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Melisa McKenna is a talented illustrator whose vibrant and uplifting artwork inspires women around the world. Born in Istanbul, she moved to England more than two decades ago to pursue her studies in Fashion Design and Business Management. Since then, Melisa has used her creative voice to empower women, helping them recognize their worth and embrace their unique strengths.

Through her colorful and dynamic illustrations, Melisa encourages women to reach for their goals, show up for themselves, and step into their full potential. Each piece celebrates confidence, ambition, and self-love, reminding women everywhere that they are powerful enough to fulfill their dreams and become the best versions of themselves.

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#1

Illustration of a confident woman in a white dress with empowering message about confidence and women’s power.

"The stars never ask, they just glow!

Sophia Loren was the kind of woman who never needed to raise her voice to be heard. Her presence did the talking.

She carried herself with elegance, yes, but also with control, depth, and an unshakable sense of self. That’s what real dark feminine energy looks like: not chaotic or showy, but quiet power rooted in certainty. It’s not about being soft or harsh; it’s about being sure. Sure of your boundaries, your standards, your pace. Women like Sophia don’t enter a room needing approval. They enter aware of their value, and that changes the energy around them. Embodying that kind of energy isn’t about performing confidence; it’s about stripping away anything that makes you second-guess your instincts. It’s knowing that you don’t owe anyone sweetness in exchange for being respected. That your silence can be just as powerful as your words, and that withholding access is not cruelty, it’s discernment.

If you’ve ever been told you’re too much, too distant, too mysterious, good. It means you’re protecting something sacred."

melisa.illustrations Report

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    #2

    Illustration of a confident woman in a red skirt and heels, symbolizing empowering illustrations for women.

    "We made it through the week (barely holding it together with coffee and dry shampoo). Walking into the weekend like it’s a runway, with a little extra sass and a lot of gratitude.

    Remember: stress does not go with your outfit, so leave it at the door. Wishing you laughs, love, and maybe a glass of something sparkly tonight."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #3

    Illustrations By Melisa Mckenna

    "Be the woman who wakes up and chooses her worth, every single day!"

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #4

    Illustration of a confident woman in sunglasses and red dress inspiring women with empowerment and strength.

    "Let this be your reminder to start the week with unstoppable energy and a mindset ready to conquer it all!"

    melisa.illustrations Report

    SchadenFreudian Psychology
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes what you want requires cooperation from somebody else. And that can’t be forced.

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    #5

    Empowering illustration of a confident woman with long hair and a motivational quote about personal growth and strength.

    "Me vs. Me, always.

    Comparison is noise. Progress is personal. I’m only racing the person I was yesterday.

    Last year? I played it safe.
    This year? I’m showing up for myself — unafraid of the unknown, letting go of anything and anyone that no longer serves my higher self.

    That’s the real glow-up."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    SchadenFreudian Psychology
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the best way to look at it. Don’t compare your insides to somebody else’s outsides.

    #6

    Illustration of a confident woman in a pink suit with empowering message reminding women how powerful they truly are.

    "Just because someone looks put together and smiles often doesn’t mean they have it all figured out.

    We all carry silent struggles. We all have moments where we say 'I’m fine' just to keep going.

    This month, take a moment to slow down. Be kind to others, and just as importantly—be kind to yourself.

    Ask yourself:
    What triggers me?
    Where am I holding tension?
    What do I need that I keep ignoring?

    Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder: We’re not alone. We’re in this together. Let’s lead with softness, not judgment."

    melisa.illustrations Report

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    #7

    Woman holding a sign with empowering message about perception and self-worth in an illustration celebrating women empowerment.

    "Don’t waste your depth on shallow understanding! Being misunderstood isn’t always your fault; it’s their limit."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #8

    Woman relaxing in bed working on laptop with empowering illustrations reminding women how powerful they truly are.

    "Stillness is the plan today. Wishing you rest, reflection, fun, and full permission to just be."

    melisa.illustrations Report

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    #9

    Confident woman illustration wearing black with empowering message, symbolizing women empowerment and inner strength.

    "Sometimes, life throws unexpected challenges our way. In the moment, we may not see the bigger picture—we think it’s unfair, painful, or even a setback. But every experience, good or bad, is a lesson and a journey leading us back to ourselves. Be grateful for everything that made you love yourself more.

    Stop giving second chances to people who don’t appreciate your worth. Forgive, close the door, and don’t let them back in. Your focus should be on you—your growth, your career, your body, your skills. Elevate yourself, learn, educate, and pour love into who you are becoming. Because when you truly love yourself, you glow from within, and that energy attracts abundance and positivity into your life.

    Stay away from people who create their own problems and then act like the victim. It’s okay to vent, but if someone remains stuck in a cycle of toxicity and refuses to change for months or years, don’t let their energy drain yours. And remember—if they gossip to you, they’ll gossip about you. Cut them off. Set firm boundaries. Protect your peace.

