Open Doors with Melody Short

Get ready to be inspired by engaging in insightful discussion about breaking the “starving artist” myth and accessing business opportunities as an artist with Melody Short, Co-Founder of Richmond Night Market.
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your network. Don’t miss out on this unique event! ✨

About the Speaker
Melody Joy Short is a graduate of Morgan State University’s Earl Graves School of Business and a marketing executive, focused on business development and brand development for small businesses. Melody jump-started her career in the Urban Marketing Department of Sony Music Distribution. Her career in the music industry afforded her the opportunity to establish relationships with small business owners in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Southwest markets. This proved pivotal to Melody’s career, because it’s where she developed a passion for supporting small business owners. As an entrepreneur and co-founder of the Richmond Night Market, she supports small business owners and independent artists in areas to include public relations, marketing and business development. Melody is the former Director of Marketing and Business Development for the largest collection of Black-owned Inns in the United States, Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns and was featured as part of the cast of their television show, on the OWN Network, Checked Inn. Melody is the former Director of Marketing & Communications for the Metropolitan Business League. She serves on the board of the Afrikana Independent Film Festival, The Valentine Museum and ChamberRVA. All this while managing her most important role of all—mother to 16-year old Nia Abiose.

About the Series
Open Doors is apart of CultureWorks’ artoberVA 2024 programming. On select Tuesdays in October, you can look forward to local arts and culture experts discussing the importance of access in their respective fields.