In this episode, we talk with Melody Smith Johnson, owner of Melody’s, a new co-working space at 128 Genesee St. in downtown Auburn.
We talked about her business background as an HR consultant and owner of Divine Coverings. We talked about the advantages of co-working for new businesses, both having an office infrastructure, and having other people with whom to share ideas and challenges. She told me why it’s important for her to be located on a busy street in the heart of downtown.

We discussed her many years of mentoring young people. Melody started the Beverly L. Smith Empowerment Initiative, named after her mother, to give young women of color a chance to further their educations.
We also talked about the racial attitudes of young people in light of the events and protests of the last few years.
Melody is doing great work. It is a pleasure to get to share it with you. I hope you enjoy the conversation.
After 43 years on the radio, Ted joined fingerlakes1.com in November to host podcasts and live programming. Email news tips to [email protected] Follow Ted on Twitter @FlxTed