A musician, TV host, and producer forging a powerful global presence
Ivanna Melay’s journey is one of creativity, ambition, and heart. Born in Ukraine, she cultivated a passion for music and television before relocating to Chicago, where she has become a multimedia force. Today, she seamlessly blends artistry, philanthropy, and media influence, demonstrating how one individual can impact multiple spheres while staying true to personal and cultural roots.
Early Life & Cultural Heritage
Raised in Ukraine, Ivanna Melay immersed herself in artistic disciplines from a young age. She formally studied art and music at the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts, and later enhanced her communication skills with post‑graduate training in television and business. These foundational years shaped her dual strengths as a performer and media personality.
Transition to the United States & Chicago Influence
Seeking broader horizons, Ivanna made her way to Chicago, a city whose nickname, Windy City, aptly mirrors her dynamic energy. Here, she continued evolving as both a singer-songwriter and media professional. In Chicago, she also tapped into production roles, adding depth to her artistic palette. According to her LinkedIn profile, she amassed around seven years of experience producing television content, implementing digital marketing, and spearheading PR strategies across major channels aired in over 20 countries.
Music Breakthrough: “Tell It”
December 2024 marked a pivotal moment when she released her single Tell It, produced by Grammy-winner Really Doe, an artist famed for collaborations with Kanye West. The track, complemented by a cinematic video filmed at Chicago’s Cine City Studios, showcases Ivanna’s bold vocal delivery and dramatic style. According to critics, the song perfectly merges Eastern European aesthetics and contemporary pop rhythms, reinforcing her reputation as a cross-cultural musical bridge.
TV & Media Presence
Ivanna’s television credentials are equally impressive. From hosting roles on shows like M1 in Ukraine and PIK TV in Georgia to American appearances, such as ABC7 Chicago’s Windy City Weekend, she demonstrates remarkable versatility. On Windy City Weekend in February 2025, she performed an original song live and interacted with celebrities such as filmmaker Will Packer, gaining attention for her warm presence and musical flair.
Entrepreneurship & Philanthropy
Multitalented beyond performance, Ivanna is also an entrepreneur and community advocate. She owns the Mon Cheri Chitown Nail Salon in Chicago, showing her investment in local business and communal spaces. Her charitable spirit aligns with this, as seen in her TV and social media involvement with food pantry organizations like Sankofa Food Market, demonstrating her commitment to giving back.
Style & Public Persona
With around 55,000 Instagram followers, Ivanna maintains high engagement (typically between 5–6%) through posts highlighting performances, personal experiences as a mom, and charity endeavors . Her images and reels convey glamour, authenticity, and relatability, whether via stunning visuals from music video shoots or candid moments with her daughter.
Collaboration & Future Vision
Ivanna’s collaborations point to her growing credibility. From working with Slava Makarkin in Chicago to aligning with Grammy-winning producers, she is expanding her global artistic network. Continuously shifting between singing, TV hosting, production, and entrepreneurship, Ivanna Melay is charting a bold path as an independent, multidisciplinary artist.
