Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Smith.
Melissa , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When my husband and I found out we were having our first baby, we did a type of rock, paper, scissors to figure out which one of us would stay home. He says he “won” because he ended up being a stay-at-home dad, while I worked. Sixteen years and three sons later, this has been our world. I worked in corporate environments, traveling, being promoted, overseeing sales teams and paying the bills. Then in the beginning of 2025, I was getting uneasy feelings about my current position. There had been some management changes, and sales were down due to tariffs. I talked with my husband about it, and he asked me what I would be doing in a perfect world. I immediately said something in the health and wellness arena. I’ve been getting up at 4:30 a.m. for over 20 years. I read or journal, pray or meditate and I’m out the door by 5:15 and at the gym by 5:30 M-F. I eat healthy because diabetes runs in my family. He told me to go ahead and look for careers in that field. After only a little bit of research, I found out about health and wellness coaching. Duke University has one of the first (2008) programs with a lot of great reviews, so I put in an application and was accepted! I jumped in headfirst and started my practice, Balance & Bloom, built a website and sold cold chain packaging by day, and went to school at night. I was thoroughly enjoying doing both, although I was making little to no money at coaching when I was let go from my job in September of 2025. My husband and I had a difficult discussion about our options, and we decided together that instead of looking for another corporate job, I would put all of my efforts into Balance and Bloom. I graduated in December of 2025 with my Certificate in Health and Wellness Coaching. It’s now been eight months and things are going great. I have a steady stream of private coaching clients. I coach (mostly) women on imposter syndrome, burnout, mental and physical wellness and other topics important to them. The topics are always different, but the outcomes are the same. They regain confidence and start enjoying the life they have built instead of just “getting through it.” I coach stay at home moms and women who work at Disney and big pharma companies. I’ve also built my business around “connection events.” I’ve partnered with our local zoo, community colleges and country clubs to bring wellness and connection to their business. One of the best coaching opportunities has come from coaching several nursing students who are juniors at a college in Tennessee and facing stress, burnout and anxiety due to the intensity of the program. After they complete their coaching sessions, they see dramatic improvement in their overall wellness. Their sleeping, nutrition and exercise habits improve which improves their test scores and overall mental health.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve really had to practice what I preach when it comes to having a positive attitude, reframing, box breathing, surrounding myself with embracers, etc. I struggle daily with trying not to feel guilty or feeling selfish. When I was working my corporate job, we went on vacations and paid our bills easily. It was easy to dream and say yes to things. Now, we have to pay attention to every cent. We are using our savings, and my husband has increased his lawncare and photography businesses in order to make up for my difference in financial contributions. I’m always asking my boys if they notice anything different or if they feel like they are going without anything, and all three have said they haven’t felt affected. Sometimes I wonder why I’m doing this now, instead of later when it would affect them less, but it’s a train that has already left the station and there is no turning back. Plus, my boys are old enough to see and understand so I’m hoping they see I’m going for my dream, and they will do the same no matter what age. The biggest change I’ve noticed is how my husband and I communicate. “In richer or poorer” has never been tested as much as these past 8 months. I’ve gone from bringing in an average of $6,000/month to $0. I ask myself if the tables were turned, would I be so supportive of my husband? (I like to think I would…) He is my rock, my supporter and my cheerleader. As well as my boys. They motivate me. I can see Balance and Bloom years from now and I know it will flourish however, getting others to see that same vision is hard. People who I thought would be my cheerleaders are not. Not that they aren’t supportive, but they don’t show up how I need them. Others, who I didn’t realize were in my corner, have shown up tremendously.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Balance and Bloom, LLC?
Balance and Bloom is a practice where women can reconnect with themselves. They forget what they enjoy and who they are because they take care of their kids, partners, parents, co-workers, sports teams, schools, etc. Here’s why coaching works- when I meet with a client, I give them space to speak the words in their head, out loud. When they answer questions on a deeper level, in an environment where it’s just them and about them, they start to think differently outside of the sessions. They think about themselves more and stop feeling guilty about it.
I help the women who say:
“I’m just trying to make it through the day.”
“I feel disconnected from myself.”
“I miss who I used to be.”
“This is not the me I pictured at this age.”
I also hold connection events. People talk about wanting to Netfilx and chill, however that is not healthy to do on repeat. I talk about the Blue Zones, areas of the world where many people live to be over 100. The reason these people tend to live long lives, is because of connection and purpose.
I’m known as the Spark Coach. I help women reignite their sparks through connection experiences. I’m most proud of the term MicroSparks. They are the opposite of triggers. They are the little things you notice throughout the day that make you stop and notice. This is helpful for reconnection to yourself and your day. It keeps you grounded.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Starting this business without a safety net of another job is the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. In fact, it is stressing the relationship I have with my father. He grew up never taking any risks. He likes repetition and assurance. He worked the same job his whole life. When I got my first job at a newspaper in 2006, he told me I could have that job for the rest of my life. After I lost my job in September, he cautioned me NOT to pursue the health and wellness coaching. He thinks it’s a hobby and I have a family to support. He never asks me about my job anymore. So, not only am I risking my family’s financial stability, but I’m also risking relationships with my family. For my dream career.
Pricing:
- $28 for my 5-Minute Spark ($1/day)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.balanceandbloom.life
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balanceandbloomnow/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585922903489
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-smith-3b834610/
