“Engaging communities through Photographic and Creative efforts”
Join MelissaBStudios in a group exhibition that is commemorating Juneteenth not only as a historical milestone, but as a living, evolving celebration of liberation and joy.
Monad Gallery proudly presents its Juneteenth Photo Exhibition, a powerful visual journey honoring Black liberation, resilience, and cultural legacy. Through the lenses of contemporary photographers, this exhibition captures the spirit of Juneteenth. Spanning documentary and fine art photography, the collection explores themes of freedom, identity, memory, and community. Each image serves as a testament to the strength and creativity of Black life in America, past and present.
Featured in The Hollywood Reporter
Had the pleasure of capturing John Finn and Mike Leiba in New York City for their Press Release.
The Gallery Wall at Vibe Fitness
The exhibition featured Un Sentiment ‘LAKAY’ (A Feeling of Home), a dynamic and personal photo project by MelissaBStudios. This body of work is a celebration of Haitian heritage through expressive movement, immersive set design, and visual storytelling. Each piece reflected themes of cultural pride, identity, and the emotional essence of “home.”
The photo project is on view for the first time on The Gallery Wall at Vibe Fitness BQE and Greenpoint. The exhibit’s integration within a wellness-focused environment highlighted the connection between physical movement, creative expression and community building.
“After a month and a half of sharing this work with the Vibe Fitness public, I’m filled with gratitude,” said MelissaBStudios. “This exhibition created space for culture and connection, I’m thankful to Vibe Fitness team for creating this space that allows creatives like me to share my art with their audience while amplifying the vision it in such a meaningful way.”
The Gallery Wall at Vibe Fitness is part of their commitment to redefining wellness not just as physical strength, but as a dynamic experience that embraces creativity, identity and human connection. By displaying art throughout the fitness facility, they create an inspiring atmosphere where every workout becomes part of a larger, transformative journey.
The exhibition officially closes on Sunday, May 11, 2025 but its impact continues to resonate with the community that embraced it.
For more information on the MelissaBStudios photo projects, interviews or future showings please contact us!
Internship Partnership with the New York Arts Program
MelissaBStudios had the incredible opportunity to serve as an Internship Sponsor with the New York Arts Program during the Spring 2025 semester, mentoring a talented and passionate intern. Over the course of 10 weeks, I had the privilege of guiding Lily Toohey as she stepped confidently into her creativity, took initiative on projects and grew both technically and artistically. Witnessing her development was truly inspiring, and I am honored to have played a role in her journey. The internship was designed to provide hands-on experience in both the art and business of photography. I focused on helping the intern build a strong foundation through technical training, creative development, photo editing, portfolio building, team collaboration, and business skills. This experience holds a special place in my heart.
Ayiti Toy Drive
This event brings together the power and passion of the Haitian community in New York City to make a difference in the lives of children and families facing hardship back home. With music, live entertainment and lively activations it was an unforgettable evening of unity and culture.
The goal is to Support those in need, Strengthen cultural bonds, Raise awareness and Create a positive impact beyond borders.
Featured in City & State New York
Had the pleasure of capturing Daiquan Llewellyn for the 2024 Albany 40 Under 40 Rising Stars in New York state politics.
ShutterFly: Empowering Girls Through Photography Program
About the program: ShutterFly: Empowering Girls Through Photography Program is a 4-week session bi-annual program which aims to empower underrepresented girls of color by introducing them to the world of photography. Providing them with valuable photography skills, boosting their confidence, and encouraging self-expression. Fostering a community of empowered girls who can see the world from new perspectives and share their unique visions with others; paving the way for personal and professional success and the belief that their voice matters
My experience as the Session Lead in the program - As the Summer workshops of the ShutterFly: Empowering Girls Through Photography Program come to an end, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have led Session 3 on Creative Storytelling. This hands-on session was all about turning ideas into creative visuals, capturing moments, feelings and stories. Watching these passionate girls take the lead and bring their creative visions to life with props and collaborating with each other was amazing. Their energy and creativity were inspiring, and seeing their confidence grow as they apply what we learned during the first half of the session was incredibly rewarding. I’m so proud of the work these girls have done and can’t wait to see where their creativity takes them next.
