54. From Motorcycles to Millions: How Following Your Intuition Leads to Unexpected Success with Melissa Hussong

In this episode of Soulpreneur Scaling Stories, I’m thrilled to welcome business mentor and podcast host Melissa Hussong. Melissa shares her journey from her early days as a motorcyclist to becoming an inspiring mentor for women entrepreneurs seeking balance and success. 

We explore the profound role of intuition in business, how to recognize and prevent burnout, and the steps Melissa took to create boundaries that allow her to show up fully for her clients and her own growth.

Melissa dives into the critical signs of burnout, especially for service-based entrepreneurs, and reveals practical strategies to realign with your mission. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by giving too much or struggled with the hustle culture mindset, this conversation will inspire you to prioritize self-care, develop sustainable business practices, and trust your intuition.

Key Points Covered:
✨ Discovering and trusting your intuition in new ventures
✨ Recognizing early signs of burnout and strategies to avoid it
✨ Setting boundaries and valuing your time to show up as your best self
✨ Embracing support and creating space for growth and strategic thinking

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Listen to Melissa’s podcast, Full Time Freedom:
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🎧 Podcast produced and edited with love by @FerAssists 🩵

Transcript

[00:00:00] Andrea Elibero: Andrea here, your host and passionate business coach and scaling strategist for Soulful Service Providers and Coaches. Welcome to another episode of Soulpreneur Scaling Stories. Have you ever wanted to look behind the curtain of your fellow entrepreneur's business to see what actually went into scaling it?

[00:00:22] Well, you are in for a treat because that's exactly what we are doing here. In each episode, we will be uncovering the truth behind the lessons and the stories behind what it truly takes for sole preneurs to scale their businesses intentionally. I'm hoping that their stories will help you to unlock the true potential of your business so you can create your own soulful, abundant and aligned laptop lifestyle through intentional scaling.

[00:00:46] So whether you're just starting out on your scaling journey or you're a seasoned entrepreneur seeking inspiration, this episode has something incredible in store for you. Are you ready to rise, grow and create? Create a business that fully supports your dream life. Well, let's [00:01:00] dive in before we begin.

[00:01:02] Make sure to hit that subscribe buttons. You never miss an empowering episode filled with real stories and soulful insights.

[00:01:11] Hello, welcome to another episode of Soulpreneur Scaling Stories. I'm really excited to have Melissa Hassong, business mentor here with us today. Welcome, Melissa. Hi, Andrea. Such a pleasure. So we were chatting for a little bit before, so I want to give a little highlight. So people are like, Oh, what are we going to talk about today?

[00:01:33] We're going to talk a lot about burnout and I'm obsessed with this topic. So I'm really excited to dive in. But before we get there, please introduce yourself and tell us who you are. 

[00:01:44] Melissa Hussong: Yeah. Hi, I'm Melissa Hassong. I help women find confidence, clarity, and cashflow in their business. So you can make more money, work less, and spend more quality time doing the things you truly love in life.

[00:01:58] And I, [00:02:00] Doing that, I apply insights from my top 10 percent podcast called full time freedom. I also have a radio show that's business focused as well. So I apply all of that to my coaching clients work with me one on one and also in my workshops as well. So increasingly, Actually, I'm finding myself speaking on stages and, um, unexpectedly scaling my business, um, in that way, which has been really fun.

[00:02:28] Um, so that's how I really got started. There are so many stories of burnout in between all of that and a lot of twists and turns.

[00:02:36] Andrea Elibero: Hmm.

[00:02:36] I love this. The fact that one, first of all, congratulations, how cool that you're now speaking on stages and this sounds like something that happened kind of organically.

[00:02:45] So that's really exciting. Thank you. Yeah, congrats on that. Um, I would love to hear how you got started on this whole journey online as a business mentor. 

[00:02:56] Melissa Hussong: Yeah. So it was, um, many years in the making, but [00:03:00] really the first kind of entrepreneurial step that I took in my business and my, my life really was I started riding motorcycles and you know, I really totally identify myself as a motorcyclist now, but looking back, I did it and I started riding motorcycles and then it really changed my life, opened up a new.

[00:03:25] skill that I'd never experienced, a new identity. Um, a lot of people started recognizing me as like a badass and using words like brave and courageous and calling me all these things that I'd never thought was for me. And then I thought, This is amazing. I want to help women. I want to help women outside of motorcycling too.

