CEO & Founder Melissa Gonzalez truly grasps the concept of networking and business in New York City and beyond. Once a top executive on a Wall Street trading floor, she is now a force in the lifestyle world helping build the brand recognition of up-and-coming designers in fashion and beauty.
Melissa is a true advocate of collaboration. She was recently nominated as one of “The Top 20 Most Inspiring Individuals in New York” and as one of America’s Top 100 Young CEO’s and is taking part in a major initiative towards being a voice for the future of start ups in the US. As a voice for emerging brands and trends, she is also founder of Lion’esque Style, a cutting edge e-commerce platform for emerging brands. Tune into WPIX NY for her “Favorite Emerging Brands Made in America” and ABC Chicago to see Melissa’s “Must Have Accessories” segments.
Prior to launching Lion’esque Media, Melissa Gonzalez balanced her Wall Street career as an on-air personality as the co-host of Latin Beat on BET for 3 seasons which uncovered musical talent in the Latino market worldwide. She was also a reporter on Close UP TV for 2 seasons and has hosted numerous red carpet premiere interviews with celebrities including Maggie Q, Mira Nair, Cloris Leachman, and Eli Wallach.
“Melissa Gonzalez is a marketing mind.”
- FOX Good Day“A Petite Powerhouse!”
- Popular Hispanics“Tapping into her background as a Wall Street executive, she uses her marketing skills to show designers the best way to pitch their product and get it to the masses.”
- CBS Best of NY
As Co-Founder of RS POP, Melissa uncovers emerging talent in fashion. She scouts up and coming designers for apparel, accessories and beauty brands and helps grow their name through branding interview videos, media blitz coverage and hosted shopping events.
“Working with Melissa and the RS Pop Shop has undoubtedly helped to promote and expose my knitwear label, N:F:P. Such a unique experience being able to build out my own boutique the way I have envisioned for my brand.”
- Gail Travis, NFP Studio“Melissa Gonzalez’s exuberance, energy and professionalism knows no bounds, from creative to social media ideas, always willing to lend a hand, an idea… the list goes on.”
- Nicole Arama, Lejkarama
Who We Are
Chris DaSilva
Graphic & Website Design
As a former consultant for Conde Nast and several other prominent NYC companies, Chris truly understands the impact of the right graphic and a powerful ad. He is also the founder of CDB (Chris DaSilva Band) — so if you are lucky he may sing to you while he works!
Michael Greenlee
Visual Merchandising & Public Relations Associate
With a background in creating street stopping windows for major brands, Michael brings a strong perspective to window storytelling. Prior to joining Lion’esque Media his experience includes merchandising for JCrew, Yigal Azrouel and Nordstrom.
What Turns Him On: Great Styling! A store that has visual style so great that I am forced to purchase something.
Ingrid Ordonez
Social Media & Editorial Coordinator
From beauty to fashion to technology, Ingrid has a unique approach to social reach online. Before joining Lion’esque Media she was one of the marketing minds of Diane Young skincare.
What Turns Her On: Being inspired by the diversity in fashion, languages and faces that roam through the NYC streets.
Cinthia Torres
Public Relations Assistant, Stylist
With a passion for retail, Cinthia stays abreast of trends in fashion and beyond. She brings magnetic energy to every room she enters.
What Turns Her On: Stylists that through their own style can inspire others to be creative, daring and innovative.
Champion Hamilton
Photojournalist & Consultant
Champion is best known by the slogan, “Anyone can take a picture, an artist captures the moment.” He has over a decade of experience spanning various industries as a private content provider of photographic and written material. Often referred to as an “idea man” by his private clients, due to the collective of information he provides. His specialties are in creative innovation and technology. From red carpet premieres to product launches, Champion’s eyes are there.
What Turns Him On: Artistry that entices and inspires minds.
Jaida Lhamo Kyi
On Site Makeup Artist
Always seen with her kit in tow, Jaida began her career in makeup with Sue Devitt before we were lucky enough to scoop her up. She is our resident artist for our lifestyle photo and video shoots. When she’s free, she also freelances with Shiseido, so she’s always on top of the next hot colors and looks.
What Turns Her On: BOLD lips and subtle eyes with extended lashes for a splash of drama.
