Melvin uses his technological knowledge with the design of his new app

Grace Dietz

Executive Arts Editor

Costa junior Eshun Melvin proves to community members that he’s more than just an upcoming actor with the anticipated release of his new tech app.

Melvin’s career is just beginning to take off, as he has recently became the co-founder of a live-video app. In the past, Melvin has also acted in multiple tv shows, movies and commercials, which he continues to be famous for today. Even though he appears to have a full agenda, Melvin continues to transcend expectations by attempting to make his mark on the tech industry.

“I haven’t totally figured out how to balance everything, but I can say I’m getting better,” Melvin said. “I strive to challenge myself to learn new things, and to me it’s important to keep exploring. It doesn’t always work out perfectly of course, but it generally works well for me.”

Melvin’s app, which has yet to be named, is set to be released during the summer of 2019. The app allows viewers to stream various videos that are set to “battle” each other. The contestants upload their videos, which are randomly selected and compared by the other viewers. At the end of the viewing, people vote for their favorite video out of the two and the winner of that round progresses in the “contest.”

“We plan on having a limited number of competition types for the initial launch, but really, the competition type can be virtually anything from singing to dancing to magic tricks,” Melvin said. “We are aiming to design a platform that is not only engaging for the “broadcasters” but also engaging for the viewers.”

According to himself, Melvin first found his inspiration for the app when him, his brother and his friends told jokes in a camp cabin a couple years ago. They decided to make a game show where the person who told the best joke would win the competition. Weeks later, the group continued the game over video chat, inspiring Melvin to launch an innovative new style of social media.

“If nothing else, [the app] may help to encourage others who also have ideas to pursue their goals,” Melvin said. “Maybe what I’m doing can help others identify their passion, believe in their talents, and tap into their respective markets as they follow their dreams.”

At the young age of 14, Melvin began to delve deeper into the tech industry and experience life as a young entrepreneur. By producing, filming and starring in a commercial for Kool Aid Gummy Snacks, he managed to get his foot in the door when it comes to creating and designing his own product.

“The best part about being an entrepreneur hands down is turning your vision into a reality,” Melvin said. “I’d say the joy of having my app, my ideas and my vision tangibly in real users’ hands will motivate me all the more and continue to fuel my ambitions.”

Although Melvin is a successful actor that had roles in Teen Wolf, New Girl and Real Husbands of Hollywood with Kevin Hart, he finds entrepreneurship slightly more interesting than acting. Melvin finds that the tech industry is more diverse, and he enjoys making his own name for himself through hard entrepreneurial work.

“There’s something special about technology and entrepreneurship that fit in with my big picture mentality,” Melvin said. “I see how fast things are changing, and the common denominator seems to be tech, software and digital products, so I want to stay at the forefront of this.”

Nevertheless, Melvin strives to provide the people who will use his app with the utmost entertainment and reliability.

“I strive to do the impossible, break records and attain new heights,” Melvin said. “Imagining what I can accomplish, what I’ll have to overcome along the way and the person I’ll be at the end of all the adversity is my most compelling inspiration.”