[00:03:47] So my business, I was going to start a women's riding academy. I was going to teach women how to ride motorcycles. And that was, um, probably like four years ago now. [00:04:00] And that was how it started. And literally one thing led to another. I kept following my intuition, um, seeing what kind of the universe was laying out for me and getting the feedback and just kind of pivoting, pivoting.

[00:04:16] And then that motorcycle business became more of a mindset business. And then I started a podcast very organically with two of my best friends over two years ago. And then that. Was just like, Oh, it's business. Like it's always been business. I, um, went to grad school for economics. I've been reading, binging business content, like since I was a kid.

[00:04:44] And then that just came through in the podcast and it very organically unfolded in that way. 

[00:04:51] Andrea Elibero: Oh, so cool. Okay. So one thing you said really sparked an interest, a lot of things you said sparked an interest, but one thing in particular [00:05:00] that I want to bring up is you had said that there were a number of pivots and a lot of this was led by your intuition.

[00:05:06] And this is something that I love talking about. So can you share, can you go deeper into one of those times when you were thought you were going to go one way and what was it, what happened that led you down 

[00:05:19] Melissa Hussong: the other road? Oh my gosh. Yeah. So with the whole motorcycle thing, right? Like I did it and I like to talk about motorcycles because it's such a metaphor for business and the motorcycle thing, like I didn't grow up riding.

[00:05:35] I didn't have any one in my life that was riding motorcycles and yet I had this unexplainable, uncontrollable pull to do this thing and it made no sense. It scared the heck out of me. I had no skills in that and I just was like, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I couldn't. it was just [00:06:00] consuming me. And then, you know, knowing what I know now about intuition is like, those are the moments that we need to pay attention to.

[00:06:08] Like when you can't get that business idea out of your head, when you can't stop thinking about trying this new thing, even though Like, logically, there is no reason for it, and that has been such a guiding light in my business, and even to this day, even with the speaking career that is blossoming, even with the podcast, it's like, these moments of, Wow, hang on, that feels really good, and that, that lights me up, like, that's like, setting me on fire, and I just wanna do it, because I just wanna do it.

[00:06:47] And then, the thing that happens is when you get to that point, it's like, Wow. Oh my gosh. Now I'm feeling pulled to this thing and, and pulled to this thing. And it's like recognizing that these baby [00:07:00] steps get us to where we need to be, but we just don't logically connect those dots in the way that we think we should, because we're, we're taught to be so analytical and logical and back it up with data.

[00:07:14] But when we don't have that, we're like, oh my gosh, this is scary. What do I do? 

[00:07:19] Andrea Elibero: And one thing I also wanted to highlight was that you had said, no, this thing scares me, but I still want to do it. And I think a lot of people get tripped up because they feel like, well, if I'm really meant to do it, then I won't be scared.

[00:07:35] Mm. Yes. I don't think that's true at all. I think that you get scared because, because that's a sign that you're on the edge of, you're on the precipice of something and you're going to get scared because your nervous system is like, I don't know what's happening. This is unknown. So it's trying to protect you.

[00:07:51] But beyond that fear, there's, there's a knowing, right? Like, at least for me, there's kind of like, no, I'm scared, but it's still a yes. [00:08:00] Yep. Yep. Right? Like, I don't know if you've felt that. 

[00:08:03] Melissa Hussong: Yeah, and those key moments, like, recognizing that, like, yeah, it's scary because you haven't been there before. Like, that's the whole point, right?

[00:08:12] It's like, if we'd been there, we'd be like, oh, that's scary. That's too easy, like, been there, done that, you know?

[00:08:18] But it's like, getting to the point where you're like, you kind of, you feel that friction because you want to crawl back into your comfort zone, but knowing those signs, recognizing them, like you just beautifully said there, Andrea.

[00:08:31] Pushing past it. And that's how you break through to a new level and you're like, wow, I just raised my vibe. I just raised my standards and this is where I'm at and I'm never going back. 

[00:08:43] Andrea Elibero: Yeah, exactly. So the thing that I want to, to really make sure that that it's really clear is that your intuition guiding you somewhere does not mean that you're not going to be scared, right?

[00:08:54] It doesn't mean that you're not going to feel that you're going to feel the fear, period. You're going to be scared. It's a new thing, no matter what, this is just part [00:09:00] of it. So. Being able to feel the fear, know that it's right, right? Like, you feel the fear and you still know that it's right and, and trusting that.

