Episode 331: Create More, People-Please Less with Melvine Naliaka

Flute 360 | Episode 331: "Create More, People-Please Less with Melvine Naliaka"

Have you ever felt like you're saying “yes” to everyone else but “no” to yourself? Maybe you’ve tried juggling too many roles—educator, performer, entrepreneur—and are left feeling stretched thin and stuck in burnout. Or maybe you’re craving permission to finally choose you and prioritize your creativity, but you're unsure how to say “no” without guilt. If any of that resonates, this episode was made for you.

In today’s heartfelt conversation, Dr. Heidi Kay Begay sits down with Nairobi-based flutist, educator, and entrepreneur Melvine Naliaka, whose story of self-discovery, faith, and resilience will inspire you deeply. Mel opens up about what it means to create space for what matters most, and how she overcame the fear of being seen as “selfish” for putting up boundaries.

You’ll hear her journey of teaching flute in Kenya, starting a student recorder orchestra, launching a secondhand book business, and learning how to protect her energy—all while staying true to her artistic voice. This episode is a love letter to anyone learning to say “no,” create unapologetically, and live fully aligned with their calling.

Main Points:

• Mel’s flute journey: self-taught beginnings and the courage to keep showing up
• Why people-pleasing leads to burnout—and how to recover from it
• The importance of saying “no” to others so you can say “yes” to your purpose
• How to juggle a full-time teaching job with a creative side business
• What it looks like to build your own artistic path with limited resources
• The surprising ways business skills can feed your growth as a musician
• Why relatability and imperfection are powerful tools for connection
• How to balance faith, boundaries, and kindness as a modern creative

Don’t Miss the June 28th Flute 360 Live Session!

Mark your calendar! On Saturday, June 28th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM CT, we’re hosting a powerful live session inside the Flute 360 Accelerator that’s designed to support your personal, artistic, and professional growth. Click here to join us!

Hour One – Flute Masterclass with Dr. Heidi Kay Begay:
Watch three performers receive real-time feedback and support to elevate their playing:

• Natalie – performing orchestral excerpts
• Caroline – preparing for a July performance
• Mel – our amazing guest from this episode!

Hour Two – Holistic Mastermind with Guest Dr. Kristin Caliendo:
Experience transformative coaching as three flutists work through their biggest career and mindset questions, who include Erin, Carmen & Sarah.

Whether you’re looking to refine your artistry, reset your mindset, or build lasting community, this session is a creative catalyst.

Zoom access and all supplemental materials (book club notes, scores, and more) are available inside the Flute 360 accelerator folder. See you in the inside!

Guest’s Links:

• Instagram – @melvine_nalyaka
• LinkedIn – Melvine Nalyaka

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