Daily Inspiration: Meet Nikki Melago

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Melago. 

Hi Nikki, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been interested in fashion. Even as a young child I was obsessed with creating paper dolls that were all outfitted in different clothing that I had designed. Fast forward to college when I started working at Jcrew and quickly worked my way up within the company and became a personal shopper and stylist with clients of my own. When I became a teacher in Charlotte, NC, I continued to host styling parties and helped my colleagues revamp their teaching wardrobes. I noticed that a lot of teachers were unsure of how to create capsule wardrobes that were not only functional but also stylish for the workplace. I continued doing this and teaching until 2017 when my husband and I relocated to Shaker Heights. We moved at the end of August and it was not an ideal time to find a teaching job so I decided to focus my efforts on creating Teachpretty, a style blog and Instagram designed to inspire women to feel proud and confident in what they put on their bodies as it effects how you feel and perform at the workplace. Starting Teachpretty was such a blessing to me. It helped me come out of my comfort zone, meet incredible people and connect with some dream brands. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t always been easy. Living in Cleveland for example has its challenges when you need photos taken in the dead of winter! The pandemic also created an opportunity to expand my niche to lifestyle, beauty, and skincare. I also opened up about our infertility journey which was very scary but has been one of my proudest moments as I get so many messages from women and couples that are also going through similar things and it’s created a really strong community. We are still on that infertility journey and are hoping to do IVF #6 in the Fall. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Kindergarten teacher and have been teaching for 13 years. I’m super passionate about my career and I absolutely love my school and students. Teaching students to read is my favorite thing ever! Combining my passion of teaching with my passion for style and fashion has been such a fun way to have a creative outlet and express myself! 

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up as the youngest and the only girl in a family of 5. My family is Persian and I am bilingual but would get very confused as a child and actually didn’t speak in public until I was around 5 or 6 years old. Once I did start speaking, I was incredibly shy and was happiest when I was reading a book or playing with my paper dolls that I had created. When I went into high school, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and take theater. It ended up becoming such a pivotal turning point in my life as I stopped being shy and found a confidence that I never knew I had. I went on to perform in over 20 plays and productions throughout my high school career and was the president of the drama club and International Thespian Society. I definitely attribute this to feeling the confidence to put myself out there on social media every day!

Contact Info:

• Website: Teachpretty.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/Teachpretty
• Facebook: Facebook.com/Teachpretty
• Twitter: Teachpretty

Image Credits
@kaileymariephotography