[00:09:10] Mm hmm. I think that's the other piece too, right? Is like the self trust and being like, ooh, I want to do this thing, like I'm feeling this and there's something in there. I know that this is my path and I know I may not be straight and narrow, but, but But I just know what I'm going to trust that

[00:09:28] I don't know if you've ever had any experiences where either you have and you're like, okay, or like, you didn't trust that.

[00:09:34] And, you know, I don't know if there's ever been anything in there in your experiences 

[00:09:40] Melissa Hussong: for intuition, like, and not trusting it.

[00:09:43] Andrea Elibero: Yeah.

[00:09:44] Melissa Hussong: Oh, yeah. I mean, I think, oh, gosh, so many stories growing up, you know, of like,

[00:09:50] of, um, If someone's listening and you've ever met someone and been like, Ooh, I'm not sure about that person.

[00:09:58] And then later you [00:10:00] hear something and you're like, you know what? I just, I just didn't feel good. Or like, I knew that that, um, I knew it was going to rain today. I should have brought my umbrella. Um, but I. Yeah, in, in business, I always follow my intuition and it has never led me astray. I think that's the other thing that we forget about intuition because we don't trust it because we, we don't trust ourselves.

[00:10:27] But when you start to rely on your intuition, you're like, wow, this is like a hundred percent always gonna have my back. And knowing that, that's when you can, and you start to have these. Data points like you can collect, you know, oh, this decision actually really worked out for me. Like maybe I'll trust my intuition more next time.

[00:10:50] Maybe I'll trust my intuition more next time. And you develop it like a muscle and then that's how we can start to make those decisions and really [00:11:00] lead our business and start to scale in a way. Mm-Hmm. , that feels good for us. Yeah. That takes us off, that burnout kind of cycle and is actually aligned and fun.

[00:11:12] Andrea Elibero: Mm hmm. Mm hmm. Yes. And one thing you said really made me chuckle and it's so true. It's such a good example of self trust and intuition is the when you meet someone and I'm thinking about it also in terms of dating because you know, we've all dated people and we've all been like, you know, like, oh no, I want, they're going to, you know, and like your intuition is telling you no, no.

[00:11:33] And in the end, of course it always turns out. you know, your intuition is always right, but that is such a relatable example. So that is brilliant. So thank you for sharing that. Yeah. So, and now perfect segue into burnout. So I've gone through and I've shared on here. I, a couple of years ago, I burnt out for, it was like almost a year.

[00:11:58] It took me a really long [00:12:00] time to recover from this burnout. And I would love to hear. Your take on one, maybe some signs like what are some signs that, oh, this might be happening or we should really pay attention to, to what's going on because we might be going down this road of burnout. 

[00:12:23] Melissa Hussong: Yeah, definitely.

[00:12:24] Well, I think, um, burnout for me, like you were saying, Andrea is, you know, it comes up a lot with women. It comes up a lot with entrepreneurs too. And it can even come up in different stages of your business as well. Um, even if we're aware of it, but burnout really shows up when we're constantly pushing, striving, um, hustling, grinding, you know, there might be an underlying mindset there of like, the harder I work, the better my results, or I need to be on 24 seven.

[00:12:57] I need to immediately responsive [00:13:00] to everyone. Um, a lot of giving and not a lot of receiving.

[00:13:07] Andrea Elibero: Um,

[00:13:08] Melissa Hussong: and, and I 

[00:13:08] Andrea Elibero: think that with this, with my people, with service providers, this is so prevalent because service providers are So giving and, you know, the clients want something and they're like, yes, I'm on it. And, you know, and want to do so good and have this heart of service that there is so much of giving, giving, giving and lack of boundaries and all of these things combining and little self care that it happens frequently in this community.

[00:13:36] Melissa Hussong: Yeah, and burnout can be, um, like you were saying, it can be quite destructive and it can kind of set us back, even if we are seeing really great results in our business and we feel successful on, you know, whatever that criteria is that you're basing it off of, but it can really set us back and it can be, All consuming because we need to take a break and we need to rest.

[00:13:59] And [00:14:00] I even, um, had a more recent cycle of burnout after having my son. He's, he's almost a year and a half, but I was. Um, I had taken maternity leave and I was trying to get back into business, like throwing myself back in. And I remember I was sitting up late one night, breastfeeding him. It was like 3am in the morning and I was trying to like cram a book.

