About Me

Twice in my life, I started out in a quiet town. Twice in my life, I always ended up moving to the big city.

I grew up in the island of Cebu, Philippines where I received a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. With how popular the occupation has become over the years, one would think that it is best route for everyone. However, I veered into a completely different path soon after I passed my nursing licensure examinations. I delved into the world of sales; something I’ve always had a natural knack for since childhood. This switch then led me to my big move to Manila, the capital of the Philippines where I pursued a career in pharmaceutical sales; a lucrative industry that I very much enjoyed being a part of for five years. 

While I was thriving in my 9-5, I was also busy building my own clothing business (which you would still see to this day as dashdollsmanila). In between sales calls and product presentations, I was setting up for bazaars, opening pop-up stores and fulfilling online orders. I was working 90hrs a week. And while that may sound tiring for some, it was euphoric for me as I was finally pursuing things that I was most passionate about. 

I somehow always knew that I would eventually be living outside the Philippines. It was only a matter of answering the questions when and where. In May 2018, I moved to Houston and made an effort to build a new life. With my passion for entrepreneurship, I started using social media as a tool to learn about blogging, fashion, and photography. And in August of 2018, with just 800 followers on Instagram, I got offered my very first collaboration with an established watch brand and I never looked back from there. 

I made the big move to New York City in January 2020. When is the best time to move you ask? NOW is what I’d tell you. Because no amount of preparation will ever prepare you. You just have to know that in order for big things to happen, bigger decisions need to be made. This marks the beginning of MELMONDIGO.COM; a collection of fashion, travel and life in the big city on a budget. Here you will find tips on how you can survive life in the big city; live it in style, enjoy it to its maximum, all while making every dollar count. Yes sis! It can be done and let me show you how *wink*

Xoxo,

Mel Mondigo