๐ŸŒฟ Melissa Sheldon | Communities & Content Specialist | Marketing, PR & Social Media Expert Iโ€™m a highly driven and versatile professional with over 15 yearsโ€™ experience in marketing, digital content, and community management. My career spans from broadcast journalism at the BBC to founding and growing two award-winning tourism businesses, and now managing global online communities for HomeExchange. With a combined social media following of over 25k, Iโ€™m passionate about authentic storytelling, brand engagement, and creating spaces where communities thrive. I bring creativity, strategic insight, and a results-driven approach to every project โ€” whether itโ€™s building a brand from scratch, crafting compelling content, or managing digital conversations at scale. Outside of work, Iโ€™m a keen traveller, advocate for the sharing economy, and recently completed a self-build project in North Devon. ๐Ÿ“ Based in Braunton, Devon ๐Ÿ’Œ _Email not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_โ€ฆ

Melissa Sheldon

๎˜‚๎˜‚
๎˜‚๎˜‚
๎˜‚๎˜‚
๎˜‚๎˜‚
๎˜‚

๐ŸŒฟ Melissa Sheldon | Communities & Content Specialist | Marketing, PR & Social Media Expert Iโ€™m a highly driven and versatile professional with over 15 yearsโ€™ experience in marketing, digital content, and community management. My career spans from broadcast journalism at the BBC to founding and growing two award-winning tourism businesses, and now managing global online communities for HomeExchange. With a combined social media following of over 25k, Iโ€™m passionate about authentic storytelling, brand engagement, and creating spaces where communities thrive. I bring creativity, strategic insight, and a results-driven approach to every project โ€” whether itโ€™s building a brand from scratch, crafting compelling content, or managing digital conversations at scale. Outside of work, Iโ€™m a keen traveller, advocate for the sharing economy, and recently completed a self-build project in North Devon. ๐Ÿ“ Based in Braunton, Devon ๐Ÿ’Œ _Email not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_โ€ฆ

Available to hire

๐ŸŒฟ Melissa Sheldon | Communities & Content Specialist | Marketing, PR & Social Media Expert

Iโ€™m a highly driven and versatile professional with over 15 yearsโ€™ experience in marketing, digital content, and community management. My career spans from broadcast journalism at the BBC to founding and growing two award-winning tourism businesses, and now managing global online communities for HomeExchange.

With a combined social media following of over 25k, Iโ€™m passionate about authentic storytelling, brand engagement, and creating spaces where communities thrive. I bring creativity, strategic insight, and a results-driven approach to every project โ€” whether itโ€™s building a brand from scratch, crafting compelling content, or managing digital conversations at scale.

Outside of work, Iโ€™m a keen traveller, advocate for the sharing economy, and recently completed a self-build project in North Devon.

๐Ÿ“ Based in Braunton, Devon
๐Ÿ’Œ Email not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup

See more

Language

English
Fluent
French
Intermediate

Work Experience

Online Communities Manager at HomeExchange, Remote
January 1, 2025 - Present
Manage HomeExchange Members Facebook Group (over 15,000 engaged members), create a positive, collaborative space for sharing, advice, and peer support; lead moderation for the HomeExchange public forum; oversee the English-language HomeExchange Facebook page (1M+ followers); curate content that informs, educates, and inspires; monitor community sentiment; escalate member feedback; collaborate with cross-functional teams to represent the communityโ€™s voice internally.
Founder & Director at Coastal Cabins Glamping
December 31, 2024 - October 13, 2025
Founder and Director of a glamping business; built the venture from the ground up, responsible for marketing, bookings, and customer service; led overall operations and growth in Hartland, Devon.
Founder & Director at Hartland House Spa
December 31, 2018 - October 13, 2025
Founder and Director of a successful health spa; managed marketing, customer service, and operations; led a team of 10+ staff; contributed to industry recognition through awards.
Senior Broadcast Journalist at BBC
December 31, 2011 - October 13, 2025
Senior broadcast journalist; produced news outputs for television and radio; worked in London studios; led reporting on business and economics; skilled in public speaking and handling challenging audiences; contributed to health, travel, and lifestyle segments.
Recruitment Specialist / Journalist at IBM
December 31, 2003 - October 13, 2004
Part of a team recruiting staff for IBM. Included public speaking and extensive UK wide travel
Content Creator and Brand Ambassador at Various, Remote
October 13, 2020 - Present
Creating reels, stories, stills, and carousels tailored to brand messaging and campaign goals. Acting as a brand ambassador, aligning with tone and audience values. Managing online communities. Copywriting and editorial work including reviews, articles, and captions. Researching brand identity and audience to inform content strategy

Education

Bachelor of Science in Politics with Economics (with placement year at IBM) at University of Bath
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2005
A-Levels in Business Studies, French, General Studies, Accounting and History at EdgeHill College, Bideford, Devon
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2001
GCSEs at EdgeHill College, Bideford, Devon
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 1999

Qualifications

Visit Devon Tourism Award Bronze - Glamping Business of the Year
January 11, 2030 - October 13, 2025
North Devon Business Awards - Digital and Online Achievement Finalist
January 11, 2030 - October 13, 2025
North Devon Business Awards - Excellence in Hospitality and Tourism
January 11, 2030 - October 13, 2025
Quality in Tourism Finalist - North Devon Business Awards
January 11, 2030 - October 13, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services