Today we’d like to introduce you to Melyna Blanco.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got into coaching because I wanted work that let me shape people’s confidence, not just their skills. I started coaching ice skating in 2018 and built that into a full practice as an ISI and USFSA certified coach, working out of Kroc Center Ice Arena in San Diego.
Alongside that, I grew in my role at Youth Tennis San Diego, a nonprofit based at Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma, where I am now the Administrative Director. That role let me combine my love of sports with the operational and strategic side of the industry.
So today, my work sits at this intersection of coaching and nonprofit leadership, helping young athletes and adults grow in two different sports, while also building the kind of organizational partnerships that let programs like these thrive long-term.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been entirely smooth, no. COVID hit my coaching business hard due to complete operational ice arena closure, so when it re-opened I had to rebuild my clientele almost from scratch. What came out of that rebuilding process is a business that’s more successful today than it was before.
The pandemic also affected me in a less direct way. I was attending SDSU at the time, and COVID limited my ability to get an approved internship, which meant I entered the job market without the experience a lot of my peers had. That gap could have closed a lot of doors. I’m genuinely grateful that Youth Tennis San Diego gave me the opportunity to prove what I was capable of and that opportunity ended up shaping the career I have now.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Beyond coaching and nonprofit work, I’ve also built a presence as a content creator/influencer, where I share content focused on Lifestyle, Beauty, and Fashion. I’m most known for travel itineraries, restaurant recommendations, makeup tutorials, and outfit finds.
What sets me apart is authenticity and dedication to sharing valuable information with my audience. I’m most proud of how my content has evolved and the partnerships I have been able to create.
For readers who want to follow along, you can find me at @melynablanco.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is our family trips to southern Spain, where my dad is from. There’s something about going back to where your roots are that hits differently than a regular vacation. Those trips shaped a lot of how I see the world, and honestly, I think that early exposure to a different culture and pace of life is part of why I’ve developed such a love for travel and learning different languages as an adult.
Pricing:
- $50 per 30min private ice skating lesson
- $80 per 1hr private ice skating lesson
- Inquire for content collaboration pricing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melynablanco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melynablanco/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melynablanco/
