We were lucky to catch up with Kalinivel Melo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kalinivel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Have I been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work? Yes and I’m beyond grateful for it. But let me be clear, it wasn’t always this way. While entrepreneurship is often glamorized, the truth is it takes deep internal work, risk and a whole lot of faith. Still, it’s incredibly rewarding to do what you love from a place of purity and purpose, allowing clients to recognize that for themselves and naturally transition into long-term retainer clients.

Since I was young, I’ve always felt destined for more, not in a materialistic sense, but for more meaning, more purpose, and more depth. I envisioned myself as a beautiful and confident woman, known not only for her talent but also for her heart and character. I wanted to be someone who left others feeling inspired after every interaction.

Before I ever made money from creativity, I was already living in it. I created content for myself and for others simply out of love. My first official venture was a streetwear brand, where I also had the opportunity to be part of a photoshoot and contribute to the website design. That experience sparked something within me. I fell in love with the process of transformation, storytelling, and creative expression.

For years, I worked jobs that didn’t quite align with my purpose. Yet even in those spaces, my energy and inspiration never left me. Deep down, I knew I was meant to help people unfold their stories even as I was still unfolding my own. We all carry powerful narratives within us and I’ve always felt called to help others step outside their comfort zones to discover that truth for themselves.

Everything shifted when my friend Briana Ortiz, Founder of Neighbors Studio, introduced me to Vanessa Contreras, Founder of So Nessasary Creative. Through Vanessa’s mentorship and guidance, I learned to see content creation differently. It wasn’t just about using a camera, it was about using my mind and heart to shape intentional narratives. The space she created for me to grow completely changed the game.

Eventually, I quit my last full-time job without a plan. I just knew I was done playing small and living out of alignment. I was ready to step fully into who I was anointed to be. The first few months were a whirlwind. I woke up early every day with nothing but faith and fire. I started editing videos, reaching out to my network, and asking: “Who needs help? Who’s looking for a creative?”

One of the biggest shifts I made was moving from being behind the camera to stepping fully into action. I stopped waiting for opportunities and started creating them. That mindset of taking initiative, leading with service, and trusting my intuition became the foundation of everything I do now.

Looking back, sure, things could have happened faster. But I’ve learned that my journey has its own purpose. I’m intentional, I’m enjoying every moment, and I’m in no rush. Everything is unfolding exactly as it’s meant to.

Here are the biggest lessons my journey has taught me:
1. Energy is currency.
2. People feel your spirit before they see your skills.
3. Lead with love and speak boldly on what you believe in.
4. Mentorship matters.
Surround yourself with people who pour into you and pour back just as generously.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi everyone, my name is Kalinivel Melo, but in the creative world, I’m known as LINI. As a Creative, I partner with communities, personal brands, business owners, and events to tell meaningful stories through content creation. You might be wondering how I got into this field, and the truth is, it all started with networking and a deep eagerness to learn from professionals already doing the work. While juggling full-time and part-time jobs, I still carved out time to pour into my craft, building confidence, believing in my vision, and slowly taking off.

I offer a range of services including content creation, brand consultations, social media strategy, social media management, video editing, and graphic design for flyers, carousels, reels, and static posts. My work creates space and direction for clients to feel confident in front of the camera and step outside of their comfort zones, or as I like to say, step out of their “old version.” If something isn’t working, doing more of the same won’t change the result. My goal is to help people shed what no longer serves them and step into the version of themselves they truly want to become.

What sets me apart is my personal journey. I wasn’t always this version of myself. I found my light by helping others find theirs, and that’s why I lead with understanding, intentionality, and care. I take the time to learn who you are, what your vision is, and how I can support you in reaching your goals. Not everyone is willing to do the deep work but I am, and I bring that into every project.

What I’m most proud of is that I practice what I preach. I started from nothing. No applause, no audience, just belief in myself. And now, people feel my energy, my pure heart, my character, and the impact is real. My community is growing and it means the world to me.

If you come across me, my brand, or my work, I want you to remember one thing: keep going. When you move from a place of purity and stand firm in your character, everything will come back to you tenfold.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

One of the main compliments I receive is about the content I create, whether it’s for myself or for others, and I’m always grateful, because support is free. If I had to share the real “secret” behind building an audience on social media, it would be this: Be yourself. It sounds simple but it’s powerful.

So many of us fall into the trap of comparison. But when you release the pressure to maintain an image or compete with others, you create space for inner work. You reflect on who you are and lean into the version of yourself you’re becoming. I used to feel like no one was watching or supporting me, but once I shifted my focus from who wasn’t showing love to who was and started pouring back into those people and spaces, everything changed. Both personally and professionally, that shift in mindset opened new doors.

My biggest advice is top trying to be picture-perfect. Show the real you. Show the process. Show what it truly takes to be you, flaws, growth, and all. People connect most with what they can relate to and there’s nothing more powerful than authenticity.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies I’ve used to grow my clientele is creating a space where people feel seen, understood, and connected. I focus on being relatable, showing the intention behind my work, and consistently reflecting as a Creative. When I transitioned from being newly unemployed to fully self-employed, I had to return to the basics. I literally sat down and asked myself: What services do I actually offer? At the time, I believed I only had two ways to bring value or generate income but that mindset shifted once I started thinking outside the box.

I realized that everyone is at a different stage in their business journey. Some are just starting out, while others are more established. So, I designed flexible packages that could meet people where they are. This not only helps clients feel supported, but it also ensures I’m being fair to myself based on the scope of each project. For me, it’s about giving people the opportunity to brand themselves, tell their story and move forward in a way that feels aligned.

Another game-changing strategy has been networking. As I continue to show up and do intentional work, people connect not just with what I do, but with who I am and most importantly, the results I help create. Lastly, having systems in place has been key. Systems create boundaries, structure, and strategy that keep both me and my clients aligned and thriving. At the end of the day, respecting your boundaries is a crucial part of respecting your craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linimel.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linimel_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalinivel-melo/

Image Credits

@linimel_
@sonessasarycreative