Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiana Canady.
Hi Kiana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started both of my businesses the summer of 2020 when I took a leap of faith and moved from my home state to Atlanta Ga. I am the owner of Melones Event Planning LLC and the KianaLeshelle brand. I started my event planning journey in April of 2019 when I had the pleasure of hosting my little sister’s baby shower. I was hooked ever since then. I’ve always had a keen eye for event decor and design since I was a teenager. I enjoyed throwing parties and events for me and my friends. I also did multiple internships with The Diversity Connection a Minnesota-based event planning company. I decided why not make a career out of something I love to do. Melones Event Planning LLC is named after my late uncle Jerry Melones Edwards Jr. who always spoke positivity in my life and pushed me to be who I am today. I now give my clients a space to make their event dreams a reality. I started my YouTube channel (KianaLeshelle) August 13, 2020 about a month after I made my big move. I wanted to tell my story and let the world into my chaotically inspiring life. I’ve gone through a lot of different trials and tribulations in my life that has molded me into who I am today. I know that’s such a cliche thing to say especially for someone my age as well. I wanted to show others that no matter your circumstance you can overcome anything and still come out on top. As long as you stay consistent and true to yourself, no one can stop you. I know it’s easier said than done trust me, I struggle with it every day. That’s why I have both of my platforms today to show anyone that anything is possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
What’s your definition of smooth lol….No it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. It’s been quite bumpy to be honest. I made my big move in 2020 to Atlanta with such high hopes for the opportunity that this amazing city has to offer. I thought I was going to come and it was just going to be smooth sailing. Boy was I mistaken!! I’m grateful for the business that I do have but I have days where I wish I had more. Atlanta is a word of mouth state for sure, so knowing the right people helps a lot. I’m learning that it takes patience, hard work, and CONSISTENCY I put that in all caps because that was/still is my biggest struggle. I know I could be so much farther with my event planning business and YouTube channel if I was more consistent. I would be farther if I didn’t allow my personal struggles affect my mindset. I suffer from severe depression and anxiety, I will often have moments where I am doing great mentally and everything is going wonderful in my life but it one thing negative thing happens to me I will mentally go in such a dark place and it’s very hard for me to get out of. Trust me when I say Kayne wasn’t lying when he said getting out of the sunken place is hard. I am constantly dealing with it all the time. I have had to learn that I am running my own race and my story isn’t going to be the same as others and that’s ok. Because what’s for me will happen.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I like to call myself a serial creative because I have so many niche’s that I can’t just choose one. I specialize in event decor and balloon design as well as makeup. I’m known for my unique balloon designs and my different makeup looks. I am most proud of my makeup progression and balloon design progression. I am self-taught in both makeup and event design. I love telling people that I have a degree from YouTube University because that’s where I learned everything I know from. I feel like the unfortunate circumstances I’ve gone through in my life set me apart from others is my ability to prosper no matter the unfortunate circumstances I have gone through in my life. I have a successful business and YouTube channel even with everything I have gone through. I moved forward even when others told me I would be nothing.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am a felon… I know it sounds terrible, it’s taken me seven long years to truly accept that part of my life, Love myself, and grow from it. I was young dumb and in love and allowed someone that I thought loved me, put me in such an unfortunate circumstance. Instead of allowing that circumstance to ruin my life completely, I used it to help others young and old. I now use the platforms I’ve been blessed with to tell my story and spread awareness to other felons and others that life gets better! I am always telling others that anything can happen because I’m a living testimony to that. I have had very successful jobs and opportunities in my life. I’ve meet amazing people and have spoken at multiple events speaking on moving forward even when the current circumstance you’re in seems impossible to get through. Most people hear felony and think negative all the time and assume that person is just terrible that they’ll never succeed and will amount to nothing. Well that isn’t true at all because you’re not your circumstance you’re so much more!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.meloneseventplanningllc.com
- Instagram: @KianaLeshell / @meloneseventplanningllc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA3VY5YBbscQ68yjgc4SSjA
- Other: https://www.canva.com/design/DAEp80aTOj8/UKC_OSWUmvv5oz0QDsRWMw/edit?utm_content=DAEp80aTOj8&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
