Meet Mel
I’m Mel — a travel advisor and real estate professional with a deep-rooted background in hospitality, experience planning, and lifestyle-driven decision making. Travel has shaped my career, my perspective, and the way I help others plan meaningful experiences — whether that’s a weekend away, a family trip, or a move that supports the life they’re building.
A Foundation Built in Hospitality
My story starts in Las Vegas, where I spent my teenage years and early adulthood immersed in one of the most dynamic hospitality environments in the world. I’m a proud UNLV graduate, earning both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Hospitality Management, with a concentration in Meetings and Event Management.
For nearly 20 years, I worked in the hospitality industry — learning how experiences are designed, how logistics are managed, and how the smallest details can shape how people feel long after an experience ends. Those years taught me how to anticipate needs, manage complex planning, and deliver experiences that feel seamless to the guest.
That foundation is the backbone of everything I do today.
Entrepreneurship and Experience Design
In 2012, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where I founded Vino & Canvas, a mobile paint-and-sip business that grew into Arizona’s largest in its category. Over nearly a decade, I produced and managed thousands of events, working with individuals, corporations, nonprofits, and private clients.
Running that business sharpened my ability to:
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Plan experiences for different personalities and group dynamics
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Manage timelines, vendors, and expectations
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Create moments that felt personal, memorable, and effortless
While the business itself eventually closed during the pandemic, the experience never left me. It shaped how I think about planning, hospitality, and service at the highest level.
“Experience matters — especially in moments where representation, communication, and trust are everything.”
When Travel Leads to Bigger Decisions
Sometimes travel opens the door to bigger questions. A place feels different. A pace feels better. A routine feels more aligned.
That’s where real estate naturally comes into the picture.
I’m a licensed REALTOR® and Broker serving North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arizona, and all real estate services live at CLTLuxury.com. As a travel advisor and real estate professional, I support clients navigating relocations and lifestyle-driven moves — but only after travel has provided clarity.
Travel informs. Real estate responds.
Who I Work With
I work with people who:
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Value thoughtful, well-planned travel
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Want experiences that feel seamless and intentional
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Are navigating transitions — big or small
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Prefer guidance without pressure or constant selling
How I Add Value
I approach travel and relocation the same way I approached hospitality and event planning for years — with intention, preparation, and care for the full experience, not just the outcome.
What that looks like in practice:
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Thoughtful planning that considers pace, timing, and how a trip fits into real life
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Attention to details that reduce stress before, during, and after travel
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Guidance shaped by experience — not trends or shortcuts
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Support that feels calm, organized, and personal
Whether planning travel or navigating a move, my goal is to create experiences that feel seamless and well-considered — not rushed or overwhelming.
Planning what’s next?
Whether you’re thinking about travel, exploring a new season of life, or simply looking for thoughtful guidance, I’m here to help you plan with intention.
Real estate services available at CLTLuxury.com