[00:14:30] Um, by Alex Hormozy called a hundred million dollar leads. And it had just come out and I was like, no, I must read this. It's amazing. I've heard such good things. And I had my son in one arm and I was like reading it on my phone. And I was just so in this like crunch, hustle, must learn, must force it all in.

[00:14:53] And recognizing. That that's not sustainable, and it isn't [00:15:00] sustainable to constantly be on is so key. But I think the way that we can kind of crawl out of that and to sort of step off the burnout cycle is just recognizing like, what do you actually need in that moment? What's going to help you? What's going to support you?

[00:15:21] Then going and doing that thing, and it's not always checking your emails again, it's, it's actually almost never checking your emails again. It's not what we need. We need to hold space for ourselves and give us the care that we need because if we don't put ourselves first, then we come last. And when we start to raise our standards for how we treat ourselves, other people see that and other people respond and they're like, Oh, okay.

[00:15:51] Like she's got boundaries. Oh, okay. Like she likes to have to take breaks. She likes to get pedicures, you know, whatever [00:16:00] that is for you. Um, but then you'll start to see everything around you changes as well.

[00:16:05] Andrea Elibero: Mm

[00:16:06] I have Yeah, 100%. And it reminds me of conversations that I have with my clients who, and I feel like it's part of, it's such a natural part of the cycle of business.

[00:16:18] When you're, you know, you start your business, you do things, you have no boundaries. And then, you know, you burn out, you almost burn out. You're like, wait, what's going on? And then setting boundaries can feel really scary. And recently I had a client who was. Not able to really get a lot of work done because people would book calls whenever.

[00:16:37] So our calendar was open. And so, you know, so that really, right. Like, you know, your face is like, Oh, that's, you know, and, and then when we were talking about this and coming up with the strategy of having just two days of a week that you do calls and the other days you block that off. So in their CEO days, client work days, you know, et cetera, things like this.

[00:16:58] Um, she was so [00:17:00] nervous about this and so nervous about. Oh, but what if my clients are, you know, or if a person who wants a discovery call is looking and they can't, you know, there's not enough time for them or a client wants, you know, because we're so used to giving, giving, giving, giving. But then we go through it in actuality.

[00:17:17] When you set these boundaries, you show up as your best self. Right, in every capacity, right, because you're showing up as your best self because you can do your work without being interrupted. So you get your client to look for, you know, your clients are happy. You show up on the calls as your best self because you have, you're in that space.

[00:17:34] You know, those days like, okay, this is my call day and just kind of getting over this and just playing with it and testing it out, right, and say, okay, let me do an experiment and see what happens. And it's like, I have never had somebody who booked a discovery call or said, oh, I'm not going to work with her because she only does calls.

[00:17:49] You know, two days a week, or I can't book, you know, or whatnot, or if it doesn't work, they would reach out and, and we would schedule something. So, so yeah, it's just interesting. This, this [00:18:00] journey, cause you're a hundred percent right in that once you set the boundaries, it's almost like you're the example and people respect it more than you think they would.

[00:18:08] Yeah, 

[00:18:09] Melissa Hussong: absolutely. And what you were just saying, Andrea, is, um, you know, by kind of controlling your time like that, you also, and for me, and this has been a big lesson in my scaling journey is that like, you know, I applied the same, you know, specific times for my radio interviews, specific times for podcasting, um, that I can schedule with guests and such.

[00:18:32] And, um, I find that that frees up my time, and this is often overlooked when we think about burnout, but when you can kind of figure out those strategies like you just were describing, it frees up your time elsewhere to like have the clarity and the space for the strategy work. Yeah. And for that like long term stuff that's like important but not urgent, so it's not like a [00:19:00] burning fire that you need to put out, but you're like, oh wow, I should like really plan.

[00:19:05] Or like, I should really kind of think about long term what I want to achieve this year, that sort of thing. And then that's, so that's how the burnout has played into my scaling, is it like, wow, I have More time back in my day because I figured out those burnout strategies and things to optimize and then you're like, Oh my gosh, I just saw this glaring opportunity that I haven't had time to think about because I've been so much in the weeds of like getting things done.

[00:19:36] Andrea Elibero: Yeah, and that's such a good point also because, and this happens a lot, it's happened with me, it's happened with my clients, they're like, oh, I want to do X, Y, Z, but you're so busy or your business is not structured in a way that gives you the space to even think about growing and scaling. So if you're just, as you said, in the weeds, do, do, do, do.

