For Valanka D’Cunha, creativity has never been confined to a single pursuit. Known by her first name in everyday life and as emcee Cynthia while hosting functions, she moves comfortably between music, event hosting, beauty content and motherhood. Each of these facets reflects a different part of her personality, yet all are connected by her desire to express herself, connect with people and inspire others.
Roots in Paroda
Valanka’s story begins in Paroda, a picturesque village surrounded by green paddy fields and nestled at the foothills of Parvat. Her family’s roots in the village stretch back four generations, carrying with them a remarkable story of courage and survival.
According to family history, her great-grandfather survived a devastating storm at sea after the boat he was travelling on was destroyed. After spending three days clinging to a plank of wood, he was eventually rescued by the Portuguese navy and awarded a gold medal for his bravery. He later sold the medal, used the money to purchase land in Paroda and made the village his home.
That legacy of resilience remains an important part of Valanka’s identity. Her upbringing in a close-knit Goan environment, surrounded by family, music and tradition, laid the foundation for many of the passions she continues to pursue today.
A Childhood Shaped by Konkani Music
Music entered Valanka’s life early, largely through her father, Victor D’Cunha, a prominent Tiatrist and Konkani singer. He encouraged her to sing songs he wrote, which she performed at school competitions, on Konkani music CDs and as toast songs at weddings.
Her musical abilities were noticed by others as well. Her primary school teacher, Tr. Beatrice, recognised that Valanka had an aptitude for singing in different voices and encouraged her to participate in the school choir, where she sang the second voice. With several musicians also present within her extended family, music became an integral part of her upbringing.
For Valanka, music is not simply a profession or hobby. It is an essential part of who she is. She describes its importance in everyday terms, comparing her need for music to the way Goans might need their morning coffee or an afternoon nap. It is something that helps her feel like her best self.
Remembering ‘Adle Tiatrists’
One of the most significant moments in Valanka’s early musical journey came when she was just 10 years old. She sang ‘Adle Tiatrists’, a song written by her father that paid tribute to the pioneers of Tiatr, the celebrated Konkani theatrical tradition.
The song highlighted the challenges faced by the earliest Tiatr artists, who worked through rain, fog, social stereotypes and resistance to establish the art form. For Valanka, learning and performing the song gave her an appreciation for the people who had paved the way before her.
She was particularly moved by the contribution of the first female Tiatr artists, who faced additional social restrictions simply because they were women entering a field that challenged established norms. Today, the song remains a reminder for her of the sacrifices made by earlier generations and the cultural legacy they left behind.
Finding Her Place on Stage
Valanka’s connection with performance extends beyond singing. Her interest in hosting began during her school years at Pope John High School in Quepem, where her teachers encouraged her to compere school functions. Those early opportunities helped her develop confidence in public speaking.
As she grew older, family members began asking her to host their functions, giving her more opportunities to refine the skill. Eventually, hosting became another important part of her creative identity.
Hosting Goan functions, however, holds a special significance for Valanka. She sees the emcee as the person responsible for setting the mood, maintaining the flow and ensuring that the occasion remains enjoyable for everyone. One of the most rewarding aspects for her is making people laugh while taking care of the proceedings, allowing families to relax and genuinely enjoy their celebrations.
A New Musical Chapter with Aquastix
Valanka is now exploring another chapter of her musical journey as part of Aquastix, a duo that brings a different dynamic to live performance. While the project is still in its early stages, she sees considerable potential in the format.
Unlike larger bands, duos can perform in a variety of settings, from hotels to smaller Goan celebrations, while still creating the energy associated with a full musical act. Valanka also continues to collaborate with other musicians when opportunities arise.
Her abilities as both a singer and emcee have created a distinctive space for her within the live entertainment scene. She has been approached by bands for performances that require someone who can combine musical talent with hosting skills, including collaborations such as those with 10db.
Beauty as an Extension of Creativity
Music and hosting are not Valanka’s only creative outlets. She has also developed a strong interest in makeup, viewing it as an art form in which the face becomes the canvas.
This passion led her to create beauty videos for Instagram and launch her YouTube channel, Glow with Valanka. Rather than presenting makeup simply as a way to change one’s appearance, she sees it as a tool that can enhance existing features.
Her approach to beauty goes beyond cosmetics. Through her content, she encourages viewers to understand that achieving a healthy, radiant appearance involves hydration, proper nutrition, peace of mind and mental wellbeing. Makeup, in her philosophy, is the finishing touch rather than the foundation of beauty.
Confidence, Beauty and the Reality of Everyday Life
A central theme of Valanka’s beauty content is the relationship between appearance and self-confidence. Her observations of everyday life have made her aware of how differently people can sometimes respond to those who appear confident and well put together.
For her, however, confidence itself is an important component of beauty. She believes that self-esteem and the way a person carries themselves can influence how others perceive them.
Through Glow with Valanka, she hopes to encourage women to look beyond external appearance. Mental wellbeing, confidence and nutrition form the core of her message, with makeup serving as an additional way to express oneself. Her content also touches upon the everyday struggles that can affect women’s confidence, creating a space where beauty becomes connected to feeling good from within.
Learning as a Micro Beauty Influencer
Building an online audience has been a gradual process for Valanka. She has experienced the slow beginnings that many content creators encounter, particularly while trying to reach their first 100 YouTube subscribers.
Despite having numerous responsibilities, she makes an effort to create and post content consistently. Motherhood has made this particularly challenging, but it has also given her a greater appreciation for the value of her creative pursuits.
The most rewarding part of being in the beauty space is seeing viewers learn from her content and incorporate what they discover into their own routines. Even criticism and negative comments have become opportunities for growth. Rather than allowing them to discourage her, Valanka views them as reminders that there is always more to learn and improve.
Motherhood and a Slower Perspective on Life
Among all her roles, motherhood has brought perhaps the most profound transformation. As the mother of a young son, Valanka describes this phase as both deeply beautiful and demanding.
For her, raising a child is more than simply caring for another person. It is an opportunity to shape a gentle human being who can eventually contribute positively to the world. Motherhood has also encouraged her to slow down, appreciate small moments and reconsider the constant pursuit of professional success.
She has come to recognise that life is not solely about careers, achievements or keeping pace with others. There is also fulfilment in building a family, creating a peaceful home and passing down interests and values to the next generation.
Looking Ahead
Valanka does not intend to choose between her different passions. Music, hosting, beauty content and motherhood are all likely to remain part of her life as she moves forward.
She hopes to grow into a successful beauty vlogger while continuing to develop her identity as a singer. A collaboration with another artist on an upcoming song marks one of the next steps in her musical journey, with updates to be shared through her Instagram handle, @its_valanka.
From the paddy fields of Paroda to stages, celebrations and digital platforms, Valanka’s journey is one of continually finding new ways to express herself. Her story brings together heritage, music, creativity, confidence and family, showing that a meaningful life can make room for many different passions without having to sacrifice any one of them.