We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelyn Naveed a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kelyn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?

Before becoming a small business owner, I previously worked in accounting for a large, multi-specialty healthcare group. With the fast paced volume of the company, I quickly found that adaptability became my most valuable skill—one that I still rely on every day as a business owner. When I first joined, the company was undergoing rapid growth, acquiring new practices, expanding into new regions, and constantly upgrading systems. It felt like we were always one step behind, trying to keep up with new regulations, changing technology, and the complex needs of a diverse range of specialties. I quickly realized that rigid thinking wouldn’t work in this fast-paced environment. One of the most pivotal moments came when the company decided to switch to a new accounting software system. The transition was chaotic, with data migration issues, a steep learning curve, and an overwhelming number of tasks that needed to be done within a tight timeline. Many of my colleagues struggled to keep up, but I embraced the challenge, learning the system quickly, offering support to others, and adapting my workflow to integrate this new tool as seamlessly as possible. What I didn’t know at the time was how much that experience would shape my future as a business owner. I learned that in business, change is inevitable and often unpredictable. Flexibility became a core part of my professional identity. I learned to view obstacles not as roadblocks but as opportunities to learn, grow, and evolve. This adaptability, particularly in high-stress, fast-paced situations, became a strength that I now apply in every aspect of running my own business—from pivoting to meet client needs in real-time to adjusting my strategy as market trends shift. Adaptability, above all, taught me that success isn’t about having the perfect plan or solution right from the start. It’s about staying flexible, being open to learning, and continuously evolving in response to new challenges. That mindset has been critical in allowing my business to thrive today.

Kelyn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Kelyn’s Creations initially started out as a small hobby, creating boards & grazing tables for holiday gatherings and game nights with friends and family. I come from a big family, so growing up there was always someone at our house or vice versa. Some of my earliest memories have been gathered around the table with family members & friends, and even helping my mother, grandmother, and aunts in the kitchen. In turn, I think it made me become passionate about hosting and entertaining. The idea of owning a catering business initially came about during COVID-19, in December of 2021. With the right tools and support, we launched in February of 2022. Within our first year, we quickly transitioned from a side hustle to a full-time career. I have an amazing support network, and I am a firm believer that none of this would have been possible without the love and support of my family & friends. It’s always so exciting for me, to play a part in helping to make people’s life events special. The goal behind Kelyn’s Creations is to spread happiness, through cheese of course, with delicious and beautiful food styling.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Personal development books have had a profound impact on my approach to both management and entrepreneurship. Early on, I realized that to lead effectively and grow my business, I needed to continually evolve—not just in terms of skills, but in mindset. Books like The Lean Startup by Eric Ries and Start with Why by Simon Sinek have challenged my approach to business strategy and decision-making. They taught me the importance of being agile, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and focusing on a clear, compelling purpose that aligns with both my personal values and my mission. These insights have helped me develop a mindset where continuous learning and iteration are key—whether it’s refining business models or responding to shifting market dynamics. Personal development books have also instilled in me the importance of self-reflection and resilience. Through The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, I’ve embraced the notion of being proactive and focusing on what I can control, while understanding that growth comes through consistent, intentional actions. This mindset has not only guided my entrepreneurial journey but has also helped me build a stronger, more resilient team. In essence, these books have shaped the way I think about leadership and entrepreneurship—not as static roles but as dynamic, evolving practices that require constant self-improvement and adaptation. They’ve been a fundamental part of my growth, helping me cultivate the mindset necessary to lead with purpose, manage with empathy, and navigate the unpredictable path of entrepreneurship.

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

A few years ago, I decided to take my passion for charcuterie to social media. At first, I had no idea where to start—I just knew I wanted to share my knowledge and connect with people who shared my interests. Like anyone starting out, I posted inconsistently and struggled to gain traction. But I didn’t give up. I took the time to research what successful creators were doing. I studied content strategies, learned about algorithms, and experimented with different types of posts to see what resonated with my audience. I realized early on that authenticity was key, so I made sure my content reflected my true personality and values. One of the biggest turning points was when I committed to a consistent posting schedule. I started sharing valuable content every day—whether it was tips, personal experiences, or engaging stories that my audience could relate to. I also engaged with my followers by responding to comments, joining conversations in my niche, and even collaborating with other creators. Slowly but surely, my community started to grow. Another game-changer was leveraging multiple platforms, instead of focusing on just one. This not only expanded my reach but also helped me connect with different types of people who appreciated my content in various formats. There were challenges along the way—algorithm changes, creative blocks, and moments of self-doubt. But I stayed committed by focusing on why I started in the first place: to make an impact and provide value. I learned to adapt, experiment, and stay patient. Eventually, my hard work paid off. My audience grew, my content started reaching more people, and most recently, I have even started collaborating with brands I admire. But more importantly, I have built a loyal community of people who genuinely connect with my message. Looking back, I realize that building a social media audience isn’t just about numbers—it’s about consistency, authenticity, and providing value. And that’s exactly what I continue to show up and do every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kelynscreations.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelyns_creations/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelynscreations/