This Founder Left a High-Profile Career to Create a Business That Feels Like a Love Letter: Melissa Shelton on How To Own Your Story

The Unschool by Andi Alleman

5 Conversations with 5 Smart Girls.

Meet Melissa Shelton — a powerhouse creative, hospitality entrepreneur, and founder of Dear Valentine. This convo is a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to go from corporate leader to intentional founder.

Melissa shares the raw truth about walking away from a high-profile career in the global design industry (hello, Vitra and Design Within Reach) to build something entirely her own — a hospitality brand rooted in travel, design, and unforgettable experiences.

Inside this conversation, you’ll hear:

How Melissa navigated imposter syndrome and the mindset shifts that helped her trust herself as a founder.

The business plan essentials she swears by before making a leap — yes, money matters.

Why collaboration and your network are the non-negotiables of sustainable success.

What social media really looks like behind the scenes for a multi-hyphenate business owner.

The power of investing in personal growth and the belief that you don’t get what you don’t ask for.

This episode is a masterclass in owning your story, leading with vision, and creating environments (and businesses) that people feel — long after they leave.

✨ Takeaways:

→ Imposter syndrome happens — even at the top. Keep going.

→ Plan for your leap — evaluate the financial and lifestyle shifts required.

→ Your network is your business. Collaboration unlocks growth.

→ Authentic storytelling is your superpower on social.

→ Entrepreneurship is a forever experiment — stay curious.

🎧 Chapters:

— Introduction + Melissa’s Background — Climbing the Corporate Ladder in Global Design — Imposter Syndrome + How to Navigate Doubt — Launching Dear Valentine: From Idea to Reality — Making the Leap: Leaving Corporate for Entrepreneurship — The Power of Partnerships + Collaboration — How to Build Meaningful Relationships in Business — Navigating Social Media with Authenticity — Why Investing in Yourself is Always Worth It — Lightning Round: Melissa’s Inspirations, Mindset Practices + What’s Next

🔗 Links & Mentions:

Follow Dear Valentine: @dearvalentine Learn more about Melissa’s work: dearvalentine.co

👯‍♀️ Want to go deeper?

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