Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Kinchen
Hi Melanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My creative journey started in 2017 after taking big trips to different countries for the first time. As I had all these photos from my travels. I didn’t want to keep them on my phone; I wanted to upload and share them outside of a social media platform. I knew I wanted to add long-form text to the photos. I created my blog on WordPress by myself and started writing blog posts about the different places that I traveled. During the pandemic, I started adding different categories outside of travel such as fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and small businesses spotlight. Not only did I expand my blog, What’s Next Mel but I launched my podcast for millennial women, creating conversations around personal growth, self-care, and navigating life’s transitions. This road wasn’t easy and came with a lot of trial and error. I’ve always done all of this on my own until I found someone to revamp my website to help show my content in an aesthetically pleasing way. I moved to Los Angeles in the Fall of 2021 and I stepped back from my brand until the beginning of this year (2025). From moving across the country, mental health, and a full-time job; I couldn’t find time to work on my blog or podcast. I told myself at the end of 2024, that I was going to dive back into my brand that helps me have this creative outlet and connect with so many different people. Currently, I send out a monthly newsletter to subscribers and bi-weekly blog posts, and working on the relaunch of my podcast for Q2 of 2025. You will see fresh conversations, deeper connections, inspiring guests, and more content to empower millennial women. You can subscribe via my website: whatsnextmel.com for all updates and more. I’ve learned so much from doing it on my own but in this new chapter, I’m getting help on the background stuff so I can focus on the creative aspect.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building What’s Next Mel has not been a smooth road with multiple challenges showing up through this journey. I’ve been working on my brand by myself since the beginning and continue to do so outside of hiring contract work for my website. I’ve struggled with trying to balance everything from content creation to marketing while juggling a full-time job, mental health, social life, and more. As any entrepreneur will tell you they’ve experienced imposter syndrome. Many times I have questioned if I’m doing enough, if I should keep going, or if anyone is even listening to my podcast or reading my posts. I had the bad habit of comparing my journey and success to those on social media which played on my mind. As I continue on this journey, I am learning that everyone has different roads to success and everything will happen when the time is right. Despite the struggles, I keep going because I love what I do and believe in showing up, learning, and staying consistent.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Through What’s Next Mel, I create a space for millennial women to explore self-care, lifestyle, and personal growth. My blog covers everything from fashion, and beauty, to travel and wellness, while my podcast dives deeper into conversations about navigating life’s transitions. Beyond content, I’m passionate about building a real community – not just online but in person. I’ve hosted a mini vision board and meditation event for the Spring Equinox to help bring women together to reflect, reset, and grow. I specialize in curating experiences that help women feel seen, inspired, and empowered. Whether it’s through storytelling, product recommendations, or in-person gatherings. My goal is to create a space where self-care meets real-life connections.
I’m most proud of the community that I continue to build. Seeing different women come together by sharing their stories on my podcast, or their business on my blog and events. It allows me to feel that I’ve accomplished the goal of knowing my work has helped someone feel seen and heard. The most rewarding part of it all is when people can connect with others and I receive that simple thank you email for having my platform.
I don’t just create content; I create spaces for growth. What’s Next Mel isn’t just about trends- it’s about building a lifestyle rooted in self-care, mindfulness, and evolving together. I’m intentional about fostering real connections, making sure my audience isn’t just consuming content but engaging in a journey of personal and collective growth.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my community- the people who have believed in me shared my content, attended my events, and encouraged me to keep going. From loyal readers to podcast listeners and those who show up to my events, every interaction has fueled my passion. My journey is mine, but my success is shared with those who have supported What’s Next Mel along the way. I appreciate everyone who continues to support me and being part of this journey with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.whatsnextmel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniekinchen/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@whatsnextmel92
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/whatsnextmel/
