412. “I Burned Down My Multi 7-Figure Company + Opened a Bookstore Cafe Instead” - How Industry Leading Melyssa Griffin Reinvented Her Business + Life
Aug 29, 2024
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Melyssa Griffin, an industry leader known for her transition from a thriving multi-7-figure business to opening a charming bookstore cafe in Lisbon, shares her inspiring journey. She discusses the pivotal moment that led her to close her successful business amid burnout and the pursuit of authentic fulfillment. Melyssa navigates the fears of change and emphasizes the importance of aligning one's choices with genuine desires. She also offers advice for those contemplating major life shifts and highlights the joys of community and connection in her new venture.
Melyssa Griffin transitioned from a thriving multi-7-figure business to opening a bookstore cafe in Lisbon, prioritizing personal fulfillment over traditional success.
Experiencing burnout prompted Griffin to reevaluate her life, leading to a six-month sabbatical focused on finding joy beyond professional achievements.
Her journey emphasizes embracing change, asking essential questions, and fostering community connections as crucial components of a fulfilling life and career.
Deep dives
The Rise of an Online Course Empire
The business began to gain significant traction around 2017 and 2018, coinciding with the burgeoning online course industry. The initial success stemmed from launching a well-received course, which led to consistent expansions in offerings and team size. This rapid growth emerged unexpectedly, as the founder had not initially intended to create an online education company. The excitement, however, masked deeper personal struggles, with achievements serving as a distraction from underlying insecurities and eventual burnout.
A Crucial Turning Point
Recognizing the toll that success had taken on her health, the founder took a six-month sabbatical to reconnect with herself. Blood tests indicated dangerously high cortisol levels, revealing consistent stress and fatigue. Throughout this break, she focused on reflection and realized the importance of finding fulfillment beyond professional achievements. Upon returning to her business, she decided to pivot towards high-touch coaching programs that foster closer connections rather than sticking strictly to online courses.
Navigating Changes and Loss
During a period of personal turmoil, including a breakup and the loss of her dog, she came to terms with essential questions about her life and business. These events catalyzed a significant reevaluation, pushing her to consider what success and fulfillment truly meant. After grappling with the fear of change, she ultimately recognized a desire to embrace a different path that better aligned with her evolving identity. This culminated in a decision to close her business, which was both challenging and liberating.
Embracing New Beginnings
The founder's transition involved moving to Lisbon and opening a café and bookstore, which emerged from her passion for community building. This new venture began as a spontaneous decision driven by a desire for personal connection and creative expression. Despite initial challenges in managing a business in a foreign country, she reframed obstacles as opportunities and found immense joy in the project. The café quickly evolved into a beloved space that fosters community engagement and personal fulfillment.
A Life Redefined Through Choice and Intuition
Today, the founder's life is characterized by a sense of freedom and intuitive living, starkly contrasting with her past, rigid schedule. She prioritizes time in nature, personal reflection, and nurturing relationships, reflecting a lifestyle rooted in joy rather than obligation. The adjustments made in her work and expectations have allowed for more fluidity and the potential for new creative projects. This journey underscores the importance of listening to one's inner voice and pursuing authenticity in life choices.
Do you ever wish you could burn your business down and start over doing something that truly lights you up? Natalie sat down with Melyssa Griffin to unpack exactly how she did just that. After building a wildly successful multi-7-figure business, Melyssa decided to close it all down to start her dream bookstore cafe in Lisbon. In today’s episode she shares the full story behind what led to that decision, her experience with chasing success, burnout, navigating fear during seasons of change, and advice for anyone who knows they are on the brink of something new.
TIMESTAMPS
1:30 - The Height of Melyssa’s Business + Major Milestones
11:45 - Closing Her Business
22:00 - Questioning + Changing Your Path
32:25 - What’s Driving You?
38:00 - Starting a Bookstore Cafe in Lisbon
49:13 - Melyssa’s Schedule + Typical Day In The Life