A heartfelt thank you to Stacy Beaucicaut-Etienne/Eastwing Studios and everyone involved for creating this empowering space, as well as trusting me to guide the girls through this session.
Storytellers Portrait Series
The Storytellers Portrait Series: Black Creatives edition focused on celebrating the narratives of Black creatives and entrepreneurs in NYC.
The Anansi Creative Studio Storytellers Portrait Series is a multimodal project in celebration of NYC pride and culture, driven by the vibrant stories of local creatives and entrepreneurs.
“With a camera, I feel like I could create, that's where I get to express myself, and I get to be free and do what I want, when I want, and how I want it. When I'm shooting or when I have a camera in my hand, it gives me the power.” Quote from Melissa.
Generously Seasoned Exhibition
Exhibition ON DISPLAY June 18th - July 6th, 2024 at the Atlantic Gallery!
Curated by Lee Lee La Cubana and Jency Sekaran
Spotlighting the unique yet collective experiences of minority artists in the heart of Chelsea!
Exhibit Behind the Scenes VIDEO.
Photography - Network - Brunch
Radiant Brunch: A Flourish & Frame Affair Event Recap VIDEO.
Radiant Brunch: A Flourish & Frame Affair Event Behind the Scene Footage.
Radiant Brunch: A Flourish & Frame Affair
Hosted by @stacybephotography & @melissabstudios
A gathering that celebrates women through the art of photography, connection, and joy. This one-of-a-kind event gave women the opportunity to flourish and frame their strength, beauty, and spirit.
Bronx Community College Speaking Engagement
I had the pleasure of speaking to a wonderful group of students at the Bronx Community College this past week! I really enjoyed coming back for this Spring Semester, thank you Yeny Ferreras for creating this space for your students and inviting me to share my knowledge.
The Photographer Talk: Is a series curated by Yeny Ferreras for her Digital Photography class at the Bronx Community College, this series focuses on giving inspiration to the class of aspiring photographers for their upcoming final photography exhibition.
Women History Month Exhibition 2024
ON VIEW March 2nd, 2024 - March 23rd, 2024 Presented by Kente Royal Gallery
Celebrating Women's History Month by shining a spotlight on the work of incredible Women Artists! MelissaBStudios joins an exceptional cohort of talented artists set to showcase their works this year. Get ready to be inspired by creativity, passion, and unique perspectives.
Networking Mixer
Learn more about the various service providers in the Haitian community at this Networking Mixer. Similar to a pop-up shop, L'Union of Haitian Creatives will be featuring different business owners in the Haitian community where you can learn about their services and also purchase items they sale at their individual booths.
Solo Exhibit
A fashion experience through Visual Arts. Bringing to life the artistic vision of new diversity, set new gender fluidity standards, and break the conformity mold.
The Photographer Talk
A serie curated by Yeny Ferreras for her Digital Photography class at the Bronx Community College, this series focuses on giving inspiration to the class of aspiring photographers for their upcoming final photography exhibition. I had the pleasure of being a guest speaker for her Spring semester class via zoom and Fall semester class in person for the first time.
CanvasRebel Magazine Interview
CanvasRebel Magazine Interviews small business owners, artists and creatives in our communities. They believe that these creatives are talented and deserve more coverage, more platforms and more opportunities to share their stories and insights. Through features this magazine plays a role in getting those insights out into the world. CanvasRebel Magazine mission “is to create a space for artists, creatives and entrepreneurs to be able to learn from their peers through the magic and power of storytelling.”
Visual Coverage
#THEDIMEEXPERIENCE THE MOST FASHIONABLE EVENT OF THE SUMMER brought to you by Dose of Mi!
Haitian Businesses Expo LIVE 2022
Haitian Heritage Month Celebration LIVE conversation with business owners and professionals facilitated by the Haitian Businesses Organization. Where every year during Haitian Heritage Month they promote culture and business from the community by supporting entrepreneurs from different fields in the Haitian Community abroad.
