For years, people told me my dream was dumb.
For years, I believed it.
One day, I decided to believe in ME instead.
I decided that my dream matters and to pursue it, despite the obstacles I would face.
I share my life lessons through storytelling.
I am a speaker and author.
MY STORY
My dream started in middle school when I found a cassette tape, popped it into my “boombox” and was immediately hooked on the music. I almost wore out that cassette tape as I learned all the words to all the songs. Here I was, a middle school girl in the late 1980’s and my most favorite singer was the one and only, Elton John. At the very first concert I attended, I decided I wanted to meet him!
Yes, this was my dream.
The one that people told me was dumb. The one people told me was impossible.
The dream that ultimately taught me to believe in ME.
There was ONE concert I couldn’t go to because I didn’t have the money – it was a “once in a lifetime” opportunity. This devastated me and led me to choose to “be better with money.” That one choice was a major catalyst for change and gave me a new direction for my life’s journey – to inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams, too by taking action.
Forty-Seven Elton John concerts later, and I no longer believe my dream is dumb, I BELIEVE it will come true. I’m closer to meeting Elton now because I chose to not give up on the dream.
How did I go from believing my dream was dumb to believe it can come true?
Quite simply, I met my people and started listening to them instead of the others.
And, I chose to believe in ME and know deep in my soul that my dream matters.
Yours does, too.
I believe that we are to go confidently in the direction of our dream. That confidence and direction come from the life lessons we learn and the obstacles we overcome along the way. The pursuit of a dream can lead to some amazing opportunities and experiences but it also comes with struggles, understanding that our dreams are part of God’s plan for us, that money is a tool to pursue a dream, and that the life lessons learned along the away are not just to learn but to apply and share.
My mission is to inspire and motivate people to take action towards the pursuit of their dreams.
Overcome the obstacles, make forward progress, and believe that their dreams matter, too.
Dream Big. GO!
Background
Melissa has always shared stories, especially as it relates to the pursuit of her dream to meet Elton John. There are also stories of being a wife, mom, dog rescuer, getting out of debt, entrepreneur, and the role that faith has on her life’s journey. All of those stories became a book and she has since become an experienced public speaker inspiring audiences from small groups to conference attendees and podcast audiences.
Melissa speaks to share her story and inspire, motivate, and encourage others to pursue their dream! Her story has been featured on several well-known podcasts in the personal finance space as well as Forbes.com!
She is the author of Building My Yellow Brick Road: Life Lessons from Pursuing a Dream.
Melissa and her husband Jack live in Southeastern NC with their two teenage boys, two rescue dogs, and the occasional foster dog.
Experience
Previous clients include:
*Southport Oak Island Chamber of Commerce
*Launch Out Conference
*Podcasts
* Invited call-in guest on the Bob and Sheri Show
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Speaking Topics
Dream Big. Go!
Dreams matter. Your dream is YOURS and you have every right to pursue it. My BIG dream is to meet Elton John but I’ve had and accomplished other dreams along the way.
Faith Journey
Born and raised Catholic, now attending the Methodist Church and one of my favorite preachers is Steven Furtick. My faith has played an important part in my life’s journey as I strive every day to understand and follow the path God has for me. (Jer 29:11)
Life and Money
Money is a tool to pursue your dream, not something that should stand in the way.
We hit financial rock bottom in December of 2009 and pulled ourselves out. I’ll share the path we took towards rock bottom, the decision to get out, and the journey of better money management.
“When I saw Melissa speak, I knew she was doing what she was meant to do. She captured my attention, and more importantly, kept it. One of the things I like most about watching Melissa is seeing what a natural she is. She is a talented speaker, and I thoroughly enjoyed her presentation.”
Carla Musarra-Leonard, Owner of La Bella Coppia.
