Building a Business, Changing Lives: Melissa Harris’s Story

Women's Journal Staff on February 20, 2025

Melissa Harris was on track to become a gym manager when she realized she needed more financial flexibility. As a strength and conditioning coach, she was passionate about helping others achieve their fitness goals, but her minimum-wage salary made it difficult to plan for her future. With an upcoming wedding and honeymoon, financial constraints became even more apparent.

Additionally, raising a son with ADHD presented unique challenges. The mainstream education system in the UK lacked adequate support, which required Melissa to take unpaid leave to assist him. This situation highlighted her need for a more flexible income source that could provide a better balance between work and family life.

A Fresh Start with a Travel-Based Business

Initially, Melissa explored another business model, but the experience didn’t match her expectations. She found the focus on sales transactional rather than fulfilling, and she struggled to connect with the business. She knew she wanted more than just sales—she sought a career aligned with her values. Everything changed when a friend introduced her to a travel-related business opportunity.

Unlike her previous experience, this business resonated with her passion for helping people—not just in creating memorable experiences but in offering opportunities that could positively impact their lives. Excited by the potential, she joined and began to engage with the services. Within weeks, she became more involved, which furthered her interest in the travel industry. This experience marked the beginning of a journey that transformed her life and has the potential to positively impact those around her.

Establishing a Prosperous Business

Building a Business, Changing Lives: Melissa Harris’s Story

Photo Courtesy: Melissa Harris

Today, Melissa has built a business that provides her with opportunities that she has only ever dreamed of but always thought out of reach. The travel industry, a globally recognized market, became a platform for her entrepreneurial journey. Stepping into a leadership role straight away and mentoring individuals, helping them not only start their own travel business, but also teaching the same leadership skills she possesses to others, the mindset and personal growth strategies she has spent a lifetime studying and practicing, she found a career aligned with her aspirations.

No longer confined by traditional work schedules, Melissa enjoys the freedom to work from anywhere. She can be present for her son, attend essential moments in his life, and design a lifestyle that prioritizes her family and personal goals. Her experience has allowed her to support others in pursuing their goals, providing them with the tools and guidance to create their desired freedom lifestyle.

The Mindset Behind Success

Melissa attributes much of her success to mindset development. Turning her own past traumas into a positive outcome instead of viewing them as a negative has always been something that Melissa practices. She believes that handling perceived rejection is one of the most crucial skills. Instead of viewing a ‘no’ as a failure, she sees it as a sign that the timing isn’t right for that individual. This perspective allows her to maintain confidence and resilience, which she instills in her team. Beyond mental resilience, Melissa believes continuous learning is key to growth.

She dedicates time daily to studying industry trends, business strategies, and self-improvement techniques. With qualifications in business and accountancy, she applies her knowledge to strengthen her team’s development and refine her approach to leadership. She understands that personal development is just as important as professional growth and encourages her team to invest in themselves.

Melissa understands that even top leaders in any industry have coaches and mentors. Out of approximately 15,000 people only 80 got chosen for this prestigious year of mentorship, Melissa being one of them. Now, she is using this opportunity to share the knowledge she’s gaining, along with her leadership experience and years of running successful businesses, with her team. Melissa believes that success leaves clues, and staying close to experienced mentors can create opportunities for growth for those who are willing, coachable, and committed to their goals.

Values That Drive Melissa’s Business Forward

Photo Courtesy: Melissa Harris

At the heart of Melissa’s work is kindness and integrity. She understands that everyone faces their own struggles and believes in treating people with compassion. Personal losses and challenges have shaped her perspective, reinforcing her commitment to uplifting others. For her, creating a positive impact on people’s lives is her main focus.

Melissa finds immense joy in celebrating her team’s accomplishments. Watching them grow—whether personal growth in traits such as confidence and posture, business achievements and expansion, or achieving other milestones—brings her more fulfillment than personal accolades. She fosters a culture of support, encouragement, and collaboration, ensuring that her team members feel valued and empowered.

Success Beyond Just Numbers

For Melissa, true success is about happiness and freedom. While having the ability to make choices is important, she values the ability to make choices without constraints. Having experienced challenges in the loss of her father at a young age due to mental health and the lack of support available at the time, and the continuing lack of funding and support for her son, she understands the difficulties that limitations can create. Now, through her business, she aims to help others avoid similar difficulties by providing them with lifestyle opportunities. She also hopes to share her experiences.

Many people hesitate to explore new ventures due to misinformation or fear of the unknown. Melissa believes in educating others about the realities of her business, highlighting its potential when approached with the right mindset and work ethic. By sharing her journey and insights, she empowers others to see the possibilities beyond common misconceptions.

