicating with members of the community you are interested in investing your time and energy into. You also have to remember that we are all the same. We all want to feel respected, valued and treated with dignity. If you keep this in mind, you will be received well and the people you are trying to connect with can hear you and will want to help you be successful. I would also add that it is important to have a plan and a pretty good idea of what type of art you are promoting. You want the respect of the artists and the community. And be well prepared to make mistakes. Nothing and no one is perfect!

HB: What are the major challenges in your roles, specifically gathering the support of the community in your efforts, and what solutions have you deemed best to handle these challenges?

Melonie: The biggest challenge for us is time and balancing engagements so that we are most effective. There are times where we say ‘yes’ to way too many things at once. So we are still learning how to say ‘no’ or ‘next time.’ One of the things I’ve noticed in community work is that you have to remain consistent, honorable and clear about your needs and what you can offer. I say this because community work is cherished work. The work we do impacts the memories of our children and how they reflect on childhood activities for various holidays and cultural events. This work affects how encouraged our elders are about the legacy they leave behind. We know our responsibility and do our best to grow and learn as much as we can so that our work and services elevate with the times.

HB: What would you contribute your level of success to?

Melorra: We have so far to go, but I would say our level of success is attributed to the support and openness of the community, our genuine love of the arts and ability to push through the tough times.

HB: Do you have any advice for younger colleagues?

Melorra: To younger colleagues I say start NOW. I say do not wait for anyone to give you permission to be great because that’s already there. Your greatness comes when you open your eyes and the rest is for you to manifest with every action. I would advise her or him be intentional when working in the arts because it is a VERY powerful tool. If there is a desire to start a business, I would heavily advise my younger colleague to seek an internship in anything close to what the business will be. This gives you time to learn and make mistakes on someone else’s dime. I would also say research tirelessly. See what else is out there and what other people are doing so that you will know how you plan to stand out. There is no excuse for not researching with tools like Google, YouTube, etc.

Lastly, I say see you at the top because we are already there — just trying to find our seat. Many blessings!

Reach out to Melonie & Melorra here:

Infin8Sync@gmail.com

http://www.infin8sync.com

http://www.facebook.com/infin8sync

http://www.facebook.com/iawsf

http://www.facebook.com/gallery1307

http://www.facebook.com/thewondertwin

http://www.facebook.com/onlymelorra