Melissa Shuford shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Melissa, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me blends creativity, business, service, family and friends. I usually start my morning with quiet time – journaling, reading, centering myself or meditating. By day, I work as a caseworker at the county social services, this role keeps me grounded and connected to my community.
Otherwise, my time is spent running my event space, preparing for DJ sets, writing poetry and short stories, and rehearsing for performances. As a mother, I make sure my home and family come first, balancing care for my loved ones with the work I’m passionate about. My days are full, but they are filled with many experiences I love and moments that let me feel deeply – through art, music, family and connection.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Melissa Shuford, also known as Miss Story/DJ Miss Story. I am a writer, a poet and spoken word artist, DJ, business owner of Funkshun at the Junkshun (event venue), an event consultant and most importantly a mother.
What makes my work unique is how I blend creativity, love and connection. I’ve had the meaningful opportunity to facilitate poetry workshops with middle school students, helping them discover their voices and the power of self-expression. Whether I’m performing spoken word, DJing, facilitating poetry workshops or hosting events, my goal is to create experiences and special moments that linger in people’s hearts. I’m building Funkshun into a space where artists feel seen, celebrated, inspired and supported. Everything I do is driven by love – for my family (both related and chosen), my community, and the impact I hope to leave behind.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The first time I shared my poetry in front of an audience, I felt connected, loved, fierce and powerful! Up to that point, I was reserved and kept my writings to myself. I was extremely nervous that night, but when my words landed – the nods, the “mmm-hmmms”, the snaps, the quiet stillness, the applause – I realized the impact of my voice. That moment taught me that power does not have to be loud; it’s the courage to be vulnerable and to share what you feel deeply.
I carry that feeling into everything I do. I return to that same purpose every time I step on stage or curate an event. I am fueled by my love and memories of my sister and father, who though are no longer physically here, continue to motivate me.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, resilience, and empathy in ways success never could. Facing setbacks in my creative work, running a business, and coping with personal losses, like losing my sister and father, forced me to slow down, listen, reflect, and feel deeply. Losing my sister who was my biggest cheerleader and my father who was my foundation and strength shaped me profoundly, and I carry them in everything I do. Their memory motivates me to show up fully, create spaces where people feel seen and live with intention and love.
Success, as most people define it, can feel exciting, but it does not always teach you how to navigate disappointment or show up when times get hard. Suffering taught me persistence, the power of connection and the depth of love – a lesson I bring to every part of my life. It has changed my outlook on life and the decisions I make. It has taught me that ending something you truly believed in is not failure but a pivot. I apply everything I’ve learned in new ways and toward new adventures.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes – but it’s a polished version for the moment. When I’m DJing, performing poetry, or hosting at Funkshun I’m confident, expressive and intentionally connected.
Behind the scenes, I’m more introverted and introspective. I spend time reflecting, planning and processing my creative projects, family responsibilities and work. I feel deeply – love, grief, joy, disappointment, happiness – and it all feeds the work I share publicly. The public me is real, but it is just one facet of me. My creativity, authenticity, values and passion remain constant but are just expressed differently depending on the space I am in.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop holding myself back – overthinking, worrying about what others think, spending unnecessary time moving on from disappointments and things that do not align with my joy and purpose. That does not mean abandoning responsibility – my work, my family, my friends are meaningful – but I would be far more intentional with my time.
I would focus on creating experiences, stories and spaces that matter – making and showcasing the art I love, exploring new business ideas, and mentoring others. I see myself already moving in that direction, taking risks, and embracing pivots that allow growth. I would stop shrinking to fit expectations and start living fully, loving deeply and making every moment count – for myself, my family, my community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.funkshunatthejunkshun.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funkshunatthejunkshun & https://www.instagram.com/djmiss_story
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misstory.vibes & https://www.facebook.com/melissa.shuford.10
Image Credits
Summer Lambert Photography
Shadowraven Photography
