Cristina Meléndez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Cristina , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I wake up and start my day by grabbing my journal and writing my Morning Pages (if you know you know) for about 20-25 minutes. After that, I read my daily passage from Melody Beattie’s “Journey to the Heart,” that immediately takes me to the present moment. I try to avoid screens in the morning and prioritize stretching, breathing, hydrating and getting a yummy meal in before I move on with the rest of my day. Those first 90 minutes are for ME; the texts, the news, the emails can all wait!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
For sure! My name is Cristina Meléndez. I was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico and raised in Miami, FL. I have over seven years of experience in broadcast media as a bilingual on-air reporter and voice over actor. I have also served as a model, commercial actor, and most recently a community organizer, through the collective I co-founded in 2021 called Skate Nymphs!
Skate Nymphs is a network created by and for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA folks to feel safe and seen in a space that’s often marginalized. I’m very proud to say that we’ve hosted over 100 events, meetups, and activations with local and national partners like Red Bull and Etnies. Recently, we celebrated our four-year anniversary—a milestone that reminds me how much this collective has given me: authenticity, friendship, queerness, and true community. I love bringing people together and deepening connections with like-minded creatives— I always welcome any opportunity to continue to do just that.
I am currently working on my art! Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always enjoyed drawing, doodling and playing around with different mediums and art styles. I am in the process of expanding my love for art, media and community on a larger scale ~ stay tuned <3!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a wildly curious, fearless, and outgoing child. I’d belt out Paulina Rubio’s “Yo No Soy Esa Mujer” at the top of my lungs (my inner feminist already shining through). As a cheerleader, I’d forget a routine mid-performance, make an insane facial expression to distract the judges, and create my own little dance—just because I could. I experimented, played, laughed, got messy and embodied my Puerto Rican culture long before it was considered “cool.” I loved that version of me, and little by little, I’m finding my way back to her—fully and unapologetically.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Tina, you are the light. You always have been. Stop seeking it elsewhere.”
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say I value helping people and bringing them together. I feel most connected through genuine conversation—listening as much as speaking. I care deeply about my family, my community, and my culture.
My friendships mean the world to me as well. I really wouldn’t be who I am without my chosen family. They’ve taught me what unconditional love is and for that I am forever grateful.
Ultimately, I strive to be authentic, while staying present, having fun, and always learning from others. At my core, I’m about connection, growth, and carrying my people with me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace in an empty park on a warm day—not too hot—surrounded by lots of trees. I’m with my closest friends, all of us laying on a blanket, looking up at the sunlight streaming through the branches. We’re doodling, giggling, and listening to music. In that moment, I don’t have to worry about performing; life is good.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: cristinamelendezz
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinameléndez
Image Credits
Aarin Irvin – IG: aarinmae
