Meet Sri Jyothi Vellenky | Digital Creator & IT Employee

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sri Jyothi Vellenky and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sri Jyothi, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
I’m from Hyderabad, India. Growing up, I was the troublemaker in my family—always keeping my mom on her toes. I have one sibling, my sister, who has always been the complete opposite of me. She’s the one with clarity, focus, and a clear plan for her future. Me? I was more of a ‘go-with-the-flow’ kind of person.

This carefree attitude used to be my mom’s biggest worry. She’d constantly wonder, ‘What’s going to happen to this girl?’ But like for everyone, there comes a turning point in life. For me, it was the inevitable question after finishing my bachelor’s: ‘What next?’ That question haunted me. I didn’t have a solid plan, so I figured, ‘Okay, let’s just get a job first—at least I’ll have some income.’

After working for a while, I decided to take the next big step: pursue higher studies in the U.S. So, I quit my job, moved to America, completed my master’s, and landed a good job. But even then, that question—‘What next?’—still lingered in the back of my mind. I felt like something was missing.

Honestly, I never imagined myself as a digital creator. But when I was 17, I saw a few of my friends’ sisters living their dream lives—vlogging, creating content, and traveling to amazing places. It sparked something in me, and I thought, ‘Why not me?’ I told my mom, all excited, ‘I think I’ve found what I want to do—I want to be a digital creator.’ She listened carefully and said, ‘I wouldn’t say yes or no to your decision. But remember this: don’t ever regret the decisions you make in life. Think it through, and when you feel confident, go for it. You’re just taking baby steps in your career, so it’s better to make thoughtful decisions than to regret them later.’

At that point, I wasn’t confident enough to pursue it, so I focused on my studies and career in computer science. Fast forward a few years, I had a stable job and life, but the idea of creating content just wouldn’t leave me. One day, I shared it with my husband, and he asked me a simple but life-changing question: ‘What’s stopping you?’

I had all these doubts—how would I balance work, life, and this new passion? But he gave me the best advice: ‘If you love something, it doesn’t feel like a chore or a balancing act. It becomes a part of who you are.’ That really hit me. So, I stopped overthinking, took a leap of faith, and started my journey as a digital creator..

Looking back now, I can confidently say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this journey, it’s that you don’t need to have everything figured out right away. Sometimes, it’s okay to take a detour or put your dreams on hold, because when the time is right, they’ll find their way back to you. All you need is the courage to trust yourself, take that leap, and believe in your journey. That’s where the magic happens.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career is a blend of two worlds that I’m equally passionate about: being an IT professional and an Instagram digital creator. It’s been an incredible journey that has taught me so much about growth, resilience, and creativity.

As an IT professional, I’ve worked hard to develop a strong foundation in technology and problem-solving. It’s a field that challenges me intellectually and allows me to contribute meaningfully by building solutions that make a difference. What sets me apart is my ability to bring a creative mindset even to the technical side of my work. I’m most proud of how I’ve balanced this demanding career while pursuing a creative passion that I’ve always dreamed of.

Becoming a digital creator has been a completely different yet equally rewarding journey. I started by sharing my love for storytelling, travel, and unique experiences, and it’s grown into something so much bigger. It’s allowed me to connect with people, inspire them, and collaborate with brands that align with my values. What sets my brand apart is its authenticity. I don’t just create content; I share my real-life experiences, whether it’s traveling, exploring new places, or balancing work and life.

It wasn’t an easy path. Managing two completely different careers has its challenges—long hours, self-doubt, and the constant struggle to give my best to both worlds. But I’ve learned to stay consistent, prioritize what truly matters, and embrace the imperfections in the process. My husband has been a huge part of this journey, reminding me to love what I do and keep moving forward.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t need to fit into just one box. You can be a tech professional and a creative. You can pursue stability while chasing your dreams. And it’s okay to take risks, as long as you’re staying true to yourself.

What I want the world to know about my story is that passion and hard work go hand in hand. Whether it’s solving complex problems in IT or creating content that inspires others, I believe in putting my heart into everything I do. My brand is all about staying real, following your dreams, and finding beauty in both the structured and the creative sides of life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d create an itinerary that captures the heart and soul of Atlanta, blending calm, cozy vibes with fun, exciting adventures.

To kick off the trip, we’d start at Chattahoochee Coffee Company – Riverside, a hidden gem by the river. There’s something magical about sipping a warm cup of coffee while soaking in the calming sounds of the flowing water. It’s the perfect spot to relax, catch up, and set the tone for an amazing week ahead.

For food, I’d take her on a culinary tour of the city. We’d head to Ponce City Market and explore the Beltline, sampling dishes from different cuisines and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Another must-visit spot is Politan Row, a modern food hall with endless delicious options, perfect for satisfying every craving. And of course, we’d spend an evening at The Battery, where we’d enjoy a mix of great food, live music, and the lively energy of the crowd—it’s like a foodie and entertainment paradise all in one.

As for places to explore, we’d take a hike at Stone Mountain Park to soak in the beautiful views and connect with nature. Walking along the Beltline, we’d discover murals, art installations, and small shops that make the city so unique. And no trip to Atlanta would be complete without a ride on the SkyView Atlanta Ferris wheel, where we’d take in stunning views of the city skyline, especially at sunset.

Throughout the week, I’d make sure there’s a mix of chill moments and exciting adventures, reflecting the diversity of what Atlanta has to offer. Whether we’re indulging in delicious food, taking in scenic views, or simply enjoying each other’s company, it would be a week filled with unforgettable memories, laughter, and all the best vibes Atlanta has to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to give a huge shoutout to two people who have played such a pivotal role in my journey—my mom and my husband.

First, my mom has always been my anchor. Growing up, she guided me with her wisdom and unconditional love, even when I was all over the place, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Her advice to think carefully and not regret my decisions has stuck with me through every phase of my journey. She’s always been there, encouraging me to follow my heart while keeping me grounded.

And my husband—he’s been my biggest cheerleader. When I finally opened up about my dream of becoming a digital creator, he didn’t just support me; he inspired me. He helped me overcome my doubts and reminded me that when you love something, it doesn’t feel like work—it becomes a part of you. That encouragement gave me the confidence to dive in and embrace this passion wholeheartedly.

So, to both of them, my mom and my husband, I owe so much of where I am today. Their love, guidance, and belief in me have made all the difference, and I’m forever grateful for them.

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