Melanie Shellito

Founder, Design/Communications

Introduction

Melanie is an award-winning brand strategist with over 30 years of experience in building brands, identities, and marketing strategies for socially responsible organizations across a wide range of industries. Her expertise spans from creating package designs featured on the shelves of national retail chains to developing complete brand identities and marketing campaigns that have transformed small tech startups into globally recognized industry leaders. Melanie’s exceptional work has earned her multiple honors from GDUSA’s American Graphic Design Awards, and in 2022, had a logo design selected for inclusion in LogoLounge 13 — the definitive identity resource for designers, creative directors, and brand managers worldwide.

  • 30+ years building successful, scalable brands and marketing campaigns

  • Extensive experience growing retail, non-profit, and mission-driven organizations

  • Led sales growth initiatives for multiple food co-ops, each driving 25–30% growth within four months of rollout

  • Proven record of building brands that spur growth and scale for the future

  • Development of customer-centric retail graphics and thoughtful in-store messaging

Areas of expertise:

Brand strategy and identity development

  • Packaging design for national retail distribution
  • Marketing for socially responsible organisations
  • Naming, messaging, and positioning for startups and established businesses
  • Food justice and cooperative sector branding

Contact

Testimonials

I reached out to Darnell when I felt I was floundering in my business; I wanted to move in a new direction and felt stuck. Darnell listened and heard the meaning beneath my words. Her questions helped me reframe my thoughts in a more positive light – moving from ‘what’s holding me back’ to ‘what energizes me’. Darnell’s empathy and expertise pack a powerful punch. I felt heard and supported, and I came out with clarity and renewed energy.

I reached out to Darnell when I felt I was floundering in my business; I wanted to move in a new direction and felt stuck. Darnell listened and heard the meaning beneath my words. Her questions helped me reframe my thoughts in a more positive light – moving from ‘what’s holding me back’ to ‘what energizes me’. Darnell’s empathy and expertise pack a powerful punch. I felt heard and supported, and I came out with clarity and renewed energy.

Beth Saunders

Beth Saunders and Associates

Kaye and Mel are the best evah!

 

Kaye and Mel are the best evah!

 

Darnell Test

Darnell, satisfied client

I can’t recommend working with Darnell Adams enough. Darnell was incredibly integral to the process of starting my own business. She is knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, and has such a calm presence that helped ground me if I got anxious or negative about where I was at in my process. Darnell helped me organize my ideas, look at the big picture and also zoom into the details. I’m about to celebrate the one year mark of working with my very first clients and I wouldn’t be here without Darnell’s guidance. Thank you!

I can’t recommend working with Darnell Adams enough. Darnell was incredibly integral to the process of starting my own business. She is knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, and has such a calm presence that helped ground me if I got anxious or negative about where I was at in my process. Darnell helped me organize my ideas, look at the big picture and also zoom into the details. I’m about to celebrate the one year mark of working with my very first clients and I wouldn’t be here without Darnell’s guidance. Thank you!

Lottie Gurvis

oh my nosh, LLC