MODEL, ENTREPRENEUR, AND REALTOR MELISSA RISO IS TAKING MIAMI BY STORM BY JENNIFER VIKSE PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JOSHUA PAULL

INDUSTRY: How did you get started modeling?

MELISSA RISO: I got started by getting asked to film in infomer cials for skincare products and modeling for the imported car scene. I’ve been on the cover of more than eight car magazines and built a fan base that way.

IM: Tell us about some gigs you’ve done.

MR: I’ve done so many gigs over the years that it is hard to break this down. Some of the gigs that I have done are Pepsi commercials, infomercials, and music videos with Chris Brown and Tyga. I’ve done short films and runway modeling for cloth ing and bikini lines and hosted charity events. I’ve done a little bit of everything.

IM: What is your favorite thing about the summer season?

MR: I’m an Island girl. It is in my blood to love the sun, being a Guamanian girl. Not only is getting vitamin D good for you, but it is also good for you mentally. Summer is my happiest time of the year. It’s perfect weather and makes me want to be really active outside. Summer is when I’m out riding bikes, jogging, and lying out by pools and beaches. It’s just so good for my mental and physical health.

IM: Does your background influence your look?

MR: Being both Italian and Guamanian influences my look because it is considered exotic. People can’t tell what national ity I am. It helps me book gigs because my look is diverse. If I am auditioning for a Spanish role, they would book me for it based on my look, even though I am not. So, I believe it will help my career in many ways.

IM: Where are you currently living?

MR: I am currently living in Miami, Florida. I love it so much here because it feels like summer all year long!

IM: Tell us about your career.

MR: My career is the true definition of an entrepreneur. I was a hair stylist for 12 years and owned a men’s hair product called Mr. By Melissa Riso. I have been acting and modeling for 20 years. I have invested in companies such as Sugar World and I own equity in Glow energy drinks, having been their influencer for three years now. I am now a realtor in Miami, and I buy and flip homes for a living. I am also in the process of helping a new company run an agency for women. Over the years, I have experienced a lot of different fields. People on social media think, “Oh, she’s just an influencer,” but I am so much more than that. I am a business woman with a lot to offer.

IM: What do you hope for your future?

MR: What I wish for my future is to own multiple properties. I hope to kill it in my real estate career here in Miami. I also hope to build amazing friendships here and enjoy my success with others. I always want to have big goals and challenge myself to be better each year. Settling is not an option for me.

MELISSA RISO

@POSHMODELS

AGE: 37

HEIGHT: 5’2”

WEIGHT: 105

MEASUREMENTS: 34C-24-34

SHOE SIZE: 6

HAIR COLOR: BLACK

EYE COLOR: HONEY