Name: Elena Infantino
Hometown: Niagara Falls, New York
Year: Senior, class of 2016.
Major: Public Communication
Zodiac Sign: Leo! (July 26th, 1994)
Quote You Live By:“And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobs
HC Buff State: Tell us a little bit about your website.
Elena: My website is a fun place (covered in glitter) where I publish writing that I have been working on. It is a fun, light, positive place to go if you ever need advice or just to get a good dose of positivity. It features articles on really relatable topics for everyone, male and female, no matter what age.
HC Buff State: Why did you choose the name Xo Mella?
Elena: Xo Mella came about because my name is Elena Carmella Infantino. Mella is short for Carmella and I thought it was short and fun compared to my first name, Elena. Many people can’t say my name the way it was pronounced so I wanted the name of my website to be easy and fun. Xo Mella came about because whenever I would write I would sign the article, Xo Mella.
HC Buff State: What made you decide to create your own website, Xo Mella?
Elena: I really wanted to get my writing out there. I felt like I had all these writing pieces and limited places to publish them and get them out into the world. I felt like a lot of my writing is really therapeutic for both me and my readers so I felt the need to share it with as many people as possible and the best way to start to get my writing out there was getting my own website.
HC Buff State: What can people expect to find when they visit your site?
Elena: People can expect to find articles called the “Daily Dose” where I talk about life topics, trials, and tribulations that people face and how to get past certain life events and emotions. I also have my podcasts that I shoot weekly and a category called “Lifestyle” where I talk about things like health and fitness, and I display my workout playlists. “I Love” is a category where I talk about the things that week that I loved. Whether it is a material thing, an outstanding person, or an event that I loved that week. Every day I post a quote on my website that I love and talk about why I loved it so much.
HC Buff State: What is your favorite part about working on Xo Mella?
Elena: Honestly working on Xo Mella has been life-changing. I have gotten so many emails, comments, and Facebook messages from people who have said they were moved by my writing and that it helped them through a hard time and that was the moment I knew all the late nights and early mornings were starting to pay off. Knowing I’m helping people with my writing is truly a blessing. Working on it is also very therapeutic and fun! I get to vent about things I’m going through that others are too and I get to talk about fun things like my workout playlist and things that I love.
HC Buff State: If you could interview anyone for your podcast who would it be and why?
Elena: Honestly if I could interview anyone it would be Matt Bellasai from Whine About It which is a weekly digital series on Buzz Feed. I think he is so amazing and funny. He lightens the hearts of millions on a weekly basis and I would love to be able to have him on my podcast.
HC Buff State: Where would you like to see things go with Xo Mella in the future?
Elena: I would love Xo Mella to become an international online forum for people all over the world to go to for articles on life and fun positive things. One of my articles has already reached some readers in Italy which was so exciting and cool! I would also love for my podcast to be just as reachable and this is starting to happen because it is on iTunes available for free to all!
HC Buff State: What advice could you give to others aspiring to start their own blog?
Elena: My best piece of advice is just GO FOR IT! Don’t worry about what others will think about you or what people might say, if you feel like you have a talent that you want to share with the world you just need to go for it head on and be fearless. Life is too short to let fear hold you back. Also don’t be afraid to ask for help! The writing part is easy for me but I struggle with graphics so my sister is a graphic designer and she keeps my blog looking brand new always! I couldn’t have done this without her. It is okay to ask for help because chances are you won’t be able to do it all on your own!
HC Buff State: Who is your role model?
Elena: I don’t really know that I have anyone in specific as a role model but I love Ellen DeGeneres! I love what she stands for and the positivity she puts into the world. She anchors her show to being light and fun and it has become just a time of the day that you can unwind and see some positive things in the world. She is constantly paying it forward and doing good for the world.
HC Buff State: If you could give any advice to current/incoming students, what would it be?
Elena: My advice for incoming students is don’t put so much pressure on yourself to have it all figured out all the time. Whether it’s in school or just in life. College is a time of growth and change and you just have to go with the flow and let it take you where you need to be. When you let life happen naturally life becomes instantly more peaceful and to be a good student and excel in school you have to have peace.
For more Xo Mella check out Elena’s Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and iTunes