About Me
My name is Melissa James, and I'm just a creative bee—I never seem to run out of ideas. That's why I enjoy working with so many different clients. Since starting Creative Copy & Design LLC in 2013, I've written, edited and/or designed for more than 60 organizations. Most are small businesses and nonprofits, but some of my clients have been large companies and institutions, including Home Depot corporate, Cleveland Clinic, University of Massachusetts, George Washington University, and the College of William & Mary. Some favorite local clients have been Quality Built Exteriors, Play A Round Family Fun Center, Virginia Living Museum, Word Roots Tutoring & Literacy Innovation Center, and a large number of child care centers, churches and neighborhoods.
I've worked in communication since 2001, and am married with a middle-school daughter and high-school son. I'm an active volunteer in my community (Yorktown, Virginia) and especially enjoy mentoring high school and college kids who want to go into the communication field. I also enjoy art, directing theater, ringing in my church handbell choir and singing... all additional forms of communication!
Work Experience
Marketing Director
The Curtis Group
Nonprofit consulting firm
Virginia Beach, Virginia
2014 –2017
Downtown Hampton Child Development Center
Early childhood nonprofit
Hampton, Virginia
2008 –2014
Managing Editor
Colonial Williamsburg
Products Division
Home furnishings brand for nonprofit foundation
Williamsburg, Virginia
2005 –2008
Copywriter
Rings & Things
Wholesale jewelry supplies
Spokane, WA
2003-2005
Copy Editor
incl. Headline Writing
and Page Design
The Spokesman-Review
City newspaper
Spokane, WA
2002-2004
The Standard-Times
City newspaper
San Angelo, TX
2001-2003
Education
Bachelor's in Journalism &
Mass Communication
Second major in Spanish
UNC-Chapel Hil
1997–2001
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Graduate with distinction
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Alpha Delta Sigma
(National Advertising Honor Society)
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Certificate in Nonprofit Management
Academy for Nonprofit Excellence
Tidewater Community College
2010-2014
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In this renowned program, I gained a well-rounded knowledge of nonprofits including how to increase effectiveness, build capacity, and enhance the mission of the nonprofits for whom I provide marketing services.
Honors
Silver Winner, 2008
Multichannel Merchant Awards
Copywriter, Williamsburg Catalog
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"The MCM Awards are the industry’s top honors for B-to-B and B-to-C multichannel marketers. Formerly the Annual Catalog Awards and the I.Merchant Awards, the MCM Awards continue the tradition of recognizing superior print catalogs and websites from around the globe. Gold and Silver awards are given out for quality in both print and web."
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Shown with husband
Lt. Col. Derek James
"Top Forty Under 40" Winner, 2018
Inside Business Magazine
This award is given to young business leaders in Hampton Roads who have demonstrated both success in their field and a deep level of community involvement and volunteerism.
Women in Business Achievement Award, 2022
Inside Business Magazine
The 2022 Women in Business Achievement Awards are designed to celebrate women who have been successful in their business and careers, have made a significant impact on the business community and local economy and have served as mentors and examples to others.
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