New year, new round of Career Champion! This year’s line up is incredible and to kick it off we have Kellyn McMullan! Kellyn was one of my first IG friends and I have loved watching her grow ever since. She creates gorgeous content and keeps it real, a bonafide combination on Instagram. Her rapid rise in the space, along with her balance of a full-time job, is truly inspiring. You’ll love this conversation about how she created her career and how she balances it all.

1) Tell us about yourself! How do you describe your career?

Hi, I'm Kellyn (it rhymes with melon) and I'm a 24 year old living + working in NYC! I grew up in Illinois, went to college in Indiana, and now I'm living in New York with my boyfriend and am obsessed with it. I work full-time in Fashion as an Assistant Buyer at a corporate company. In my free time (nights + weekends) I work as a content creator - Instagram, Tik Tok, blog, podcast, and occasionally YouTube are my favorite platforms to create on!

2) You run the successful namesake blog and the KellynIt Podcast. How and why did you get started in these?

Thank you so much! I began my blog while in college as a way to keep my family up-to-date on what I was doing! I would write about college life, being in a sorority, fashion, and more and it actually helped me land an internship the summer after my sophomore year - I flew to NYC for a summer to be a Social Media Marketing intern at a startup jewelry company. This is where I fell in love with social media and I decided to pursue it as a side-hustle. I began my podcast recently, in September 2020 as a way to talk about topics in depth - since I felt pressured to keep things short/concise on my Instagram stories/videos. I've always loved listening to podcasts during my workdays and decided I would give it a try. So far, I love it!

3) What does your day-to-day look like?

I usually am working my corporate job from 8:30am-5:30pm (normally would be in the office but have been WFH since March 2020!). I try to take a lunch break each day to work on creating content, social media engagement, or answering brand e-mails. Once I'm done with work around 6pm, I do the rest of my "To Do" list for blogging/content creation. I spend a lot of time on my weekends shooting/editing/submitting content to brands and recording my podcast as well. It's a busy lifestyle but I'm a busy-body and enjoy it.

4) How do you balance blogging and podcasting?

It's really hard! My full-time job comes first, followed by Instagram content, then Tik Tok, then my podcast, then my blog. My blog used to be my priority in college, but lately it's been at the bottom of my To Do list. I think when content creation is a side hustle, you learn to prioritize the things that bring you the most joy!

5) What is your biggest challenge in owning your own business? Proudest moment?

I love seeing direct results in the effort I put into it! Working a corporate job, sometimes I don't see the final results of what I'm working on. But when I manage everything myself in my side hustle, I can see exactly where my hard work takes me. My proudest moment would either be launching an apparel brand (Melon by K) where I sold over 70 pajama sets and donated 100% of the profits, or landing my first 4-digit brand collaboration!

6) What is your favorite memory since starting your blog and podcast? Was there a moment when you felt like you "made it"?

One of my favorite memories was when I was still living in Chicago and was invited to my first Blogger event - a rooftop pool party! I thought it was so cool to meet other like-minded people and have so much fun doing it. I think I felt like I "made it" when I got invited to a NYFW event by one of my PR contacts and it was full of celebrities! Definitely had some imposter syndrome, but it was still such a cool moment for me.

7) What advice would you give to any young woman looking to start a blog and/or podcast?

I'd say to just start!! I held myself back in college because I was scared about what people would think, and I thought I didn't have the skills/equipment needed to do it. I kept my blog very private and didn't try growing my social media on purpose. I regret not starting earlier, so if you're considering it - just take the leap! You'll learn as you go and you'll be so happy you started when you did.

8) Where do you see your career going in the next few years? What's your big aspiration?

I still see myself working at my corporate job in Apparel buying for the next few years! I'm happy in both my fashion job + my side hustle at the moment. I'd love to see my side hustle continue to grow and I'd love to attempt more video creation - on Tik Tok and YouTube. I think an aspiration of mine would be to match my corporate salary with my side hustle income at some point.

9) How do you find inspiration?

Instagram and Tik Tok inspire me so much! I follow so many other creators that inspire me in different ways. I love getting location ideas from fellow NYC bloggers, getting outfit ideas from big fashion bloggers, and love learning creative photography skills from photographers on Tik Tok. I do try to be careful about it though because sometimes I end up comparing myself to other creators which leads to burnout. Sometimes just walking around NYC by myself while listening to music inspires me! I've stumbled across some really cool spots just by walking around and clearing my mind.

10) Who is your role model?

Tezza has been an AMAZING role model to me! I've always looked up to her in terms of content creation - she creates stunning photos and isn't afraid to be herself. Her fashion style is iconic and even though she's basically a celebrity- she's actually the sweetest/most down the earth person! I got to meet her at NYFW event and we DM'd a few times afterwards. She responds to her DM's herself which I think is incredible!

11) How are you embracing your career in 2021?

I'm excited to see where 2021 takes me! I'm not one to make resolutions, but I have high hopes for the new year. I think I've learned to stand up for myself more when it comes to brand deals and I'm not afraid to put my foot down when it comes to negotiating rates/deliverables. I also am excited to share the knowledge I've gained with other creators - as there's room for all of us at the table! :)

Rapid Fire:

Favorite self-care act: Walking around NYC by myself listening to some music or podcasts.

First place to visit after COVID: Home in Illinois! I haven't been able to see my family in over a year.

Favorite meal: Tacos!!

Favorite book: Big Magic: How to Live a Creative Life, and Let Go of Your Fear (by Elizabeth Gilbert)

Favorite phone app: Tik Tok! It's honestly addicting haha

Best way to spend a Saturday: Early morning photoshoot, then brunch, then lounge around at home and then go out to a cool restaurant for dinner/drinks! :)

Thanks Kellyn for joining! Don’t forget to follow Kellyn on Instagram, Tik Tok, Youtube, and her other platforms, which are linked here. You can also subscribe to her podcast KellynIt on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, here.