Meet Melodia
Hi, I’m Melodia Medley, founder and designer of Melodia Designs—and a lifelong lover of dress-up, dance, and self-expression. What started as childhood dress-up has grown into a slow fashion brand rooted in movement, sustainability, and soulful design. Here's a look at how it all began...
My Roots
My journey started as a little girl raiding my grandmother’s collection of silky hand-me-down nightgowns. With her blessing, I transformed them into dramatic princess gowns using layers of lace, chiffon, and tulle—stitched together with an office stapler (yes, really). I’d twirl around the house in my creations, lost in a world of movement and imagination. That’s when I first discovered the magic of clothing and performance—and the power of putting them together.
The Leap Into Design
In my early twenties, I landed a job with an indie clothing brand in my hometown of San Diego, California. That hands-on experience taught me how to bring design ideas to life, and gave me the training wheels to launch Melodia Designs in 2000. My first collection? A wild mix of gothic, Renaissance, and hippy-chic aesthetics—a visual snapshot of my world at the time.
When Dance Took Over
Shortly after launching my line, I fell head over heels for Bellydance—specifically Tribal Fusion. I joined a troupe, began performing, and naturally started designing costumes that blended style, function, and flair. In 2006, I hit the road with the Bellydance Superstars, performing in theaters nationwide while selling my creations straight out of my suitcase—my own version of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It was a whirlwind of adventure (and trust me, there are plenty of stories… but we’ll save those for another day).
A Shift Toward Slow Fashion
When I returned home, I craved grounding—and yoga became my new passion. This inspired another evolution in my designs: I wanted to create pieces that moved with you through all parts of life—dance, yoga, and everyday expression.I transitioned to natural fibers like bamboo and organic cotton, and leaned fully into the slow fashion model: small batch, locally sewn, and ethically made with intention.
How We Make It
Decades later, we’re still doing things the same way—just with more experience, deeper intention, and a whole lot of heart. Every Melodia Designs piece is crafted right here in San Diego in the most literal mom-and-pop way. We hand-cut each print in-house, partner with local sewists for production, and ship directly from our home studio. When you reach out, it’s either me, my husband, or my amazing assistant replying—we like to keep it personal, thoughtful, and always rooted in community.
Built on Community & Family
Our models are dancers and friends. My brother-in-law is our photographer. And my husband—my rock and creative partner—joined the business halfway through this journey. His support, structure, and storytelling brilliance helped shape MDI into what it is today. Teamwork really did make the dream work.
Our Values
We believe in: • Slow fashion, always. • Minimal waste. • Non-toxic, compostable fabrics. • Ethical production and fair pay for our local community. We’re proud to design pieces that feel just as good on your skin as they do in your soul.
The Mission
One of my customers once called me a “goddess enabler,” and it stuck with me ever since. My mission is to create empowering, inclusive clothing that helps people feel embodied, expressive, and authentically themselves. Whether you’re dancing, stretching, lounging, or simply living—I design for movement, magic, and the beautiful, bold journey of being you.