    If you’re waiting for the 'perfect' moment to start something, stop waiting. You’ll never feel 100% ready—just start. The more you do, the more you learn. Success is built through action, passion, and persistence. Your glow-up is inevitable. Keep moving, keep growing, and watch your life transform."

    melisa.illustrations Report

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    #10

    Pink heart-shaped balloon with the empowering message encouraging women self-love in an illustration style.

    "How you speak to yourself isn’t a small thing; it’s everything.

    This is your daily reminder that the way you speak to yourself matters. No more inner mean girl energy, we’re only accepting love, softness, and self-celebration from now on.

    You wouldn’t talk down to your bestie, so don’t do it to yourself.

    Wrap yourself in the kind of words you’ve always needed to hear; you deserve nothing less."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #11

    Empowering illustration of a confident woman with coffee and cake, wearing sunglasses and a bathrobe, symbolizing female power.

    "'This season is all about joy, peace, and showing up fully as myself.'

    She’s not doing too much—she’s just finally doing her.

    The illustration is hand-drawn in my signature style—soft, expressive, and full of quiet confidence.

    Carry beauty, fullness, and that calm, powerful energy with you everywhere you go."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #12

    Illustration of empowering woman holding a camera with long nails, symbolizing confidence and female power.

    "Delete. Glow. Repeat.

    Sometimes your glow-up isn’t loud. It’s quiet. It’s choosing peace over proving your point. It’s deleting a message mid-reply, not because you ran out of words, but because your higher self whispered, 'We don’t do that anymore.'

    Remember: they can’t dim what they didn’t ignite. That fire is yours. So yes, you are the mood, the moment, and the miracle.

    And if you're feeling a bit extra today? Good. You should. Because the woman you’re becoming didn’t just happen by luck — it’s boundaries, alignment, self-worth, and a few deleted messages for spiritual reasons."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #13

    Three diverse women enjoying margaritas at a table with Eiffel Tower background in empowering illustrations for women.

    "Stop scrolling — text your best friend right now.

    Life gets busy, but good friends are pure gold. I’m so grateful for the amazing people in my life who make the chaos sweeter.

    This is your reminder to tell your friends how much they mean to you. It matters more than you know."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've been trying to plan the margarita lunch for the last two months. Unfortunately they keep having to reschedule my friend's chemo.

    #14

    Stylish illustration of a woman with pink hair and sunglasses wearing an empowering shirt about powerful women.

    "Don't hold back! Magic happens when you start doing things you're uncomfortable with because it can lead to personal growth and development."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #15

    Woman relaxing with towel on head reading empowering illustration about productivity and self-care for women.

    "Give yourself a break. You deserve it!"

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #16

    Illustration of a confident woman wearing sunglasses with an empowering message about strength and self-worth.

    "Walking away from toxic relationships is liberating. Don’t stay just because you’re afraid to be alone. You deserve so much better."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #17

    Illustration of a confident woman in sunglasses with empowering text about strength and powerful women.

    "Taking the action you usually avoid.
    Choosing the new pattern before the old one kicks in. You don’t need a bigger plan. You need a bigger why.

    And you already have it. You are stronger than your excuses. Even when it’s hard. Especially then."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #18

    Illustration of a woman hugging a pillow, symbolizing healing and self-care in empowering illustrations for women.

    "Sunday Reminder: Rest is productive too.

    Some days, healing doesn’t look like journaling or a walk in the sun. Some days, it’s staying in bed, sipping tea, and letting the world wait. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for how you care for your peace.

    Today, choose softness. Choose quiet. Choose you."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #19

    Illustration with empowering message reminding women of healing, pause, and breath, featuring coffee and croissant on pink background.

    "Feeling a little off or overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Sometimes, what we need most is a gentle pause, a moment of stillness to reconnect and breathe again.

    Here are a few soft mental health rest day quotes to remind you:

    You are enough, even when you're resting.
    Healing isn’t linear, and rest is part of the journey."

    melisa.illustrations Report

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    #20

    Stylish woman with bold accessories and red nails holding wine and phone, empowering illustration reminding women of their power.

    "Healed. Unbothered. Thriving.

    That Friday feeling when you realise how far you’ve come in your healing journey…

    From dodging toxic people to spotting gaslighting a mile away, the glow-up is real.

    It’s not just about moving on — it’s about moving up."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #21

    Illustration of a powerful woman in a hat relaxing, representing empowering illustrations reminding women of their strength.

    "You’re becoming. You’re enough. You’re growing.

    If this spoke to you, save it for the days you forget how far you’ve come."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #22

    Woman stretching in bed wearing a shirt that says let me sleep, one of the empowering illustrations showing women's strength.

    "Because rest isn't a luxury — it's a love language.

    Sundays are for stillness, softness, and just five more minutes. No alarms. No rush. Just me, my blanket, and a well-deserved pause.

    Let this be your gentle reminder: slowing down is productive too."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    cerinamroth
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, please someone tell my kids this ;-) Nah, we do generally get cuddles and time to slow down and enjoy each other's company... a bit, anyway.

    #23

    Woman in a bathrobe and sunglasses resting on a pink bed, enjoying tea, illustrating women's power and self-care.

    "Pause. Breathe. Renew.

