Melissa Haffeman

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Bureau of Wonders
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Wanderlux
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BUSINESS

The Family Life

&

I'm a former Tech Director turned entrepreneur, homeschooling mom, and author. I write books, share a bit of our home life, and help small business owners get unstuck.

Hi, I'm Melissa

My family and I live on an island off the Alaska mainland where everyone owns cannery hoodies and waterproof boots.

For 17 years, I worked in the education field - primarily in educational technology. My projects included leading the roll out of 23,000 iPads. I presented around the country sharing ideas about professional development, project management, and strategy.

But then one day, my Dad was diagnosed with cancer. And I had two little kids at home. I left my career in education and knew that the only way I could be there for my family and stay fulfilled professionally was to take the leap into entrepreneurship. It changed my life.

I opened an indie bookshop in our small coastal town that grew to 3,000 square feet before I sold it in 2025.

In 2021, my friend Laura and I started a soy candle business that we expanded across Alaska and the lower 48.

I've since partnered with Amanda Meyer to transform that into Wanderlux Candles which sells wholesale, direct to customer, and on Amazon.

I write children's books and non-fiction books about strategic planning. We are a homeschooling family who loves spending time at our pasture with our two horses - Pepper and Jetta.

Along the way—from farmers' markets to Amazon—I discovered what I love most: helping other entrepreneurs figure out their next move.

When people started asking for business coaching, I realized this was the work I was meant to do.

It was the perfect combination of my decades in project management and strategic planning, and my love of collaborating with women in small business.

I've juggled the wildness of building businesses while raising kids and managing all of life's curveballs. Now I help others do the same—with less overwhelm and more clarity.

THE ENTREPRENEUR & AUTHOR JOURNEY

Journey to Entrepreneurship

ENTREPRENEUR & AUTHOR

Featured In:

I don't know about you, but lately it feels like there's a newsletter or course for every little thing. What's precious and rare is a trusted place to talk through your ideas with someone who listens, and someone who can help you see your small business from a new angle.

Sometimes in business, we just need to know the next couple of steps. Sometimes we need the accountability of a one-on-one check-in.

After years in the hustle-culture trenches, I let go of what I was "supposed" to do and focused on what I enjoyed most: helping you think strategically about your business's next steps, and celebrating when you take that leap and land with grace.

There's no newsletters to sign up for or classes to take.

what i offer is real connection.

Book Your Session

This is the goal, that feeling of success when you're building your own small business.

There's no newsletters to sign up for or classes to take.

what i offer is real connection.

Strategic Planning & Business Coaching

This is the goal, that feeling of success when you're building your own small business.

Business Coaching Testimonials

Good news to share with you on this Wednesday.
I had my first discovery calls yesterday and a client
booked a coaching package.
This is my dream come true. 🤩
You’ve been SO instrumental
in helping make this dream become a reality.
I’m so grateful to you Melissa 🙏

~ Zoya Dorner
Owner, Dancing Salmon Health Coaching

It's amazing when these texts come in, and women share the excitement of their business dreams coming true like this one from Zoya!

Good news to share with you on this Wednesday.
I had my first discovery calls yesterday
and a client booked a coaching package.
This is my dream come true. 🤩
You’ve been SO instrumental
in helping make this dream become a reality.
I’m so grateful to you Melissa 🙏

I honestly don’t know where I’d be without Melissa’s guidance and support. Starting a business and trying to make my dream a reality in today’s crazy world, with its overwhelming flood of information, apps, and platforms, had me in full-on entrepreneurial paralysis. I was stuck—didn’t know where to begin with websites, programming, social media, advertising—you name it, I froze. I had spent all this money on getting the knowledge and my Master’s degree, but then came the big question: How do I package all of this and present it to the world?

Then I found Melissa’s program, and everything changed. She didn’t just listen to my ideas; she really heard them. She gave me the tools, encouragement, and a step-by-step plan that made this giant, scary project feel not only doable but actually fun! And let’s be real—I’m not exactly a tech wizard, so I had a million questions. But Melissa answered every one of them with the patience and kindness of a kindergarten teacher.

I can’t say enough good things about Melissa and her program. Starting my business would’ve taken me another year and cost a small fortune without her help.
She’s like the Yoda of business, but with much better grammar and a much warmer vibe!

~ Anna Marie Wheeler
Owner, WildCrafted remedies Integrated Nutrition

I honestly don’t know where I’d be without Melissa’s guidance and support. Starting a business and trying to make my dream a reality in today’s crazy world, with its overwhelming flood of information, apps, and platforms, had me in full-on entrepreneurial paralysis. I was stuck—didn’t know where to begin with websites, programming, social media, advertising—you name it, I froze. I had spent all this money on getting the knowledge and my Master’s degree, but then came the big question: How do I package all of this and present it to the world?

Then I found Melissa’s program, and everything changed. She didn’t just listen to my ideas; she really heard them. She gave me the tools, encouragement, and a step-by-step plan that made this giant, scary project feel not only doable but actually fun! And let’s be real—I’m not exactly a tech wizard, so I had a million questions. But Melissa answered every one of them with the patience and kindness of a kindergarten teacher.

I can’t say enough good things about Melissa and her program. Starting my business would’ve taken me another year and cost a small fortune without her help.
She’s like the Yoda of business, but with much better grammar and a much warmer vibe!

Just over here looking at my new website
(imagine Cheshire cat grin emoji) that I completely revamped by using Melissa's strategies.

- Natasha Zahn
Owner, Natasha Zahn Studio
Pilot Project Member

Working with my business coach, Melissa, has been a game-changer. She expertly guided me through starting my business to set me up for success. Melissa's passion for helping new business owners is evident—you can tell she cares deeply about
her clients and their success.
Without her, my business would still be a dream.

~ Monica Claridge
Owner, Rock LIfe

A practical guide for nonprofit leaders—now on Amazon

Ever been asked to lead strategic planning—or sat through days of meetings only to wonder what actually got done? You’re not alone.

Strategic Planning Simplified: The Clarity Method is a nonprofit-focused guide built around a refreshingly clear 5-step process. It helps you lead with confidence and walk away with a one-page plan your team will actually use...and enjoy.

Strategic Planning Simplified

Buy Now on Amazon

Melissa Haffeman

BUSINESS

The Family Life

&

I'm a former Tech Director turned entrepreneur, homeschooling mom, and author. I write books, share a bit of our home life, and help small business owners get unstuck.