[00:19:56] Then how can you grow like you need the [00:20:00] quiet space you need it in order to have ideas Come to you in order to realize that oh like there's this thing in order to even there were times You know in that time when I was building up to my burnout I would see opportunities that I wanted to do and they just passed right by me You know because I didn't have the space to to do them to even think about them So it's really important to, yeah, is there any other things?

[00:20:26] So we talked about schedule, we talked about creating space and strategy, which is so important. I wonder if there's anything else that comes to mind for you when it comes to, Oh, how do I either prevent burnout or how do I recover or strategies to recover from it or set myself up so it doesn't happen?

[00:20:41] Melissa Hussong: Yeah, absolutely. I, um, and Andrea, like you're the expert in this, but I'm a big fan of outsourcing and Obviously, your audience, they're pros at that, um, but I have, that has been a huge thing and even in this new, like, [00:21:00] identity shift and journey of me becoming a mother is like, wow, I could do everything all day long, but does that make sense?

[00:21:07] Yeah. Absolutely not. Yeah. Not in business, not in home, personal. You know, life either. So figuring out like what, what makes sense for you to work on in your business and what makes sense to outsource and figuring out how to do that in a way that makes the most sense, asking for help. Right. And even if it's not like a formal outsource, like a paid exchange, but maybe it's just like.

[00:21:37] Wow, I would love someone to come and help me out today, like enlisting help of people that support you, because that's what a community is, we want to help you, we want to be a part of your success, so even just asking for help, and I guess that's it. Recognizing that you're worth it, too, [00:22:00] is a huge one.

[00:22:01] Yeah, say that again. Say it again. Oh, yes. Yeah, recognizing that you're worth it. And I mean, that might even be at the core of burnout, is like, we, we don't put ourselves first because we don't believe that we're worth putting ourselves first. And burnout is, is an outcome of that. So when we recognize that you're worthy just because you are, just because you exist, then literally the, the whole world changes.

[00:22:34] Andrea Elibero: That was, I mean, I think we just need to like, that's all we need from this podcast. Like that hits really deep for so many people. It hits deep for me. It hits deep for like, well, this is, yeah. And I think people don't even realize that that's happening. 

[00:22:51] Melissa Hussong: Yeah. You 

[00:22:52] Andrea Elibero: know, but it's true, right? Because if you're like, Oh no, I can do it myself, or I don't have, I don't need help, or I don't want to bother anybody, you don't [00:23:00] believe that you're worthy of asking for the help, or you don't believe you're worthy of getting it or, you know, or, or that you're afraid of the reaction.

[00:23:07] And I think even just a small thing, like maybe if that is what you're feeling, just like do a little experiment, do a little play and ask for something small, you know, from somebody and build up from there. Because there is no way that I could do what I'm doing by myself. And even as a service provider, I was only a service provider.

[00:23:25] I still had help. 

[00:23:27] Melissa Hussong: Yeah. Yeah, there is 

[00:23:29] Andrea Elibero: no way and and people listening are mission driven. You know, they're they're purposeful. They're not just like, oh, I'm just here to make money. You know, they have they want to make an impact. 

[00:23:38] Melissa Hussong: Yeah. And in order to 

[00:23:39] Andrea Elibero: do that, you do need help. Right. And, and you can't do everything, nor should you be doing everything all by yourself.

[00:23:46] The same thing that that My, my clients tell their clients is true for them as well, right? Yeah. You just because you can doesn't mean you should and you are worthy of help. 

[00:23:58] Melissa Hussong: Yes. You [00:24:00] are worthy just because you are like just because you are just because you exist. You know, we don't, we don't go to babies and be like, Oh my gosh, like, you don't deserve unconditional love, and food, and shelter, and warmth, like, oh my gosh, no, we don't, we, we smother them, we surround them in love, just because they exist, you know, they're not really doing much at a young age, to deserve that, right?

[00:24:26] And yet we look at ourselves and we're like, Oh my gosh, I don't deserve that. Well, you were a baby once, like you're still a beautiful divine person. Like of course we do. And then can you also imagine 

[00:24:38] Andrea Elibero: saying that to your significant others, to your friends, to your families? You know, can you imagine like if you said to them, no, you don't deserve it.

