Greetings! I am Mellissa Jochele, also known as "Jo."

Drawing upon a career spanning over two decades in the technical and manufacturing facets of the fashion industry, along with five years of dedicated volunteer service, I have undergone a transformative shift into the realm of education and professional consultancy.

I currently hold the position of Program Coordinator for Ready to WERK, a retail workforce development program offered by the Columbus Fashion Alliance in partnership with Franklin County (Ohio) which provides BIPOC young adults with training and career development focused on the fashion retail industry. I also hold the position of Adjunct Professor within the Fashion Design & Retail Merchandising (FDRM) program at Hocking College. In these roles, I undertake a multifaceted approach to knowledge understanding & dissemination. My instructional portfolio encompasses a spectrum of subjects, ranging from the empirical study of fashion history and business to the more abstract terrain of analysis and prognostication. Additionally, I nurture students' practical competencies in patternmaking and sewing, while fostering their creativity in the domains of collection and portfolio design. Furthermore, I proudly shoulder the role of Show Coordinator for the FDRM Annual Fashion Show.

Beyond my tenure at CFA & Hocking College, I also assume the roles of Creative Director and Lead Designer at MJOCHELE™, my autonomous and ecologically-conscious fashion enterprise. Within this framework, we administer an intensive 8-week internship training program catering to students hailing from diverse colleges and universities. My involvement extends to leadership in the Columbus Fashion Council's Fashion/ED program, which offers invaluable mentorship and networking avenues to burgeoning fashion school students. Notably, I am in the preparatory stages of launching my podcast, "Split Stitches," wherein I not only share my personal journey but also illuminate the narratives of individuals who have charted unconventional paths into the fashion industry.

Dedication to community and industry betterment remains a cornerstone of my commitment. I actively serve on the board of Passport 2 Fashion (P2F), where I also assume the co-chair position for P2F's annual runway show, concentrating on promoting diversity in fashion. Furthermore, I contribute to the board of Rise Up Arts Alliance and engage as a Website Lead for the Columbus Fashion Council, an esteemed partner of CFDA Connects.

As for my professional affiliations, I am a proud member of DE-FI Global Inc, Columbus Fashion Council, Columbus Fashion Alliance, Central Ohio Costumers Guild, CFDA Connect, Fashion Group International, Costume Society of America, and International Textile & Apparel Association.

I am on a personal mission to democratize the fashion industry, ensuring that individuals and brands who are often overlooked or encounter barriers find their rightful place within it. My own background, originating from an Amish community with limited educational and career opportunities, coupled with the additional challenges of dealing with ADHD and Autism, has given me profound insights into the struggles faced by creative entrepreneurs, particularly in the traditionally exclusive realm of fashion. My life journey has been marked by experiences of trauma, scarcity of resources, self-discovery, and the enduring challenges of chronic pain and medical issues. These encounters serve as the driving force behind my unwavering commitment to champion inclusive education, design, and ethical business practices within the fashion industry.

My ultimate aspiration is to bring about substantial change in the lives of individuals, both in my immediate community and on a broader scale. As I embark on this new role as a consultant, I am dedicated to advancing my personal mission, fully aware that the more resources I receive, the greater impact I can have by providing pro bono services to those who still need them.

Want to speak with me about my expertise or my story?