I. Hi! We’re happy to have you with us. First thing’s first, can you slate for us please?
“I’m Melanie Sterling. I’m forty-three years old and a publicist for Katalyst PR firm. I use feminine pronouns and I’ve been told by many I quite resemble Kate Beckinsale.”
II. It’s great to meet you. So you have to know that everyone’s been curious about you, why don’t we start with where you’re from? Tell us where you grew up and what your childhood and family were like.
“I was born in London, England and grew up there for most of my life. When I wasn’t at boarding school, at least. My father was a politician and my mum a lawyer. I know they loved me but they weren’t the sort of parents to actually say that. They very much believed children should be seen and not heard. Not to mention I can count on one hand how many times I saw them between the ages of 10 and 20. Let’s just say, I did what I wanted from a fairly young age. Still, when it was just me and my parents, I always loved it and enjoyed myself.”
III. Well, they say our upbringing molds who we become. I’m sure that you got your reputation for being (3 +/- traits) from that.
“I would say I’m determined, intelligent and a bit of a romantic, though let’s just keep that between us. Although, I know some would say I’m manipulative, condescending and hot-tempered but really, what do they know?”
IV. And what about that lead you to your current career? How did that impact you enough to want to do what you do now?
“Well, deciding to attend university here in the States was a partially defining moment. I graduated from Columbia. I knew I didn’t want to be a politician like my father. I’d thought about law but it certainly didn’t seem like the right path either. Communications seemed the way to go if only because it seemed like an easy degree while I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Eventually I found I enjoyed it and then I did an internship with a PR firm and I haven’t looked back since.”
V. That’s awesome. I’m sure our readers will love to hear that. So you knew you had a calling, what came next? How did you get yourself to Hollywood? What was your first job?
“I’m afraid it’s not nearly as interesting as it would seem. From the internships I did, I started working as an assistant at a firm in New York. I didn’t plan on staying an assistant for long though and sooner rather than later, thankfully, I became a publicist. I’m very good at my job and I stayed with my original firm until I was 30 before I finally joined Katalyst. As for how I came to Hollywood, that wasn’t so much a professional decision as a personal one. I’d been handling A list celebrities for years before moving here but my partner worked and lived predominantly here in Hollywood and so, I moved here for him. I’m just grateful there’s an LA office for Katalyst.”
VI. Of course, but we all know there’s a sea of faces out here trying to get famous as well, right? It must have been hard, the first few rejections or being told something wasn’t good enough. What was the most difficult thing you faced on your journey?
“The most difficult time? I suppose it was a mix of professional and personal. My father died 7 years ago and I was towards the end of a bad marriage with my first husband. It was a very bad time for me, emotionally and mentally and mentally, because of that my work was suffering. Suffice it to say I lost a few clients that year, unfortunately. I’ve always regretted not getting help sooner at that time.”
VII. So then what was the moment that you realized you made it? Or are you still waiting for that moment?
“Oh, that came when my boss gave me my first big client. I’d been with his company for just over a year when he decided to let me handle one of his bigger clients, an A list celebrity. Who, I’m pleased to say, is still a client of mine now. I’m quite happy being behind the scenes as a B lister. I’ve never wanted fame.”
VIII. It’s amazing when you make it far enough in this town when so many people end up giving up and going home, isn’t it? So now that you’re here, what’s next for you?
“What’s next? I suppose most would expect me to say starting my own firm but really I’m rather happy where I am for the moment. Though, I suppose you never know. My main focus at the moment is raising my daughters and making sure they have a comfortable life.”
IX. Now we know it’s personal but we have to ask, do you have any comment about the rumors going around about you?
“I’m sure there are many rumours around about me. I suppose the biggest was that I wasn’t exactly…unattached when my partner and I first got together. However, I’ve always been completely faithful to him. Anyone that says otherwise is just trying to cause trouble.”
X. Thank you so much for talking to us today. Lastly, is there anything you want our readers to know about you?
“I’m not sure if it’s of any particular interest to anyone but, I can speak three languages fluently. English, obviously. French and Russian. I’m particularly fond of yoga and try to practice every day, when I have the chance.”
