Founder and Visionary
Melinda Shankar
Melinda Shankar is an award-winning actress, producer, and industry mentor with over a decade of experience in film and television. She began her career as a teenager and quickly became a household name, known for her dynamic and relatable performances. Over the years, she has appeared in numerous television series and films, earning recognition as a versatile actress with a passion for storytelling. Her achievements include multiple awards, such as the Canadian Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, as well as nominations for her work in film and TV.
Growing up in the entertainment industry gave Melinda a deep understanding of the challenges actors face, from navigating fame at a young age to transitioning into adulthood while maintaining a career. Driven by her desire to help others, she founded Miss Conception with a mission to promote holistic artist development. Her vision is to create an environment where artists can nurture their talent while prioritizing and protecting their mind, body, and soul. By emphasizing wellness, mindfulness, and long-term success, she aims to empower the next generation of performers to thrive both personally and professionally.
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As an industry mentor, Melinda provides invaluable guidance, helping her students secure bookings in TV and film while encouraging them to share meaningful stories through their craft. Through Miss Conception Productions, she creates content that entertains and inspires, focusing on narratives that explore consciousness, growth, and the human experience. She envisions storytelling as not only a reflection of culture but also a powerful tool for awakening awareness in audiences.
Melinda’s journey includes firsthand experience in acting, grant writing, production, international TV and film sales, social media marketing, and directing. These skills have given her the confidence, knowledge, and clarity to navigate the complexities of show business. Through her academy and production company, she is committed to helping artists find alignment and empowerment, fostering creativity and self-expression without the pressures of pleasing others or the desperation often associated with auditioning and networking. Her mission is to ensure artists thrive authentically and confidently in both their personal and professional lives.
