## Meet Melissa Barber: Bringing Energy and Excellence to Our Education Team
We're thrilled to welcome **Melissa Barber** as our newest Inside Sales Representative on the Education Team! With her blend of retail sales expertise and genuine enthusiasm for helping others, Melissa is perfectly positioned to support our educational design partners.
### From Desert to Golden State
Originally from Scottsdale, Arizona, Melissa has made California her home after graduating from the University of Arizona in 2011. Her journey in sales began in the wholesale apparel industry, where she managed accounts for major retailers while gaining valuable experience in retail management and merchandise planning.
"I love calling California home," Melissa shares, and it's easy to see why this sunny disposition fits perfectly with her spirit animal of choice – the golden retriever. "Everyone loves them!" she says with a laugh.
### What Drives Melissa
When we sat down with Melissa to learn more about what makes her tick, her passion for helping others shone through. Growing up, she dreamed of becoming a teacher, and that same desire to support and guide others now fuels her approach to client relationships.
**Her lottery dream?** Take her parents on a well-deserved vacation, support a meaningful cause, and invest in a home – priorities that speak to her character and values.
### Ready to Make an Impact
Melissa brings more than just professional experience to Tangram. Her positive energy and collaborative spirit align perfectly with our company culture. As she puts it, "I hope to bring positive energy and a great attitude" to every client interaction.
What excites her most about joining the furniture industry? "Learning how the furniture industry operates and using that knowledge to be successful in my new role." This eagerness to learn and grow makes her an ideal partner for educational institutions navigating their design challenges.
### Beyond the Office
When she's not helping clients, you might find Melissa enjoying her favorite food – pasta ("Italian food is delicious!") – or adding just the right amount of personality to her communications with her go-to emoji: 📷.
### Welcome to the Family
Melissa's combination of industry experience, natural warmth, and dedication to client success makes her a valuable addition to our Education Team. We're excited to see how her fresh perspective and positive energy will benefit our educational design partners.
**Welcome to Tangram, Melissa!** We're happy to have you as part of the family.
