Photo: Peter Hurley, peterhurley.com
Melissa Nathalia’s debut novel explores the power of storytelling to reclaim erased histories and identities.
In a world where modernity often overlooks ancient traditions, Melissa Nathalia is creating a universe that revives both the sacred and the forgotten. A writer and performer, Nathalia is blending fantasy, tradition, and self-exploration to create stories that reflect the deep journeys of personal growth and cultural reclamation.
Her debut novel offers a reimagining of colonial history through the eyes of a child, focusing on themes of lost identity and culture. This novel, as part of a larger narrative universe she is building, reflects her passion for exploring and reclaiming aspects of cultural history that have been marginalized or overlooked.
The Journey to the Writer She Is Today
Melissa Nathalia’s creative journey began at the age of seven when she discovered her love for writing. At 14, she became a public figure in Kenya under the stage name Mellow Dee, collaborating with prominent musicians and performing in front of large audiences. Despite the success she found in the entertainment industry, Nathalia felt a strong pull to explore her creative identity in other areas. Over the years, she shifted towards helping others find their own voices through photography, brand identity consulting, and personal growth coaching.
Her work in holistic brand identity consulting gave her the tools to help others reclaim their authentic narratives. As her professional life evolved, so did her creative vision, leading her to explore deeper themes of identity, culture, and spirituality through storytelling.
Merging Myth, Martial Arts, and Cultural Reclamation
Nathalia’s passion for preserving cultural traditions is inspired by her own stolen heritage as well as her study of traditional martial arts. She has worked closely with Tsáng Wǔ Gé, an organization dedicated to preserving traditional Chinese martial arts, an influence that shapes her storytelling. Her writing reflects her desire to reconnect with traditions that have been impacted by historical shifts, particularly those influenced by colonialism and modernization.
Her debut novel, set in a world inspired by the sacred rhythms of ancient cultures, follows a child navigating the echoes of colonization through a fantastical lens. It explores how personal and cultural identities can be shaped, lost, and reclaimed. The novel does not merely revisit the past but reimagines a future where ancient ritual can heal and empower individuals.
A Focus on Personal Growth and Shadow Work
Nathalia’s creative practice is rooted in the concept of shadow work—a psychological approach to confronting and integrating aspects of the self that are often hidden. This process of self-exploration has influenced both her professional life and her writing. Her characters and narratives are shaped by this understanding, emphasizing how facing and understanding one’s internal struggles can lead to transformation.
Nathalia believes that shadow work is not about blaming external forces for personal challenges, but about understanding and embracing all parts of ourselves in order to foster healing and growth. Through her writing, she invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and ancestral heritage, encouraging self-discovery and empowerment through storytelling.
What’s Next: From Page to Screen and Beyond
Nathalia’s artistic vision extends far beyond the written page. In early 2026, she will release her debut film, Inna’s Descent, which takes place in the same world as her debut novel. The short film is based on a Babylonian underworld myth that is said to represent the Heroine’s Journey, in stark contrast to the ever prevalent Hero’s Journey popularised by Joseph Campbell. Alongside the film, she is producing an EP and launching “The Turning Talisman,” a shop that will offer digital and physical products inspired by her fictional universe. These products aim to bring magic and the sacred into everyday life, inviting her audience to connect with the deeper themes of her work.
Through these combined projects, Nathalia is creating an immersive world that goes beyond just fantasy. Her work encourages readers to engage with ideas of cultural and personal reclamation, offering a space where people can reconnect with something sacred and forgotten.
Embrace the Magic: Discover Melissa Nathalia’s World
Melissa Nathalia is not just a writer and performer, but a creator of worlds; each one infused with spiritual significance and a desire to reclaim lost histories. Whether through her fiction, films, or art, she is forging a path that encourages self-reflection, empowerment, and the recovery of forgotten narratives.
Ready to explore a multiverse that bridges fantasy and reality? Learn more about Melissa Nathalia’s work and stay updated on her upcoming projects by following her on Instagram @emnathalia or @theturningtalisman. Let her words inspire you to embark on your own journey of self-discovery and reclamation.
