Women With Purpose | Monique Melton

I am so excited to continue with the new blog series for the Rachel Allene blog! This past year, I have learned so much about growing a business, building a brand, increasing online sales, growing a mailing list, etc. through the influence and expertise of other highly creative and talented women. They have encouraged me, inspired me, and taught me to be fearless in my pursuits. They run their businesses with intention, purpose, and with a heart to give back. I am excited to share the insight from these women with you! They will offer wise insight, real talk, and actionable steps for growing a successful and profitable business (while making a difference!)

Today's interview is with a woman who is making BIG waves in the creative industry. I first met Monique Melton through the Savvy Business Owners Facebook group and was struck by her depth, raw honesty, and ability to call women to a higher standard of faith and business integrity. Monique is bold and wise and she does not shy away from hard conversations; something I believe we can all learn from. I am humbled by her willingness to share her story and her bravery in challenging women to think bigger, more holistically.

Monique is an author, educator, and growth strategist for women called for "such a time as this." She has so much to share and I can't wait for you to learn from her!

1. How long have you been in business?

Two years.

2. Describe your business and brand.

Monique Melton is the author of the book Entreprefriendships, a growth strategist & a speaker. She encourages leaders & community builders in personal growth in development. She is the founder of Shine Brighter Together, which is a movement dedicated to educating and connecting leaders to change the world by embracing diversity & building real community. She is a natural big-bold dreamer and a deeply rooted woman of faith, committed & proud Navy wife. She’s a loving mother to two little ones. She has a BA in social science with an emphasis in Sociology & Psychology and two years of graduate school education in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. She works with clients one-on-one, in workshops, trainings and masterminds and she travels the country to encourage and support others in their journey to living a most fulfilling life. She believes it’s not about your comfort, but it’s about your growth.

3. What is the biggest struggle you face with your business?

The challenge of being a working wife and mom is really tough, especially working from home with a little one a few days a week.

4. How do you overcome these struggles?

Right now, we do the best we can to get help and work as a team.

5. What is a big dream you have for your business?

Be an international speaker and educator on personal growth & development as it relates to relationships (the relationship with yourself, others and in community).

6. What is your best advice for brand new business owners?

Work in your business with a growth mindset. Make sure you don't get to comfortable or set in your ways or in doing something that you'll soon be outsourcing in order to create more of the work you're most passionate about.

7. How do you recharge? What do you love doing outside of work?

Quality fun time with the ones I love. So that may mean dinner out, shopping, or just hanging out watching a movie.

8. How do you ditch the hustle and embrace grace?

I embrace grace by reminding myself who I'm doing this work for.

9. What's your best productivity tip?

Do one task at a time--multi-tasking is a myth.

10. To you, what does it mean to run a heartfelt business?

A business that is focused on serving from a place of love, connection and purpose.

11. What's your biggest pet peeve?

Poor customer service/experience.

12. What's your go-to celebration when something big happens with your business?

Dance and sing...and eat yummy food!!!