Melissa: When ADHD Mama Meets Entrepreneurship
Marissa Grace Artistry IG: https://www.instagram.com/marissagraceartistry
Melissa Esposito’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/vacationsbymelissa
My bucks county/south jersey TAs: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FYraqrCXz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
For Destination Wedding University, use the coupon code MELISSA5692 to get $250 Off- (feel free to DM Melissa about it!)
Websites:
- https://www.destinationweddinguniversity.com/
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Summary
In this heartfelt and honest conversation, Marcie sits down with Melissa Esposito—a mom, entrepreneur, and seasoned travel advisor—to talk about the realities of parenting teens with ADHD while growing a business in the ever-changing travel industry.
Melissa shares her transition from hairstylist to travel advisor, highlighting how relationship-building, authenticity, and community support carried her through some of the toughest seasons—especially during COVID. The two discuss the power of mentorship, the importance of branding with clarity, and why charging fees creates healthier client relationships.
This episode dives deep into the messy, real-life balance of health, family, and business, while reminding travel advisors that showing up imperfectly is not only okay—it’s the key to growth.
Takeaways
- Parenting teenagers with ADHD comes with unique challenges and joys.
- Transitioning from hairstyling to travel advisory shows the power of reinvention.
- Building relationships (not just sales) is the foundation of long-term success.
- COVID reshaped travel businesses and highlighted the need for resilience.
- Branding clarity matters: your business name and purpose should be memorable.
- Mentorship and community are crucial for growth and sustainability.
- Authenticity on social media builds deeper client trust.
- Charging fees enhances respect and commitment from clients.
- Many clients are “lurkers,” so consistent, transparent communication matters.
- Health and personal challenges inevitably impact business, but resilience is possible.
- Imperfection and authenticity reduce stress and build connection.
Sound Bites
- “I need to start a new thing.”
- “Show up imperfectly.”
- “Clarity is kindness.”
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Melissa Esposito
02:43 – Parenting teenagers with ADHD
05:30 – Discovering travel advisory
08:04 – Building relationships in the travel industry
11:07 – From hairstylist to travel advisor
13:46 – The importance of community and support
16:39 – Establishing independence in business
19:34 – The evolution of Melissa’s travel business
22:09 – The power of collaboration and networking
24:47 – Creating a brand with purpose
26:34 – Why a memorable business name matters
30:01 – The impact of COVID-19 on travel advisors
33:12 – Resilience in the face of adversity
36:29 – The evolution of travel advisory services
40:39 – Building community in the travel industry
44:52 – Personal and professional growth lessons
53:05 – Lessons learned from hairstyling
56:38 – Authenticity in social media
59:21 – Building trust through service
01:01:50 – Navigating personal health challenges
01:06:53 – Awareness of wellness in business
01:10:32 – Evolving perspectives on entrepreneurship
01:15:08 – Embracing change and self-care
01:19:48 – Community as the backbone of growth
01:23:11 – Networking and mentorship in travel
01:26:39 – Three free tips for travel advisors
01:33:09 – Being authentic in business
01:38:44 – Destination weddings and their controversy
Keywords
ADHD, parenting, teenagers, travel advisory, destination weddings, business growth, entrepreneurship, COVID-19 impact, resilience, community, mentorship, authenticity, social media, branding, fees, health, personal growth, work-life balance
