Does the name Jessica Rabbit ring a bell to you? The Toronto native, former lead video model, Melyssa Savannah Ford was known as Jessica Rabbit due to her curvy physique to that of the “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” wife, Jessica Rabbit. Ms. Ford born to a Afro-Barbadian father and Russian and Norwegian mother is a proud of heritage; nonetheless, to be Canadian.

It all began in Toronto for her since she was discovered by video director Little X while working as a barmaid in a local club. With only$25 dollars to her name and a few suitcases Melyssa left Canada for New York City to pursue, a then, career in video modelling. 

“I’m not the promiscuous twit that I’m often mistaken for,” says Melyssa Ford, I am a businesswoman who has used videos to launch a multimedia career. My job is to sell fantasy and perfection.”

That she does sell. This model/actress/TV host/columnist/philanthropist/

activist/on-air personality has got it all going on. She does not shy away from opportunities and she very well knows how to articulate herself. I’m not mad at that one bit. 

As we can see, Melyssa Ford doesn’t only have the beauty, but she’s got the BRAINS. She graduated from York University in Forensic Psychology with former dreams to work in the CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Services), behavioural and science unit of the CIA. However, her career goals have taken her on a different path into the media/entertainment industry and she embraces it graciously. She has been featured in music videos such as Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin”, Usher “Yeah”, Mystikal “Shake Ya Ass” hosted BET’s “How I’m Livin”, BET Hip Hop Awards, appeared in TV shows and movies such as, Soul Food, Entourage, Love for Sale with singer Mya, My Bloody Valentine 3-D and many more. Melyssa is true philanthropist and community activist, she has spoken on discussion panels with various organizations such the Hip Hop Summit Action Network, Congressional Black Caucus mainly focused on improving the socioeconomic circumstances of African Americans in various communities. She was interviewed by Soledad O’Brien on CNN for the Blacks in America: “Video Vixen Too Revealing” series where the Video Vixen image was discussed.

One of the many videos that the CNN special refers to. 

She has been involved in so many things I can’t begin to highlight them all. Melyssa definitely is a Flagrant Chic, she is a multifaceted woman and there is no stopping her.  This iconic beauty can do it all. Though here career began as a video model which has brought her amazing opportunities, she has branched out of the music video industry to focus on beauty modelling, women’s magazines, acting including writing a book and upcoming screen play.

Click here to see Melyssa’s view/new ventures.

Lady Hennessey Brand Ambassador

Cover of J’Adore Magazine

Many may disagree about her beauty and what she stands for; expecially, in an industry that sensationalizes hyper-sexual images of women, many bypass the positive things that she has done. I personally find her to be a beautiful woman with an amazing sex appeal and a “to die for, killer curves”. I’m delighted to hear that she came back to Toronto for the screening Chris Rock’s movie “Good Hair” that she will be featured in.

 TIFF screening of “Good Hair”

You may have the beauty, but you definitely got to have the brains to follow, and that is what Melyssa exemplifies. Follow your dreams, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, learn from your experiences and do good by it. It’s ok to be the “Jane” of all trades, but ensure that you are the master of at least one.  For Melyssa it’s modelling and writing. We can learn a thing or two from Melyssa and that is to follow through with your goal at end. Like Tyra Banks was a modern Supermodel mogul in her time, Melyssa Ford was a modern Super “Video Vixen” mogul that has transformed her gift/career into something more rewarding.  “If you got it flaunt it” I always say, but be professional and know yourself.  Much love to Melyssa and her success thus far, as well as to come.

How do you feel about Melyssa and her new career direction?