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
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.
