Meet Jamel Robinson of melini in Midtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamel Robinson.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been an entrepreneur, with a strong passion for art and technology, since early childhood. I was born in Brooklyn, NY, where I had my first job as a sales rep/chef assistant working for my father’s catering business. I remember going door-to-door promoting his services, closing deals, and staying up late preparing food for the events. As such, my dad inspired me, at an early age, to create my revenue stream by drawing art portraits, win art competitions, and attend art shows that led to sales.

I started melini during the summer of 2014, in my college apartment, during my junior year at North Carolina Central University. My dad and I had the vision to create a local video guide app, that gives you a review with a view while preventing fake reviews at the front door.

We experienced first hand, how one fake review can make or break a business. My dad’s catering service was doing great until a customer made him aware of fake Yelp reviews left by spam bots and third-party companies, which decreased sales. The end of summer 2014, before starting my senior year of college, and before filing for Melini’s LLC, my father passed away, but I am going to manifest this vision/idea for my father and family. As such, melini protecting local businesses is like my dad’s business.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road of entrepreneurship is not easy, but worth it. Yes, I’ve struggled along the way. I had a tough time staying focus after my dad passed away. I battled depression back then, and I still do. Melini was affected in all areas, including hiring a development team and funding the company. I had to sacrifice a lot to get to where I am today by maxing out my student loans, taking out a personal loan and work for Uber to fund my start-up.

To explain further, its nothing like being on a strict app development budget to only get scammed by developers. The development team I hired in Atlanta claimed they had knowledge and experience with coding a video platform, but time revealed the truth. It was an expensive lesson I learned, but I’m happy it happened. As a result, I reshaped and restrategized my idea as I searched for the next team and created a better, more innovative, melini.

Please tell us about melini.
I am the Co-founder & CEO of Melini. The name Melini comes from millennial since millennials want to “see it to believe it.” I created a mobile guide app that gives you a “review with a view.” Melini displays 15 seconds verified video reviews, created by customers, helping you discover the best restaurants, places to go and shop without second-guessing the reviews recommended. We layered our platform with protection via our patent pending, artificial intelligence, online bodyguard: a simple solution preventing fake reviews at the front door. As such, melini ensures a trusted platform for local businesses.

I have a Bachelor Science degree in Criminal Justice, so I used my detective skills to learn the creation of unique UI and UX development, strategize growth, manage projects, and create and edit video footage.

What sets melini apart from our competitors can be summed up in a few words: “Real people, Real reviews, in Real-time.” Specifically, we prevent fake reviews via our online patent-pending online bodyguard, which I developed the idea for thanks to my criminal justice background and degree. We gear our video-only platform toward millennials and age groups that enjoy video content more than traditional text reviews. Accordingly, our innovative approach displaying real-time verified video reviews separates us from our competitor’s.

Traditional top review sites are overwhelmed with spam: fake profiles and reviews luring for years with no solution in sight. This problem is affecting business owners and consumers nationwide, but melini created a solution: layers of protection that don’t allow you to leave a review unless you’re at the business location or provided with a QR code.

How do you, personally, define success? What’re your criteria, the markers you’re looking out for, etc.?
I define my success as pursuing your passion while making a positive impact in your field, community, and nation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melini.co
• Email: Meliniapp@gmail.com
• Instagram: melini.co
• Twitter: melini.co

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