How to be a creative: Miss Mela Habijan

6 min read

Let us introduce you to Miss Mela Habijan: Television presenter, peanut butter entrepreneur and advocate for trans rights. She’s also an alumna of our International MBA and Master in Creative Direction, Content & Branding and a Triple Blue Torch winner.

We recently sat down with Miss Mela to get tips on how to be a creative. And you’re lucky enough to read what she said.

Let’s get into it!

What path leads to IE Business School?

Before enrolling at IE Business School, Miss Mela spent years carving out a diverse career. “In the Philippines I’m known as Miss Mela,” she tells us. “Whether that’s hosting a dating reality show for queer audiences, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, or running my peanut butter business. All of these roles—TV host, advocate, entrepreneur—are really intertwined. They’re not separate stories but part of my broader journey.”

Originally envisioning herself in New York, Paris, or Los Angeles, she found herself drawn to Madrid: “I took some time off to search for myself and think about what’s next. I realized it was time to leave the Philippines and pursue my long-term dream: becoming the next Oprah. Education was the key—enhancing my skills and expanding my horizons.”

And it was IE Business School’s dual degree programs that sealed the deal. “It was the International MBA combined with the Master in Creative Direction, Content & Branding,” says Miss Mela. “A conference call with Ashika from IE Southeast Asia solidified my decision. From that moment, I knew I had to apply. The rest, as they say, was history.”

Can you learn to be a creative?

Contrary to popular belief, creativity isn’t something for the special few. You just need a toolbox to elevate your vision. For Miss Mela, this meant finding ways to stay productive: “One thing I really try to prioritize is resolving creative blocks.”

“I have a few methods I use,” says Miss Mela. “Sometimes I just type out random words to spark inspiration. Other times, I watch videos—movies, Instagram reels, TikTok clips—that can help fire up my creativity. I also read a lot.”

“Speaking with different people has also been a huge source of motivation,” she continues. “Whenever I feel like I’m in the valley—the lows of my creative journey—I remind myself of the ways I’ve adapted before. I’ve learned a lot from the program that’s helped me become more creative and resourceful.”

Why study creativity?

Now, that toolkit of creativity can be kitted out with different things. And even as an experienced professional, Miss Mela still found plenty to learn: “The only Adobe tool I’d used before the program was Premiere Pro, because I create videos. Now I can use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, which are great for creating art or products related to advertising.”

“My classes in photography have really helped me,” Miss Mela adds. “The program showed me how to use cameras, so I can now direct photo shoots—even if I don’t know every technical detail. It’s also helped me craft more cohesive campaigns that communicate my message clearly, whether for branding, partnerships, or advocacy. I’ve improved at telling stories that resonate—learning how to pitch ideas from start to finish and win over an audience.”

Miss Mela also highlights her year-long project with an NGO as a centerpiece for the program. “The project’s all about social impact—using communication strategies to raise awareness and drive change. It’s a hands-on application of everything I’ve learned—covering graphic design, advertising, photography, entertainment media, brand strategy, and copywriting. All coming together to tell a story with social purpose.”

What creative career paths can you access?

The Master in Creative Direction, Content & Branding offers a wealth of career paths for graduates. Some become journalists, illustrators, or copywriters—where storytelling and visuals shape compelling narratives. Others move into interior design or advertising management or art direction, blending aesthetics with strategic promotion. Each role leverages creative vision to impact industries and audiences.

“I truly believe that advertising and marketing hold a lot of power,” says Miss Mela when discussing her own entrepreneurial journey. “Behind every business or product, it’s so important to connect with the audience—building genuine relationships. Today, society no longer just wants to buy a product—they want it to reflect their values.”

“I see my personal brands as interconnected because they all reflect who I am. That approach is about engaging your audience authentically and communicating the value behind the product—why they should care or stay loyal. It’s not just about selling; it’s about creating a connection and fostering understanding.”

What does it mean to be part of the IE community?

“When I applied to IE, my main concern was my legal name—it’s still my dead name,” Miss Mella tells us. “I asked whether I’d be addressed as that, or if they would recognize my chosen name. The school assured me they would call me Mela and regard me as a woman, which meant a lot to me.”

The IE community celebrates uniqueness. “IE has been a bridge for me to meet people from all over the world,” says Miss Mela. “It’s a rare experience—like a Miss Universe pageant, where women from different countries come together, but instead of a crown, we earn a diploma.”

Furthermore, Miss Mela’s leadership in student organizations has driven open dialogues on diversity. As an admissions ambassador, she ensures prospective queer students find a welcoming space at IE: “What I really want now is for visibility and representation of trans people in the IE community—more voices, more acceptance.”

What does it mean to be a Triple Blue Torch winner?

This was Miss Mela’s second year on the awardee list, which technically makes her a Triple Blue Torch winner. What’s more, for both the International MBA and Master in Creative Direction, Content & Marketing, Miss Mela was voted outstanding citizen by her MBA classmates. “It’s humbling because it reflects how people see my purpose—my role as an advocate for equal rights,” says Miss Mela. “In class, I’ve often shared my experiences as a trans woman from the Philippines. I talk about why creating an encouraging environment is so important to me—why I value warmth, positivity, and kindness. Growing up, I faced a lot of negativity—ostracism and judgment—and I thrive in spaces where I feel supported.”

“I make a point to smile at people, say hello to everyone I meet—classmates, professors, even staff and security personnel. I believe that when you smile at the world, it’ll smile back at you. That’s why I treat others the way I want to be treated.”

How can you follow your dreams?

Before becoming the Next Best You, Miss Mela insists you need to know your why: “If your “why” is clear, it fuels your motivation. It pushes you to try, to take chances. If things don’t work out, it might be a redirection to something better. Stay true to your purpose, and a meaningful life awaits.”

“My vision is to be the next Oprah—using my platform for change. I’ve also considered other goals, like becoming the President of the Philippines. But above all, I want an impactful life—making the world more inclusive and encouraging.”

Now, as Miss Mela nears graduation, she’s contemplating the world she wants to build. “IE has shown me I want to foster confidence and value in everyone—believe in others, and they can truly thrive.”