Who We Are
At EatDrink Creative Agency, we build brands that people remember. We combine strategic marketing, thoughtful content, targeted digital campaigns, and social media advertising to help businesses grow their reach and strengthen their presence.
Our roots are in hospitality, where connection, consistency, and guest experience matter. That perspective guides the way we approach modern marketing and the way we support each client.
We bring a mix of creativity, real-world experience, and strategic insight to every project, turning your goals into measurable growth.
Melissa
Founder
Ryan
COO/CFO
Meet Ryan, our COO/CFO from Washington. He guides the financial strategy of the agency while architecting the systems and technology that support our work.
Ryan brings more than eight years of day trading experience and continues to trade daily, giving him a sharp understanding of numbers, risk, and market behavior. He is also a licensed real estate agent here in Arizona, and his real estate background provides valuable insight into market trends, consumer movement, and property driven decision making that strengthens our hospitality marketing strategies.
He focuses on building scalable structures, improving efficiency, and ensuring the business is positioned for long term strength. Ryan oversees the financial direction, system design, and technical framework that keep the agency running at a high level.
Michelle
Operations Manager and Lead Photographer
Meet Michelle, our Operations Manager and Lead Photographer. She keeps our workflows sharp, enhances every system she touches, and delivers standout visuals that elevate every brand we support.
Her photography has been featured in Forbes, Phoenix Magazine, Phoenix New Times, The Arizona Republic, and showcased in New York, reflecting her skill for clean, compelling food imagery that captures attention.
A Phoenix native and proud Arizona State University alum with a degree in Psychology, she brings focus, creativity, and precision to every project. Hospitality marketing is where she thrives, combining strong organization, strategic thinking, and a refined visual style that consistently drives results.
Shea
Client Manager
Meet Shea, our Client Manager and content creator who brings sharp organization, creativity, and industry insight to every brand she supports. Originally from Colorado, she has a strong background in hospitality and restaurant operations, which guides her approach to client success.
Shea manages day-to-day client needs, oversees content flow, and plays a key supporting role in our advertising efforts. Known for her artistic eye and thoughtful execution, she ensures every project is delivered with quality and consistency.
Ariana
Senior Advertising Specialist
Meet Ariana, our Senior Advertising Specialist and one of our newest photographers. Born and raised in Tucson and a proud U of A grad, she holds a BFA in Photography, which has naturally led to her expanded role behind the camera. Ariana brings a sharp mix of advertising strategy, content creation and management, graphic design, and lighting expertise to the team.
She builds eye catching ads, manages fresh and on-brand content, and keeps campaigns running smoothly from concept to execution. Her photography background gives her an elevated eye for detail and strengthens the visual quality of the work she produces.
Her favorite meal is a classic enchilada plate. Outside of work, she spends time with her boyfriend and their corgi, Otis.
Deanna
Content Creator
Meet Deanna, our content creator who brings food, travel, and creativity to every project. Born and raised in South Korea and a proud NAU grad with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and a minor in Advertising, she blends cultural insight with hospitality knowledge to craft standout content for our clients.
Deanna also serves as Melissa’s assistant, helping manage the @eatdrinkaz® influencer brand with its audience of more than half a million followers. She supports scheduling, content coordination, and day-to-day creator operations that keep the brand running smoothly.
Off the clock, she is often at the hottest events in town, from outdoor markets to pop-ups, camera in hand. She stays active with fitness classes or the gym. In her downtime, she indulges in crime shows, K-dramas, and everything in between.
Nate
Client Acquisition Manager
Meet Nate, our Client Acquisition Manager and certified Sales Savant. Born in Mesa and raised in Apache Junction, he grew up in the hospitality world through his family’s long standing ownership of the Dolly Steamboat since 1987. Being raised in a family operation has given Nate a strong, real world foundation in hospitality, guest service, and relationship building.
He has also worked in the industry himself in a wide range of roles, from bartending to bar management to GM-level leadership. This hands-on background means he knows the ins and outs of hospitality operations and understands exactly what brands need to succeed.
Nate excels at turning leads into strong, lasting partnerships and brings a sharp strategy to every conversation. A true Arizona sports loyalist, he shows up for the Suns, Cardinals, and D-backs with the same energy he brings to our clients.