Meet Melina Nasab Keefe: Equestrian Content Creator, Fitness Trainer, & Fashion Icon

Photo taken by Annie MacAller

Name: Melina Nasab Keefe

Age: 31

Occupation: Personal Trainer & Content Creator

Instagram: @melnasab

TikTok: @melnasab

Tell us about Yourself:

Hi! My name is Melina. This first question is coming in hot because I can yap about my story for a long time, as it is something I’m very passionate about, but I will try to keep it short and sweet! First and foremost, I am a personal trainer & fitness instructor. I have been for coming on 10 years now, and it is my core identity, as well as the career that led me to almost identifying myself as a full-time Equestrian. I am extremely passionate about my bond with my horses, my love for the sport, and for creating a space where I share freely my experiences along the way (and my outfits).

"Share what you’re doing. Tell the world. Tell your friends. Show them how excited you are. People want to support you when you are doing something that you love, and doing something that can benefit them!"

Tell us about what do:

I train private clients, both in-person and virtually, I lead Fitness Events, and I create content for social media with brands that I love and believe in.

I started creating content in the fitness world a little over 10 years ago. When I saw that I had a knack for it, and grew pretty rapidly, it was something that was always running simultaneously in my life. Through the growth of my fitness, to my love for fashion, and then when I bought a horse as an adult four years ago, it continued into that. It was more so in the last year that I decided to lean into my Equestrian content more than ever. As I am getting more serious about my riding career, it just makes sense that my passion for content creation can fall into its lap.

I enjoy the hard work that comes with maintaining a presence on social media, with the intention of growth and reaching the right people. I try to respond to as many comments and DM's as I can, I try to post consistently & authentically to things that I love and believe in, and create a space where people feel comfortable, sharing their stories as well.

Photo taken by Brandon David Images

Tell about an "average day" in the life?

I train a couple of personal training clients, go to the barn, and film content at home or the barn, lay on couch for 2-3 hours editing, and then take a mental break and go take a fitness class.

I have a girl who comes to the barn to meet me once a week to help shoot content. But I'm the only one in charge of my socials, posting, and I don't think I could ever give that up!

How do you manage wearing multiple hats?

I thrive on wearing multiple hats. I spring out of bed in the mornings, I am not a snoozer. I get up and I’m ready to seize the day. Whatever needs to be done, I make sure it gets done, with ample spare time to still prioritize my own wellness and “other life”. I will occasionally delegate editing a reel to my girl that helps me once a week, but usually I am picky about that too, and like to just edit it myself.

What is your why?

If I’m able to inspire someone to be a better Horsemen, to wear what they wanna wear, to talk to their horse, or even to put themselves out there on the internet, which can be a nasty, but also amazing place, I’ve done my job. I want to inspire others and help create confidence in the Equestrian community and beyond.

"I want to inspire others and help create confidence in the Equestrian community and beyond."

Photo taken by Kim Gaudry

What's the most rewarding thing about your career?

When people message me that they love following me because it brings them joy, has inspired them to have fun with their outfits at the barn, and has inspired them to talk to their horse on course (lol).

What are your top 3 tips for anyone looking to pursue their passions, start a business, take a leap, or just build a life they’re happier with?

Stop thinking about all the reasons why it won’t work.  Visualize the success and start with tunnel vision towards that. Ask questions to those in the industry that you look up to. Ask a million questions. Remember that we take nothing with us to the grave. We don’t know how long we have here on earth. Life is too precious and valuable to spend doing a job you dislike. You CAN do what you love and make money doing it. You just have to take the initial risks of fear and discomfort to start.