We were lucky to catch up with Kelli Alva recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kelli , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Hello, my name is Kelli Alva. I’m a 22-year-old singer and songwriter born in Maryland, with Ecuadorian and Salvadorian roots. I’ve always been an introvert who has always found solace in my own company, often feeling more comfortable in the quiet corners of my world. However, the past few years have been transformative. I pursued my dreams, graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor’s in Speech-Language Pathology, and have followed my passion for singing. This journey has taught me that confidence doesn’t always roar; sometimes, it’s the quiet voice that says, “I will try again tomorrow.” Through chasing my dreams, I’ve learned to harness my inner strength and trust my abilities. In the music industry, it can be hard to be seen when everyone else is also trying to, but I believe that by being authentic to myself, networking with artists, DJ’s and just connecting with people through social media through my videos my music will reach ears. Every performance and every song has been a step towards embracing my true self. Confidence is not about being the loudest in the room but about being comfortable with who you are and the path you’re on. My self-esteem has blossomed not from the applause but from personal victories, the moments when I’ve overcome self-doubt and pushed past my comfort zone. Singing has been my way of expressing lessons or feelings, and through it, I’ve discovered a quiet confidence that is unshakeable and deeply rooted in self-belief.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
From writing heartbreak poems in a little Hello Kitty journal and dreaming of making music to secretly singing karaoke with people on Smule, the journey to creating and performing my songs feels like a dream come true. I am an emotional person, and I believe that vulnerability is a beautiful thing—it shines through in my music. When people listen to my songs, I want them to interpret the stories based on their personal experiences. I hope that my music touches hearts and uplifts confidence, helping listeners feel seen and understood. My inspiration often comes from navigating heartbreaks and obstacles in my life. In those moments of uncertainty, I find it a gift to reflect and say, “Wow, that happened, but look where I am now.” In my music, I have been inspired by empowering women such as Karol G, Selena Gomez, Young Miko, and Shakira, who have broken boundaries with their music and serve as role models to many. One of my proudest achievements is my first English single, “Iced Latte.” This song is a metaphor for the people I hold dear—those essential in my life, much like an essential cup of iced latte. Karol G’s album “Mañana Será Bonito,” which focuses on healing, having fun, and understanding what a woman wants, has inspired me to write “Demuestrame.” This is the type of song where you just wanna blast your speakers and sing in the shower to. It talks about reasons why I would consider a partner in my life, what are they going to bring to the table other than the bare minimum, and the importance of finding someone who genuinely loves everything about you. In this generation, it is challenging to find such a person. Another reggaeton single that I am currently working on is called “Traicionero.” This song is about the realization that letting go is essential when someone’s intentions are not pure, and they fall short of your expectations as their true colors come to light. At the end of the day, it’s better to love and work on yourself. The right person will come into your life when the time is right. Currently, I am trying to build my image and am working on more singles and collaborations with talented DMV artists such as Jhoan and Chipelo. My goal, along with performing more and showing people what I can bring to the table, is to branch out and work with artists from all over the world, including El Salvador and Ecuador. The DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area is often overlooked in the music industry, but we are gradually making our mark by supporting one another and showcasing our passion and love through our music.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
This journey is a long one, and I am still in the midst of it. I believe that patience is key—being patient with the outcomes over time and mindful of being patient with yourself because good things take time. You can’t grow a flower overnight without adding water, soil, and food. Another essential quality is consistency. I remember watching an interview of Ed Sheeran saying, “Make all your songs as bad as they are so the good ones come in.” I hope mine aren’t horrible, but right now, what I’m writing reflects what I’m feeling, seeing, and experiencing. I instantly write it down because it’s what I love to do, and I know it will one day become something more. What I feel can resonate with others as well. As much as independent artists strive for independence, it’s incredibly challenging. Without the support of my friends and family, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love. Being open-minded to criticism and new ideas makes your work stronger and helps you learn from your mistakes. My advice is to take everything in and trust your gut. Be confident in your skin, your culture, where you are from, and your decisions, and stand your ground; otherwise, others will walk over you. Keeping these qualities in mind, along with a cautious heart, can lead you to success. There may be bumps on the road, but always consider yourself and your end goal.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
My mother, my friends, my mentors, and myself—without this community of support, there is no Kelli Alva. My mother is the most hardworking, independent, and strong woman I know. She never takes no for an answer and has taught me to persist, always with kindness. Huge shoutout to my mom who has always supported me and wants what’s best for me. I pursued higher education to make her proud, and I am proud to say that I am now a Latina with a Bachelor’s Degree. Balancing both my studies and my passion for music has been a gift, and now I am ready to give my all to music. My friends are people I admire deeply; they strive to be better and have grown with me. They define me too, and they are like family to me. I am grateful to have such hardworking, kind, humble, and open-minded individuals around me. Anytime I am nervous before a performance, I reach out to my friends for a laugh, which brings me to a safe mental space and makes me feel like I have nothing to worry about. I just wanted to end this interview by thanking everyone who has seen my growth so far and for supporting my music. This is only the start.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellialvaa/?api=postMessage
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@Kellialva
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/05odJTzD7nMXP98cTtE030?si=y3zZqX7UTve97MNlhiB1hA
Image Credits
Jukos Photography
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