    Sundays remind us that rest is not wasted; it is the space where peace, joy, and gratitude quietly grow."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #24

    Woman walking confidently on a crosswalk with flowers as a head, symbolizing empowering illustrations for women’s strength.

    "She’s Got a Ticket to Ride… and She Doesn’t Care!

    That’s my Monday mood, walking into the week with Abbey Road energy, main-character stride, and zero doubt about where I’m headed.

    Legends don’t wait for the spotlight; they create it."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    Mark Serbian, PK&RG,W
    Community Member
    1 month ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Abbey Road Studios (WAY befor it was Abbey Road) was where they recorded the original "Pomp & Circumstance" (Elgar). A whole LOT of famous stuff came out of those walls...

    #25

    Hand holding a coffee mug with text, accompanied by a snack, in an empowering illustration for women.

    "If you know, you know!

    Bank holiday? School holidays? Or just back to work like it’s a normal Monday? Whatever kind of start you’re having — I see you.

    For the mums on snack duty (again), the parents juggling a million
    things, or anyone trying to reclaim 5 minutes with a warm drink —
    you’re doing brilliantly. Don’t forget your water, your caffeine, and
    a little bit of kindness for yourself today.

    Here’s to surviving the chaos with a biscuit in one hand and some
    sanity in the other."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #26

    Illustration of a confident woman in a white dress with a quote about emotional intelligence and empowerment.

    "Standards. Not Apologies.

    Sometimes we shrink ourselves to be more 'digestible.' We lower our standards, quiet our brilliance, or question our worth. These quotes are a reminder to do the opposite.

    Believe in yourself — loudly.
    Set high standards — unapologetically.
    Take up space — fully.
    And remember: you’re the star of your own story.

    You don’t need permission to shine — just the self-trust to keep going."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #27

    Stylish woman wearing sunglasses eating pasta with wine, an empowering illustration reminding women how powerful they are.

    "POV: You’re the main character, and this is your golden hour scene.

    Happy weekend, lovelies!

    Remember how important you are; you are the priority, the first, the best. Never feel guilty for putting yourself on a pedestal… You deserve it.

    I hope you enjoy a weekend full of joy. If you’re working, I hope it goes smoothly — luck and good vibes are on your side. I appreciate you all so much!"

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #28

    Illustration of a confident woman in red outfit and boots with sunglasses, symbolizing empowering women and self-strength.

    "Chic. Smart. Magnetic.

    Here’s to a fabulous Monday — may your week be filled with bold moves, strong coffee, and just the right amount of sparkle."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #29

    Woman wearing a crown and sunglasses, drinking tea in bed, representing empowering illustrations reminding women of their power.

    "This is your reminder: You don’t have to earn your rest.

    It’s okay to rest.
    To stay in bed a little longer.
    To drink your coffee slowly.
    To not answer every call.
    To feel luxurious… even when no one’s watching.

    You don’t have to earn softness.
    You don’t have to be 'on' to be worthy.

    This illustration — 'Woman in Bed with the Cup and the Crown' — is more than just digital art. It’s a reflection of a truth I’m still learning:

    Peace is powerful.
    Presence is productive.
    And doing less doesn’t make you less.

    I created this piece to romanticize your quiet moments. To make you feel seen when you’re unbothered, offline, and pouring into yourself."

    melisa.illustrations Report

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    #30

    Illustration of a confident woman in a pink outfit with empowering message emphasizing women's power and self-worth.

    "BOOM! Are you feeling it? That swift drop in your spirit… that fire in your chest… that quiet voice telling you 'everything is changing for me now'?

    You are in the season. The season of alignment. The season of detachment. The season of glow-ups. The season of power. The season of overflow.

    This isn’t about waiting for your life to finally begin. It’s about realizing: it already has."

    melisa.illustrations Report

    #31

    Empowering illustration of a confident woman with a bow, highlighting strength and how powerful women truly are.

    "Star Role Only, Never Extra.

    There’s a certain confidence that comes when you fully understand who you are. When you know you’re the key, you stop waiting for things outside of you to unlock your potential. You stop chasing what doesn’t see your value, because deep down, you know exactly what you bring to the table, and it’s not something anyone can copy, compete with, or replace.

    You carry power in your presence. Intelligence. Soul. Creativity. Vision. And the kind of love that transforms every space you enter. That’s not something you beg to be recognised. That’s something you own. You move through life with the quiet certainty that if something ends, if someone walks, if a chapter closes, it’s not the end of you; it’s a redirection toward something more aligned.

    You’re not worried about what didn’t work out. You’re not looking back. You’re focused forward. Because you’ve already proven to yourself what you're capable of creating. And now you know you can do it again; with more wisdom, more alignment, and more self-trust than ever before.

    You know you’re the prize. You know you're the source.

    When a door closes, you don’t take it as a no. You trust that everything is always working in your favor. You hold the vision, ground in your worth, and let your energy lead. You don’t chase. You attract. Because you’ve already decided: you are the key, and there’s nothing you can’t create."

    melisa.illustrations Report