If there were one special power alumna Melanie Bullock ’96 discovered in 2020, it was adaptability.
When the COVID-19 pandemic was throwing curveballs in every direction imaginable, Melanie was able to take her years of marketing know-how and training to create her a new business. By staying flexible and nimble — as any good marketer knows is important — she has taken her passion of creating delicious cocktails and turned it into a thriving business.
Melanie originally chose UNCG because she felt it would be “an environment where I knew I could thrive.” She was familiar with the Bryan School of Business & Economics’ reputation, and since she already knew she wanted to major in Marketing and Business, UNCG would be a great fit. She also appreciated UNCG’s “just right” campus size, being the kind of place where she could “have a meaningful impact on student and campus life.”
She followed through with those intentions as a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., which she joined in 1994, as well as being crowed Homecoming Queen in the fall of the same year.
As a student, she appreciated how much she felt set up for success — especially from her professors at the Bryan School. Melanie explains:
“While [at the Bryan School], I also was offered an amazing internship opportunity working one summer at the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency in Detroit, MI. I was able to work in the Advertising Department of The Ford Company and it was a great experience.”
For current Spartans, Melanie recommends following your passion — no matter what!
“It’s that small voice in your head or that gut feeling that tells you to follow your dream. I was always drawn to entertainment, and following that passion led me to Los Angeles, CA, affording me a career I absolutely love 20+ years after graduating UNCG.”
And once those Spartans turn into alumni, Melanie advises to “be sure to give back to UNCG and your community. You never know whose life you might impact, even with the smallest things.”
As a special treat to our alumni, Melanie has created an exclusive cocktail called the “Spartan Spirit.” You can check out the recipe here, and don’t forget to share a photo of your creation on social media and tag Melanie and UNCG Alumni when you do!
The Spartan Spirit Cocktail by Melanie Bullock '96