Starting a business from scratch has been the most stressful, anxiety-inducing, and rewarding experience of Mel Ishage’s life. Taking this leap in the city where she grew up, which now feels unfamiliar, posed a significant challenge. After spending 12 years living in New York, LA, and Las Vegas, Mel moved back to Charlotte in June 2022.
She started her business to ensure she could continue doing what she loved without fear of it being taken away. “I’ve been laid off a few times in my career, unfortunately. I realized a long time ago that executive assistants are disposable. No matter how good you are at your job, you’re always on the chopping block when it’s time to make cuts.” The last layoff was especially challenging because it occurred only a month after her third hip surgery. That same week, she took her 15 years of experience and launched her company.
Bespoke Opulence’s mission is to give people back the most important luxury of all: time. They specialize in personal lifestyle management, luxury travel, and business operations for individuals and companies. They handle the tasks that people don’t have time to do, items their significant other wants them to do, tedious things their credit card concierge doesn’t do, and tasks their executive assistant might overlook. “It’s bespoke, so we cater to each member’s specific needs uniquely. We’re here to listen, understand, make things happen, and build relationships.”
photo by @designsbyjk
One member needed a new assistant and receptionist, so Mel implemented a hiring plan, conducted initial interviews, and helped train the new staff. This ad-hoc project ended successfully, with the CEO wanting her to stay and be his EA, but she politely declined.
So far, Bespoke Opulence has procured luxury gifts, handled personal shopping, researched vendors for events, made dinner reservations, worked as a virtual assistant, helped hire staff, and booked luxury travel.
Mel herself enjoys luxury, staying at places like the Bulgari Resort in Bali and the Soho Farmhouse in the UK. “My first solo trip was to Finland, where I studied abroad in college. That experience ignited my passion for travel, and I knew I would never stop exploring. There is so much beauty in this world, and I want to help others experience it up close.”
Her desire to help others goes beyond assisting executives. She has volunteered in every city she’s lived in, fostered 13 dogs during the pandemic, and worked as a server for as long as she was an assistant. Hospitality is in her blood. “I love what I do, and I’m going to keep doing it as long as I can.”
photo by @designsbyjk
Other Fun Facts About Mel:
Favorite Things To Do: Meditate, Exercise, Travel, and play with her dog, Banksy
Next Trip: Japan or Africa
Favorite Food: Sushi
The Last Book She Read:The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.
Favorite Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
To learn more about Bespoke Opulence go to the website www.bespokeopulence.com
