MY PORTFOLIO
From punchy films to websites, podcasts and reports featured in
BBC, Financial Times, Forbes, The Guardian, The MJ + The World
Retail Congress, I’ve brought bold ideas to life for global leaders
— from an African founder navigating the United Nations
General Assembly and Climate Week NYC, to an American entrepreneur leading hands-on brand workshops with
their team to a British CEO redefining their story.
Much of my work sits under NDA (serious business 😉)
— so this is a curated glimpse.
FILM, VIDEO & EVENTS
From Somerset House to the Palace of Westminster, collaborating with Sir Trevor Phillips OBE,
Marc Woods at the Paralympics, Daniel Taylor MBE championing the Windrush legacy, and
Kamel Hothi OBE (Alzheimer’s Society) — alongside start-ups and podcast founders —
my work spans ambitious, high-impact projects across signature events, social
initiatives and creative storytelling.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Partnering with exceptional creatives like Andrew Kyle (McLaren, Nespresso, Four Seasons), Andy Curd Productions (John Cleese, Aldi, Deloitte), and Roger Harris (HM The Queen, Sir David Attenborough, UK Parliament),
we’ve captured everything from striking book promos and bold website imagery to sleek corporate portraits,
high-profile commissions and private events.
While the photography here is pretty wow, the pieces closest to my heart—the passion projects—are even more special… scroll down and you’ll see what I mean.
HOLDING SPACE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
I volunteer my creative + marketing skills to youth arts spaces — capturing performances at the West End,
Richmond Theatre, and open-air shows at Ham House + Strawberry Hill House, running social media
and chaperoning on show days.
WRITINGS
I’m a South African Indian woman, raised during apartheid, who learned early to claim her voice—and I’ve never been shy about using it. Writing has always been how I make sense of the world.
It’s where I think out loud, sit with joy and grief, identity and heritage — and everything in between.
In partnership with Equi, a UK think tank producing ethically driven research informed by Muslim insight.
FAITH AS A BRIDGE
Confronting Anti-Muslim Hatred/ Islamophobia in the UK
I grew up in apartheid South Africa, where racial divisions were enforced by law, yet faith often transcended these barriers. Communities of different religions shared faith celebrations of Eid, Diwali and Christmas side by side, with equal joy. Faith was a bridge, not a barrier.
So, when I moved to the UK and first heard the word Islamophobia, I was stunned. It was a concept I had never needed to understand. How could something so alien to my experience be so entrenched here? The promise of diversity felt real on the surface, but beneath it, I began to sense the reality of the fear, the misunderstanding and the distance.
PODCAST
From a casual conversation to a full-blown podcast, School of Rock Bottom has grown over three years into
nearly 100 bi-weekly episodes — with Spotify downloads rising from 10 a week to over 5,000, and
more than 1 million views on YouTube.
Hosted by actor, voice artist, recovery coach and Alcohol Change UK ambassador Oliver Mason
(yes — my husband), the show shares deeply human rock-bottom stories of survival, hope and transformation.
This is far from his first rodeo. A BBC veteran who has interviewed Hollywood names like Jackie Chan and
Kirsten Dunst, Oliver brings each story to life with rare honesty, courage and heart.
Featuring voices from across the arts, entertainment and everyday life, guests have included
Kathy Tyson (The Help), David Schaal (The Inbetweeners), Malin Andersson (Love Island),
Rupert Hill (Coronation Street) and DJ Fat Tony.
School of Rock Bottom has been listed among the top wellbeing podcasts by The Week and featured on Spotify alongside voices such as Jay Shetty, Mel Robbins and Steven Bartlett.
Melani worked on a contract basis to conduct a full brand assessment of our business. She was hard-working, innovative, and highly knowledgeable in her field. Mel was also a breath of fresh air and great fun to work with.
I would highly recommend her for any marketing consultancy work
— you won’t be disappointed.
James — MD | Recruitment & Consulting Firm
