Melissa Reed was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and pursued her higher education in Missouri, where she earned dual bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish Secondary Education with a concentration in Art. After moving to Southern California with a calling for ministry, Melissa taught high school English and Spanish for six years before stepping away from traditional teaching to pursue her creative passions in the arts. She graduated from Cinema Makeup School in Los Angeles, completing the Master Makeup Program, which launched her into the entertainment industry.

Her early work on music video sets and connections across diverse talent in the industry led Melissa to develop her own media group and booking agency. She supported and handled day-to-day management for notable talent including R&B artists and actors Mario, Lloyd, and Jeremih, and secured collaborations and events for artists such as Master P, Chris Brown, Jhene Aiko, and Busta Rhymes. 

As co-founder and owner of a celebrity event planning company, Melissa has created and facilitated events for superstars including Kevin Hart, Ariana Grande, Kelly Rowland, Yung Miami, Christina Milian, Paul and Dorit Kemsley, and LeBron James. She now co-owns a social media marketing agency with her husband, Jeff Reed, helping brands and influencers leverage modern marketing strategies.

Melissa and her husband Jeff are also the founders of StrongHome Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families through resources that foster communication, positive relationships, and personal development. Together, they have led the creation of multiple programs, including the TeenTalk youth group, which serves over 50 students in Altadena and Pasadena, a Youth Entrepreneurship program teaching financial literacy and business-building skills, and the immersive Project Breaking Barriers IGNITE program, offering teenagers hands-on career exploration. Following the 2025 Eaton Wildfires, Melissa and Jeff helped establish three large essential distribution hubs in Altadena and Pasadena, mobilize over 700 volunteers, and deliver more than $10 million in in-kind essentials to families affected by the California wildfires. They also facilitate marriage and family enrichment events within the community. 

Beyond her nonprofit work, Melissa produces four podcasts, hosts two, and serves as the editor-in-chief of StrongHome Magazine, a celebrity-driven publication focused on prioritizing family values, distributed to over 500 local households. Known for her impactful, inspirational, and motivational speaking and writing, Melissa has spent over a decade helping small businesses with brand development and marketing while also empowering individuals and families through education, community-building, and leadership development.