[00:24:47] You're not worthy of my help. That's the same thing that you're saying to yourself. You know, so if that's so preposterous to say to your family, no, you don't deserve, you know, like, no, that's what you're saying to yourself. [00:25:00] So such a beautiful connection between that and burnout, beautiful connection. So something to really, really think on.

[00:25:09] Um, so I would love to know as we wrap this up, is there anything else that we didn't talk about yet that you would love to talk about when it comes to growing and scaling a business and doing it intentionally? 

[00:25:24] Melissa Hussong: Yes, for sure. I so, so like the way that I've been growing my business this year, um, intentionally now, but at the, at the start was organically like the podcast just started blowing up for us.

[00:25:40] And we had been about two years into that. And, um, you know, doing it because we loved it. We started it as like a personal call between best friends out of a mastermind that we were in together. And we were like having these fun business conversations. And we thought, what if we could share this knowledge [00:26:00] with other friends that could benefit and bring them along on, on our journey.

[00:26:05] And as we did that, more people started tuning in and we just were getting organic traction and. 

[00:26:14] Andrea Elibero: Was this, as you tell your story, I'm just curious up to the timeline, because you're like, oh, we did this as a passion. So you were really excited about it and you didn't have, it sounds like you didn't have expectations of the outcome, that you just really were excited to do it.

[00:26:26] Melissa Hussong: 100 percent Andrea. I'm saying like we started this because like we were legit having masterminds every week and then we like just started to record our business conversations and add structure to it. So it was like more takeaways, more tangible tips and advice. To implement in other people's business.

[00:26:46] And then, yeah, we were just like, Oh, this would be fun. Next day we got on zoom and recorded and then we just figured it out, self taught everything in the podcast, but so timeline would [00:27:00] be 2020, no, two years ago. So like 2021, let's say we started to like prep and kind of get going. And then we. Yeah, just showed up because we loved it.

[00:27:14] Didn't really have any monetary insights, um, or like goal at all until this year. Um, so we found out we're a top 10 percent podcast, our, our, thank you, our listenership is through the roof, beyond anything we'd ever expected. And now we're starting to get a lot of these paid speaking opportunities. Um, Paying to fly me from Australia to the U.

[00:27:40] S. to do a one hour keynote, that sort of thing. And just scaling in a way that was very unexpected, and now I'm starting to put more focus into that, because the universe has been like, Hey, Mel! And I think for a long time, it's been like tapping me on the shoulder. Like, Hey, it's this thing, [00:28:00] it's this thing, Mel, it's this thing.

[00:28:02] And I'm over here being like, Oh no, my, like I'm doing one on one, like I'm doing group stuff and workshops. And, um, You know, I think to, to that burnout point earlier is like, I was so in the weeds, I didn't have time to think about the longer term, big picture things. Um, but I think really the point here is that, that I've, that I've been able to grow that business and we did incorporate as a business this year,

[00:28:30] cause the profit coming in, like we needed to start channeling that, um, but growing in a way Is easy and fun and doesn't feel hard.

[00:28:46] Because that's not how I grew up. I thought that like, to get results you had to struggle and grind and hustle and push and pull. But then, Over here, the universe is like, hey, this thing is gonna [00:29:00] get you far. Um, I'm really leaning into that. So, I think that has been a huge lesson for me recently, is growing in ways that just kind of come out of the blue and following that, and that's the intuition piece as well.

[00:29:15] Andrea Elibero: Hmm.

[00:29:16] I love that. And not necessarily be like, oh, well, Like having blinders on as a horse, right? This is my path and kind of ignoring everything else. I love that you all did something just for fun and because you wanted to and because you were inspired by it and because you were having fun and were passionate about it, it then morphed into this whole other thing and now this is your path.

[00:29:39] And it's so cool. And such a good lesson, right? Such a good lesson for people that you don't necessarily have to have a strategic plan from day one of having this, you know, whatever idea, like for me, starting this podcast, it was an intuitive hit. It was something that I felt like, Ooh, like, this would be cool.

[00:29:55] And now it's one of, right. It's just really fun for me. And I really enjoy it. You know, [00:30:00] similarly, I'm not looking to become some like famous, you know, there's not like a whole giant strategy other than serving my audience. Like this is what I'm doing and meeting them. And, but because of that, I'm meeting really cool people.

