The snapshot of Palm Beach is changing. Since 2016, the population between the ages of 25 and 45 has steadily increased, and the projection for the county is to reach over 1.5 million by 2022. Tourism, technology, manufacturing and agriculture are just a few of the businesses making their homes in Palm Beach County, and if you add in endless sunny days, 150 miles of beaches, outstanding universities and high schools, professional sports teams nearby and 0% state income tax, Palm Beach quickly tops the charts as the place to live. This month we catch up with a varied group of young people making Palm Beach their home. They are working here, raising their families, and wouldn’t think of living anywhere else. First up, we have Nick Mele.
NICK MELE
Photographer
Why did you choose to live in Palm Beach? Did your family have a history here or did you have a business connection here? I’ve been coming down to Palm Beach on vacation with my family since I was in high school. After living in New York, L.A. and Washington, D.C., I was looking for a more relaxed place to raise my family and start my photography business. I wanted a place that would feel cosmopolitan and attract motivated and interesting young people.
What are the positive business aspects about living here? Palm Beach has allowed me the freedom to develop my brand and style of photography that is different from other commercial and editorial work. Now, everyone has a camera and so it is very easy to get lost in the sea of photographs that we’re exposed to on a daily basis. By leaning in, I have been able to stand out to the many large brands and discerning clients who find Palm Beach and its lifestyle attractive.
How has the business community here contributed to your business? Your life? A lot of my business comes from other local businesses hiring me to photograph for them, whether it be clothing stores like Michelle Farmer Collaborate or hotels like The Colony Hotel and Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa. The Royal Poinciana Plaza, The Colony Hotel and other locations have been so welcoming in opening their doors to me as backdrops for my various different projects and shoots. At the end of the day, the majority of my work comes through referrals, and I am very thankful to the local business community for accepting me.
If you had the opportunity to live somewhere else, would you? If I could, I’d probably live several places at once, but I’m very happy here and feel blessed to raise my children in such an amazing place.
Photography by: Nick Mele
