We recently connected with Melina Valeria Budek and have shared our conversation below.
Melina Valeria, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity is the core of my work, and I’ve learned that to keep it alive, I need to step outside the digital world and immerse myself in the richness of real-life experiences.
One of the ways I do this is through traveling. Visiting new places allows me to connect with different cultures, observe unique ways of life, and find beauty in the everyday moments of others. Whether it’s the colors of a local market, a conversation with a stranger, or the quiet elegance of an artisan’s craft, traveling continuously feeds my imagination and provides endless sources of inspiration.
I also draw creativity from people who might not be widely known but have a unique perspective or skill that adds value to the world. These individuals, whether they are artists, entrepreneurs, or even friends, remind me that creativity isn’t just about trends—it’s about authenticity and purpose.
Another key to keeping my creativity alive is intentionally stepping away from social media. While it’s a great tool for connection, I believe that some of the best ideas come when you’re fully present in the moment. By spending time outside, reading, or simply observing the world around me, I can find inspiration in the simplicity of everyday life.
Ultimately, creativity for me is about balance—balancing the stimulation of new experiences with moments of quiet reflection. It’s this combination that helps me stay fresh, authentic, and constantly inspired in everything I create.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an Argentinian fashion designer and content creator, deeply passionate about empowering women to feel confident, beautiful, and unique. Growing up and working in Argentina, a country with significant economic challenges, has shaped my perspective on creativity and resilience. Despite the difficulties of investing and growing a business in this environment, I’ve always focused on finding ways to create, expand horizons, and push boundaries.
One of my proudest achievements is my clothing brand, Dessért, which I co-founded with the vision of offering feminine, timeless, and high-quality designs. Our pieces are made to combine elegance and comfort, and we strive to ensure that every woman who wears them feels empowered and special. Even in challenging circumstances, we’re committed to crafting a luxurious experience, from the quality of our materials to the thoughtful details in every package we deliver.
What keeps me motivated and inspired is my love for exploring new ideas and staying open to the world around me. I don’t like to limit myself—I enjoy reading, traveling, visiting museums, meeting inspiring people, and learning from their stories. These experiences fuel my creativity and allow me to bring something fresh and authentic to both my brand and my content.
Currently, I’m excited to expand Dessért with a new winter collection, which includes elegant coats, tailored pieces, and unique designs that reflect the versatility and strength of the modern woman. My goal is to continue breaking barriers, connecting with new audiences, and showing that even in the face of adversity, creativity and passion can thrive.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I would say the three most important qualities and skills that have shaped my journey are discipline, the ability to seek and accept help, and a constant desire to learn.
Discipline has been the foundation of everything I’ve achieved. Whether it’s meeting deadlines, staying consistent with my work, or balancing multiple projects at once, discipline has allowed me to stay focused and motivated, even when things get challenging. My advice for anyone starting out is to create small, daily habits that align with your goals. Consistency over time is what builds success.
Seeking and accepting help has also been incredibly important. For a long time, I thought I had to do everything on my own, but I’ve learned that asking for help doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re being smart. Surrounding yourself with people who support and inspire you, and knowing when to reach out for guidance or collaboration, can make all the difference in your personal and professional growth.
Lastly, studying and learning has been one of the greatest tools in my life. It doesn’t always have to mean formal education—it can be reading, taking a course, or simply being curious about the world. Every time I’ve learned something new, it has opened my mind and helped me grow as a person and a professional. My advice is to never stop learning, no matter how busy or established you are. Curiosity will always lead you to new opportunities.
These three qualities—discipline, asking for help, and a passion for learning—are what I believe have had the greatest impact on my journey, and I encourage anyone starting theirs to focus on building these as a strong foundation.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is pause and give myself the space to breathe and reset. It’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced nature of work and life, but I’ve learned that taking a moment to step back is essential.
One of the strategies that has helped me the most is breaking everything down into smaller, manageable tasks. Instead of focusing on everything at once, I prioritize what’s most important and tackle things step by step. This not only makes the workload feel lighter but also helps me regain a sense of control.
Another key for me is to disconnect and do something that recharges my energy. It could be going for a walk, journaling, reading, or simply spending time with loved ones. These moments remind me why I do what I do and help me come back with a clearer mind and a more positive attitude.
I’ve also realized the importance of self-compassion. Sometimes, we’re our own harshest critics, and I’ve learned to remind myself that it’s okay to not have everything perfect all the time. Progress is more important than perfection.
My advice to anyone who feels overwhelmed is to listen to yourself, give yourself permission to pause, and remember that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is not only important for you but also for the quality of the work you do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dessertclub.com.ar/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melinabudek/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@melinabudek
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@melinabudek?_t=ZM-8sqXwQbLDcr&_r=1