Creating a Lasting Impact

Looking ahead, Melissa envisions her business creating long-term security. The business model offers a willable structure, which means she can provide stability for her family, and nieces. This will allow them to pursue a life without constraints based on their own strengths and passions. She also hopes to continue expanding her reach, helping more individuals achieve personal fulfillment.

Whether through mentorship, leadership development, or business coaching, Melissa is committed to making a difference in people’s lives. Melissa Harris’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, resilience, and belief in oneself. Through her business, she has crafted a life of freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—one where she can support her family and travel. Her story serves as an inspiration to those looking for an alternative path, proving that with the right mindset and dedication, anything is possible.

For more information, you can visit Melissa Harris’s Facebook, Instagram, or join her Facebook groups Travel Besties Worldwide and Travel, Freedom & Business; Dreams To Reality.

Disclaimer: Testimonials in this article reflect personal experiences and aren’t guaranteed. Results vary based on effort, experience, and commitment. Use your judgment.

Published by Anne C.

How Pinnacle One Financial Empowers Women with Financial Literacy

Women's Journal Staff on February 20, 2025

In a time when many face challenges in financial literacy, one Indiana-based company is working to change the conversation. Pinnacle One Financial isn’t just another insurance company – it’s a beacon of change in an industry traditionally dominated by conventional thinking and exclusive practices.

The Rise of Women-Owned Businesses in the Insurance Sector

The insurance industry’s face is changing, and it’s about time. While women now make up roughly half of the insurance workforce, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the path hasn’t been easy. Female entrepreneurs still navigate a maze of obstacles, from limited funding opportunities to sparse mentorship networks.

Yet, this shifting landscape carries profound implications. When women see themselves represented in financial services leadership, it catalyzes a broader transformation. Pinnacle One Financial stands as living proof that women can participate in and revolutionize an industry long set in its ways.

Pinnacle One Financial: A Commitment to Inclusivity and Empowerment

Born from the vision of forward-thinking women who saw glaring gaps in the insurance market, Pinnacle One Financial has embedded inclusivity into its DNA. Their refreshing “People over profits” philosophy isn’t just a catchy slogan – it’s the bedrock of every client interaction and business decision.

Tailored Products and Services for Diverse Needs

Understanding that cookie-cutter solutions rarely serve anyone well, Pinnacle One Financial has crafted a suite of life and health insurance products that acknowledge and address the unique challenges faced by different communities. Their approach goes beyond simple product offerings, diving deep into educational support that empowers clients to make informed choices about their financial futures.

The impact of this personalized approach resonates through countless client success stories. Rather than pushing products, the company focuses on building understanding, ensuring clients grasp what they’re buying and why it matters for their financial journey.

Building Long-Term Wealth Through Financial Education

At its core, generational wealth represents more than just assets passed between generations – it’s about creating lasting financial stability and independence. Pinnacle One Financial has positioned itself at the forefront of this crucial mission, weaving comprehensive financial education into the fabric of its services.

Through dynamic workshops, engaging seminars, and accessible online resources, the company equips clients with practical tools for financial success. These aren’t just theoretical lessons; they’re transformative experiences that change how people think about and manage their money.

Becoming Your Own Bank: A New Paradigm in Financial Management

In an era of financial innovation, Pinnacle One Financial is championing a revolutionary concept: becoming your bank. This isn’t just clever marketing – it’s a practical approach to transforming how individuals view insurance products as wealth-building tools. The company guides clients through strategies leveraging life insurance for protection and investment, creating a foundation for long-term financial success.

This fresh perspective has already transformed countless lives. Clients learn to take control of their financial destiny, moving beyond traditional banking constraints to create their own wealth-building systems. It’s about more than just saving money – it’s about understanding how to make money work smarter.

The Future of Pinnacle One Financial and Its Impact on Communities

Looking ahead, Pinnacle One Financial isn’t resting on its laurels. The company is rolling out ambitious plans to expand its reach with new initiatives to support underserved communities. Their vision extends beyond individual success stories to create lasting change across neighborhoods and regions.

The ripple effects are already visible. As more clients gain financial confidence and knowledge, they share these insights with family members and friends, creating a multiplier effect that strengthens entire communities. This organic growth in financial literacy makes Pinnacle One Financial’s approach so powerful.

Conclusion

Pinnacle One Financial represents more than just another insurance company – it’s a catalyst for change in an industry that desperately needs fresh thinking. Through its commitment to education, inclusivity, and client empowerment, the company shows that financial services may be profitable and purposeful.

