As the CEO of Mela, Neel is a fashion designer, material science enthusiast, and lifelong creative. She holds a BFA in Fashion Design and Business Entrepreneurship from Moore College of Art & Design, and has also completed the Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School. Before founding Mela, she spent a year in Florence, exploring the world of bio-based materials and Italian craftsmanship. Neel has lived in New York City for 19 years and is also the founder of Nile Hudson, a production agency that connects U.S.-based apparel brands with premium manufacturing facilities overseas. Outside of her busy work life, Neel spends her days swimming, playing with her dog Leo, and hosting dinner parties with her signature home-cooked meals.

Teresa has served as the Executive Director at Mela since 2023. She holds a degree in Fashion Merchandise Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology and brings over 15 years of experience in fashion and wholesale. Her background includes roles in sales and store management, at companies such as The Children’s Place and Oscar de la Renta. In addition to her role at Mela, Teresa also serves as Executive Director at Nile Hudson, with an impressive portfolio that includes collaborations with industry giants such as Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, TJX, Ross, Burlington, Macy’s, Belk, and Kohl’s. Outside of work, she’s a wine enthusiast, proud mom of three boys, and dog mom to Pluto.

Charlotte is the Brand Development Manager at Mela, where she oversees social media, events, and retail experience. Originally from Rhode Island, she’s always had a passion for sustainable fashion and holds dual degrees in both Environmental Economics and Fashion Merchandising. After graduating in 2024, she departed on a seven-month backpacking trip through Asia, spanning 10 countries and countless street food meals. Soon after, she moved to New York City and joined the Mela team. In her free time, you’ll find her knitting, baking, and binging reality TV.

Lucy is the Brand Community Manager at Mela and a recent graduate of The New School, where she studied dance and minored in food studies with a focus on food health, science, and the environment. She is deeply inspired by Mela’s mission to transform food waste into sustainable fashion and also brings a strong interest in nonprofit work and food equity. In addition to her work at Mela, Lucy is a Business Development Manager for Private Label at Nile Hudson. Originally from New Hampshire, Lucy enjoys spending time outdoors, biking in the park, exploring new restaurants, and searching for vintage finds.

The most vital member of the Mela crew is Leo- a seasoned world traveler, proclaimed apple connoisseur, and expert napper! He’s a 4-year-old lab mix with a lifetime of experience protecting and entertaining the Mela team.