Melissa Core-Caballo is not your typical CEO. She’s a force of nature—equal parts visionary, survivor, and storyteller—whose journey from the outback of Australia to the heart of Nashville’s music scene reads like the lyrics of a soul-stirring ballad.
Raised in a caravan by her single mother, Melissa learned self-reliance early on. By 24, she had nothing but a suitcase, an unshakable dream, and the conviction that America was where she belonged. But the road ahead was paved with rejection and heartbreak. After years of failed visa attempts, the sudden loss of a close friend, and emotional burnout, Melissa found herself at rock bottom.
It was there, in her darkest hour, that faith intervened. “I was walking to work when I felt this overwhelming warmth and heard a voice,” she recalls. “It reminded me of everything I’d achieved, everything I’d dreamed of, and told me not to give up.” That same day, Melissa discovered a brand-new visa program had just opened—a lifeline that allowed her to finally pursue her American dream.
Fast-forward to today, and Melissa is the founder and CEO of Dead Horse Branding, a trailblazing agency reshaping the way artists and brands tell their stories. Known for its bold creative strategies and hands-on approach, Dead Horse Branding has worked with household names like Universal Music Group, HGTV, Lionsgate, Robert’s Western World, Steven Tyler’s Loving Mary Band, and Grammy-winning producers, while also championing independent talent with the same passion.
Her secret weapon? Turning pain into purpose. Melissa’s personal struggles—immigration hurdles, loss, and the pressure of starting over—infuse her work with empathy and authenticity. She doesn’t just brand artists; she helps them uncover their truth and broadcast it to the world.
“Faith has guided every step of this journey,” she says. “We are part of something greater, and the more we surrender to that, the clearer the path becomes.”
Melissa’s story is one of resilience, but also of reinvention. By refusing to let grief or circumstance silence her, she has created not only a business empire but also a legacy rooted in creativity, courage, and conviction.
For anyone navigating the often brutal world of music and entertainment, Melissa Core-Caballo is proof that rock bottom can be sacred ground—because it’s where the strongest voices are forged.
For more information on Melissa Core-Caballo and to follow Dead Horse Branding, please visit Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Photo: Maje Saba, on-air host of the Drive Home show on i98FM Broadcasting, courtesy of Melissa Core-Caballo
