We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Melannie Franco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie Melannie, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Short answer: Never. I say this because sadly I have seen people- owners, mainly small businesses , who unfortunately had to close down due to financial or even personal reasons, but even though with the short amount of time they had it running, I can assure these small business owners has loved every second of it and seeing the support from clients/customers (regulars!) friends and family is what makes it special and what keeps it hold in place and in memory . So for someone who wants to start up their business – “giving up” I would see it more of a -break- . No one is a failure.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a lover of art no matter what form it takes, seeing others pour their lives into their passion- I understand that there are others who see the world from in a different angle and sometimes from different lenses… and that’s when I truly get motived and inspired by others creativity. It is a form of how they express themselves or even life. I would say my work is described as a “beautiful mess”. I shoot through a film camera and admire the melancholy/nostalgia vibe due to its warm, grainy tones, almost like an actual painting. Since film cameras can be quite sensitive to light, it can be somewhat difficult to capture a picture -perfect which can appear the photograph to look blurry, which adds a unique touch to it to which I like to call it a “beautiful mess”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Bishops Arts for sure! The diversity there and the live music- seeing people enjoying all of that is the most wonderful thing! I remember specifically a Jazz band who got on everyone’s feet dancing and cheering, strangers making other strangers laugh was truly touching. United. And lets not forget some amazing authentic noodles ever- Ten Ramen in Sylvan Avenue! Give it a peep! 😉

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My list is ENDLESS. haha. So many great people but mainly my creative sidekick and inspiration, and biggest supporter my best friend Ana, who currently is studying for Cosmetology. IG (Hair.flair.by.ana) .We both plan to start our own business/projects near future together!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afilmseries/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.