The path to financial empowerment starts with knowledge, and Pinnacle One Financial is lighting the way. For individuals and families looking to take control of their financial future, the company offers more than just insurance products—it provides a path to lasting wealth and security

To explore how Pinnacle One Financial can support your journey to financial empowerment, visit www.pinnacleonefinancial.us. The future of financial services is inclusive, educational, and empowering – and it’s already here.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Pinnacle One Financial’s services are designed to empower clients through education and customized insurance solutions, but individual results may vary. While the company aims to provide accurate and reliable information, users should seek professional financial counsel to make informed decisions based on their unique circumstances. Generating wealth and achieving financial success involves risks, and no guarantees of financial outcomes are made.

Published by Anne C.

Embracing Your Child’s Differences: A Pathway to Wellness and Growth

Women's Journal Staff on February 20, 2025

By: Jason Gerber

Raising a neurodiverse child can present unique challenges that often require patience, resilience, and adaptability. Many parents may experience moments of overwhelm, frustration, and uncertainty. However, Marnie Jurkowski’s book, EMBRACE: Navigating the Complexities of ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety with Love, offers a fresh perspective.

Through her personal journey with her son, Marnie suggests how addressing neurological challenges, such as impulse control and high sensitivity, can potentially lead to moments of healing and growth. By shifting perspective from what your child might struggle with to focusing on their abilities, parents may find it easier to recognize and nurture their unique qualities, potentially fostering a supportive environment.

Understanding a Child’s Unique Perspective

Children with ADHD, autism, and anxiety often perceive the world differently, sometimes experiencing heightened sensitivities and deep empathy. In EMBRACE, Marnie shares how Andy’s perceptiveness and connection with animals appeared to demonstrate his profound emotional depth. However, these strengths were often overshadowed by difficulties with emotional regulation and impulse control.

Andy faced notable challenges, including behavioral issues like stealing, which seemed to stem from his struggles with impulse control. Seeking alternative healing methods, Marnie introduced Andy to energy healing at the Sydney Energy Healing Hub. Over time, his underlying qualities began to emerge more clearly, suggesting that his challenges could be transformed into strengths that enriched his life and those around him.

Building Confidence Through Unconditional Acceptance and Love

Neurodiverse children may often face external judgments that can impact their self-worth. Marnie emphasizes the importance of unconditional acceptance in helping to build a child’s confidence. She suggests the necessity of verbalizing love, encouragement, and appreciation frequently, which may help children feel valued and understood.

Throughout his early school years, Andy was frequently misunderstood and sometimes unfairly labeled, which appeared to affect his self-esteem. Marnie explored other techniques to help him raise his energy, such as playing high-frequency healing music while he slept, which is freely available on YouTube, and placing crystals throughout the house to potentially maintain an energetically lifted and clear environment.

Creating a Supportive Environment for Growth

Every child has distinct needs, and tailoring their learning environment to accommodate these needs can be crucial. Traditional schooling seemed to be a source of stress for Andy, and when his mainstream high school could no longer support him, Marnie sought alternative education options. Enrolling Andy in a small, independent school designed for students with similar challenges appeared to be a pivotal decision. He began to thrive in an environment that recognized and nurtured his abilities, highlighting the importance of finding the right educational setting for neurodiverse children.

Embracing the Journey with Love, Not Perfection

Parenting a neurodiverse child often involves navigating unpredictable behaviors that may be difficult to understand. Marnie’s experience suggests the power of persistence and the potential for healing through holistic approaches. By embracing alternative therapies, she appears to have fostered a stronger connection with Andy, demonstrating that growth can often occur beyond conventional boundaries.

Letting go of the pursuit of perfection may allow parents to focus on the moments of joy and connection that make the journey meaningful. Rather than striving for an idealized version of success, embracing each milestone—however small—could lead to lasting transformation.

Finding Healing Through EMBRACE

Marnie Jurkowski’s EMBRACE: Navigating the Complexities of ADHD, Autism, and Anxiety with Love serves as a potential resource for parents seeking understanding, healing, and connection with their neurodiverse children.

For those feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, EMBRACE may offer both comfort and inspiration. By celebrating children’s differences and exploring alternative approaches, parents might unlock new avenues for growth. Marnie’s story stands as a reminder of the power of openness, love, and the unexpected paths that can sometimes lead to profound healing and transformation. Order your copy today to learn from Marnie’s firsthand experience.

Visit: https://marniejurkowski.com/

Disclaimer: The practices described in this article, such as energy healing and the use of crystals, are based on personal experiences and alternative approaches. They are not scientifically validated and should not replace evidence-based treatments. Always consult a qualified professional when exploring options for your child.

Published by Anne C.