OUR STORY

IGNIS began with a longtime friendship and a shared belief that the most powerful brand moments are felt, not just watched.

After both training at leading performing arts high schools, the duo met at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where they earned their BFAs in Dance. What began as a shared foundation in movement evolved into two distinct careers, one rooted in performance and choreography, the other in strategy, investing, and hands-on company building.

Today, Stephanie and Melanie bring those worlds together through IGNIS, combining artistic instinct with strategic perspective to create experiences that move people, transform spaces, and brings the bold ideas of brands to life.

Co-Founder, Creative Director

STEPHANIE TROYAK

Stephanie Troyak is a performer, choreographer, and movement director whose work spans contemporary dance, immersive theater, film, and live experiences.

Over the past decade, she has built an international career as a soloist with Pina Bausch's Tanztheater Wuppertal and as a performer in Sleep No More, the acclaimed immersive theatrical experience. Her work extends across stage and screen, including luxury brand events, immersive productions, commercial campaigns, film, and music videos. Most recently, she appeared in Maggie Gyllenhaal's The Bride!.

At IGNIS, Stephanie brings a singular understanding of movement as a storytelling language, shaping how people experience a space, connect with a narrative, and feel a moment unfold.

Co-Founder, Managing Partner

MELANIE GONZALEZ

Melanie Gonzalez is a strategist, investor, and operator working at the intersection of strategy, capital, and growth.

Her experience spans strategy at large organizations, investment banking, and advising and investing in high-growth companies. She is also the founder of Navora Collective, through which she works alongside founders to turn ambitious visions into thriving businesses, combining strategic guidance, hands-on execution, and capital.

At IGNIS, Melanie bridges creative ambition and commercial thinking, bringing a perspective shaped by both large-scale business strategy and the entrepreneurial realities of building something new. She helps translate bold creative visions into distinctive experiences with purpose and impact.