Melanie Swerdan Email & Phone Number

Entrepreneurially spirited to the core. In 2008, I parted from a Physical Education degree, and went down to New Orleans on a blind crusade to become a photographer. I bought every book on photography I could find, asked a million questions to cinematographers on film sets, and ultimately fell in love with "shooting and creating." I spent the next 10 years working as a photographer and wardrobe designer on close to 100 music videos, commercials and photoshoots. Some favorites include: a campaign for Elle King/Martin guitars, Camera Operator on Kygo “Here for You” music video, 2x Billy Ray Cyrus’ album covers, Empire of the Sun and Costume Designer on the feature film “Puppy Love.”In 2014 my husband and I were offered the opportunity to develop and design 2 restaurants within a historic building located in the heart of Old Strathcona, Edmonton: El Cortez Tequila Bar + Kitchen & Have Mercy Southern Kitchen + Bar. We conceptualized, designed, staffed, and marketed the businesses with the help of talented restauranteur friends along the way. Through a few years of dedication, ingenuity, determination and some invariable luck they eventually flourished into award-winning restaurants and local staples in the community. Birdie Break (www.birdiebreak.com), a mobile app tech company co-founded with close friend Cressida Raffin, originated out of an observation that parents were struggling to find trusted, highly-quality, convenient childcare. Its conception occurred at a music festival in 2017 and has become a labour of love ever since. Simply put, our business is "helping people" - parents, sitters and the cutest of all "the kids!" With over 7,000+ parent sign ups in 8 markets thus far, our goal is to become the household name for trusted, convenient, childcare in North America. “Shoot for the stars and see what you can get" - sounds basic, but it’s worked. Rationally optimistic, solutions-focused (there’s always a solution), a lover of the unorthodox, and open to explore new opportunities. I love inspiring and encouraging others, lifting spirits with positivity and praise.In the future, the ultimate goal is to design and open a school - one which provides an inspiring aesthetic far beyond the traditional spaces of yesterday and today. I have been dreaming and drawing this vision for the past few years and will continue to do so until a collaborative team assembles to help bring it to life. Please reach out if you'd like to connect!

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  University Of Alberta

  Physical Ed