Trailblazers Panel
CATEGORY: Haitian Photographer
MelissaBStudios first panel! Shared my experiences on how I created my own path as an innovator in my field in hopes of inspiring, encouraging, and empowering current entrepreneurs.
#CreativeEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #WomenOwnedBusiness
L’union of Haitian Creatives celebrate and honor multi-faceted individuals that are influencing and inspiring the Haitian Community. The event encapsulate up-and-coming, trailblazing, and dynamic talent in the Haitian community. The Trailblazers Panel seek to embody our country Haiti’s motto of L’Union, by bringing multi-faceted individuals into one space to share their journey, trials, tribulations, lessons, and talents.
Event Sponsored By MelissaBStudios
The Sistah Social is an annual event during Women History that serve as a networking event for Women Entrepreneurs & Creatives. MelissaBStudios had the pleasure to sponsor this wonderful event by Women for Women.
Featured in the Zoulette Blog
In this article the Founder of Zoulette reach out to various women to talk about the topic of Self Focus in 2022. What are you focusing on this year? How do you keep your focus? What motivates you to keep focused? ‘When you focus on yourself you create more self-worth’. The Zoulette blog is a platform where women are pushed to share their stories to uplift and support each other.
ShoutoutLA Interview
ShoutoutLA interviews inspiring entrepreneurs and creatives in their Shoutout Series. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that your success and where you are in life as entrepreneur and creative is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. ShoutoutLA “is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems”.
Featured in Forbes
Photo by MelissaBStudios for Zoulette featured on Forbes Style & Beauty segment, summer article “These Are The Brands You Should Wear On Your Trip To Mykonos” by Forbes in house contributor.
Featured in GLAMOUR Magazine UK
Photo by MelissaBStudios for Zoulette featured on GLAMOUR Shops “The fashion and accessories buys we're adding to our Out-Out 'fits” Series One of Sixteen brand carefully hand-selected by the GLAMOUR UK editors.
Featured in ShoutoutLA
MelissaBStudios had the pleasure of capturing the owner of PS EVENT DECOR Terrelle Powell for his interview with ShoutoutLA.
Featured in the Zoulette Blog
The Zoulette blog is a platform where women are pushed to share their stories to uplift and support each other by network for the common goal of creating a community of strong confident women.
Event Sponsored by MelissaBStudios
#THEDIMEEXPERIENCE THE MOST FASHIONABLE EVENT OF THE SUMMER brought to you by Dose of Mi!
Event Sponsored By MelissaBStudios
The Sistah Social is an annual event during Women History that serve as a networking event for Female Entrepreneurs & Creatives. MelissaBStudios had the pleasure to sponsor this wonderful event by Women for Women. When a group of women come together beautiful things happen, Women Empowerment at its finest!
Featured in BWP
Black Women Photographers is a global community and online database/directory of Black Women and non-binary photographers. Honored to be amongst so many fellow talented and creative Black Women Photographers from around the world.
#HireBlackWomenPhotographers
B&H Event Space Talk
MelissaBStudios first speaking engagement titled ‘Women in Photography’ with B&H Event Space! A glimpse into what was going on behind the scene before the live event. Thank you to the B&H Event Space team for providing a platform where young entrepreneurs and creatives can share their experiences. Thankful for the opportunity, this was a great experience excitement, nervousness, giggles and all!
Listen in as photographer Mélissa Baptiste gives the RAW truth and not the JPG version of starting a business as a woman in photography. She will give insight on balancing being an entrepreneur and being a creative from a woman's perspective.
Excerpt from the conversation, to watch the full conversation click here.
RAW Artists Showcase
RAW Natural Born Artists spotlights independent talent in the creative art industry. RAW Artists is a fun and alternative way for creatives to showcase both to their local community and the world at large. The RAW showcase is not your average art show. RAW is loud, colorful, creative, fun and all about their artists. RAW Artists showcase the independent creative community, giving independent artists the opportunity to be seen and heard.