[00:30:11] I'm getting really inspired myself. Like I'm getting, you know, there's like a lot of things that are happening because of it. And it doesn't necessarily fit into a strategy of like, Oh, ABC, and this is going to happen because of that. It's kind of a labor, similarly, like a labor of love and, and let's see, you know, like, let's see what happens.

[00:30:29] Who knows? And just being open, being open to it as well. Right. Whatever the possibilities are. 

[00:30:36] Melissa Hussong: And it's all about the journey. And I think that would be like, that's kind of like a little mini scaling tip or lesson that I've learned is that like. bringing people along on the journey so that they can actually witness the scaling.

[00:30:51] Like for real. And I still have, um, audience members, friends, someone in my network will come up to me and be like, Mel, I just started listening [00:31:00] to the podcast and they'll start from episode one. Like, I wonder if this has happened to you, but they'll like start from the beginning. And you're like, wow, I was just a baby back then.

[00:31:10] But then you're like embarrassed. Yeah. So like, um, yeah, witnessing that scaling real time and we have a segment called weekly wins where, um, me and my cohost always talk about what's going on in our business challenges or things that we're just kind of overcoming. So we talk about that every week and then you kind of are.

[00:31:33] You know, you, you bring in that, that audience along on the journey and I think that is so helpful and whether that's a client or, you know, through your social media, but just kind of being like, Hey, this is me. This is what I'm doing. This is what I'm trying to achieve. Like come hang out with us while we do that.

[00:31:53] And I think that 

[00:31:54] Andrea Elibero: people are afraid to do that because they're like, Oh, what if I fail or what if this doesn't work out? So people are often like, No, I [00:32:00] don't want to share my story because I just want to share it. You know, the the wins, or just share the good things, or not share what I'm going through because of that fear.

[00:32:07] So I'm curious what you would say, what your response is to that. 

[00:32:11] Melissa Hussong: Oh my gosh, yes. Well, I think vulnerability is huge, and when you can be vulnerable and show that side and tell a story that's hard, it's really hard to be vulnerable. Maybe like tell the story after you're out of it, like, it's really hard to be in it and go through it.

[00:32:29] Um, but I think the vulnerability shows that you're human and like, yeah, everyone is afraid of failure. Yeah. No one wants to look dumb. That's actually super relatable. And, you know, sharing those stories always gets more interaction. I think in my YouTube videos, my social media. Um, I remember, I think back to an episode we did,

[00:32:56] my co host and I, our babies are around the same age.

[00:32:59] So [00:33:00] we were about like four months postpartum and we did a very real raw episode on like going through the postpartum era and running a business and having all these demands on your time and, um. That's still one of our highest listened to episodes so anyone out there thinking like, oh my gosh, I don't want to share that side.

[00:33:20] I don't want to be cringe. It's like, oh my gosh, you could serve someone in the most powerful profound way by sharing your story. And you, you never know who is listening, who is watching and who will be impacted by what it is that you're doing. Thank you. 

[00:33:39] Andrea Elibero: Yeah, a hundred percent. Thank you so much for sharing that encouraging vulnerability, everything we talked about intuition and burnout.

[00:33:47] So many little gold nuggets in this episode. Amazing. So please share how, where can everybody find you? How can they stay in touch and whatever else you want to share? The floor is yours. 

[00:33:58] Melissa Hussong: Yeah, head on over [00:34:00] and follow, subscribe to our podcast. It's called full time freedom. We're on all the podcast platforms and over there, we share tips, strategies, business advice, share other women's stories, and we bring you along on our story as we're scaling our businesses, um, growing the podcast and.

[00:34:21] just exploring ways to live our lives bigger, better, bolder. And that's the best place I share all my best content there. Um, I'm on Instagram as well. So you can DM me at Melissa Hassong and let me know if you listened to this episode. 

[00:34:38] Andrea Elibero: Amazing. Thank you so much for being here, Melissa. This was lovely.

[00:34:43] Melissa Hussong: Thanks, Andrea. Such a pleasure. Thank you.

[00:34:45] Andrea Elibero: Thank you so much for joining us today. I really hope you found inspiration and insights from today's episode. You know, scaling your business intentionally and from the [00:35:00] inside out is a transformational process, but I'm here to support you every step of the way. Head on over to dancingleafsolutions. com slash resources for free tools to help you do just that.

[00:35:11] And thank you again for being a part of the Soulpreneur Scaling Stories community, your presence and dedication to growth, inspiring me every day.