I distill the complex process of starting a small business into simple and easy-to-follow articles that are the answer you need at 10 pm at night when you finally have time to work on your business idea.
My businesses range from starting an indie bookstore on a remote island in Alaska, to a candle business and more...and led me to start working with women interested in learning how to build the business they love to own.
So I created Haff Notes. The small business resource I wish I had found when I was starting my businesses. Now the Haff Notes guides and community are available to you!
Hi, I'm Melissa Haffeman
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HAFF NOTES
ONE ON ONE BUSINESS COACHING
Practical Business Coaching for Creative Entrepreneurs
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In a small coastal town in Alaska, I started a brick-and-mortar independent bookstore. Four years later the little indie bookshop expanded to a 3,000 sq. ft. shop in the heart of our small hometown in Alaska.
I co-founded a soy candle business with my best friend Laura. We quickly expanded to wholesale and now sell our candles throughout Alaska and the lower 48.
Along the way, I've had manufacturing plants create products of my own design, and sold everywhere from farmers' markets to Amazon.
People kept asking me if I would coach them through starting their own small business or leveling up an existing one. And that turned out to be my favorite thing to do: helping others grow their business idea. And that's when Haff Notes was born.
So I've been in your shoes. Building a new business while navigating an already packed life.
As I was getting started so many people helped me, and it's my goal to pass along all of those kindnesses and insights to you. Because the world gets just a little bit better every single time someone believes in themselves and starts a business sharing what they love.
BUSINESS & PLANNING STRATEGIST
Hi, I'm Melissa Haffeman
BUSINESS &
PLANNING STRATEGIST
My family and I live on an island off the Alaska mainland.
The land of cannery hoodies and waterproof boots.
LEARN MORE ABOUT
HAFF NOTES
Join a Simple, Supportive Space for Women
Entrepreneurs to Learn How to Build Businesses They Love
Join a Simple, Supportive Space for Women Entrepreneurs to Learn How to Build Businesses They Love
Haff Notes
Haff Notes
Haff Notes is designed to help women entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses without the overwhelm. With clear, actionable steps and a supportive community, you’ll always know what to focus on next.
Whether you're juggling work, life, or both, Haff Notes gives you the roadmap and tools to create a business that fits seamlessly into your life.
Haff Notes is designed to help women entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses without the overwhelm. With clear, actionable steps and a supportive community, you’ll always know what to focus on next.
Whether you're juggling work, life, or both, Haff Notes gives you the roadmap and tools to create a business that fits seamlessly into your life.
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
Don't just take my word for it, hear from Women I've been honored to work with on their small business.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your
What is your background and experience?
What is your background and experience?
I bring 17 years of experience in the field of education, both in K-12 and higher education, primarily serving as the Director of Innovative Technology but also have served as teacher, principal, and Director of Federal Programs. In those roles I had a particular focus on strategic planning and project managment.
In my technology roles, I led the rollout of 25,000 iPads and developed comprehensive training programs for staff on integrating technology into classroom use.
A highlight of my previous career was presenting around the country with the U.S. Department of Education about Open Ed Resources and developing a platform for educator collaboration, badging, and sharing curriculum across the country.
I stepped away my education career to start my businesses and take care of my ailing father and my two little kids.
In addition, I've spent the last couple of years focused on small business and strategic planning coaching, helping entrepreneurs and organizations build and grow their ventures.
Do you host Strategic Planning Sessions for Non-Profits?
Do you host Strategic Planning Sessions for Non-Profits?
Yes, I do. I have experience facilitating strategic planning with both large and small non-profits.
My approach focuses on working closely with your executive director to gather data from all stakeholders, ensuring that all voices are heard and decisions are made as informed and efficient as possible.
I then teach how to organize and prioritize this data, so that when your board meets, they can make the most of their time and make informed decisions with all the necessary information already presented and ready for review.
This process not only streamlines decision-making but also empowers your team to align on key goals and strategies with clarity and confidence.
What types of businesses do you work with?
What types of businesses do you work with?
I work with a diverse range of businesses, including small startups, established companies, and non-profits.
My expertise spans across various sectors, but I specialize in supporting women-owned businesses, particularly those in the handmade crafts, consulting, nutrition, agriculture, self-publishing, and wellness industries.
How can I book a session with you?
How can I book a session with you?
You can head over to the Contact page on my website and fill out the form, or you can directly schedule a time that works for you through my online calendar.
Whether you need strategic planning, business coaching, or a quick consultation, I’m here to help you every step of the way.
Your first session is a half hour and is free. It's to see if we are a good fit and to find out how we may best work together.
If there isn't a time that works for you, take a look at Haff Notes (your new business guide in your back pocket) for immediate answers, business checklist, and community of women on the same journey you are!
Do you offer 1:1 consultation sessions over Zoom?
Do you offer 1:1 consultation sessions over Zoom?
I offer personalized 1:1 consultation sessions over Zoom.
These sessions are designed to address your specific business challenges, provide actionable insights, and support your journey toward success, all from the comfort of your own space.
Research from the Field
Everything from Brick and Mortar to Wholesale Only
Haffeman Business Line -up
Brick & Mortar Indie Bookstore
Soy Candle Business
Wholesale & Direct to Retail
Vacation Rental
Wholesale Only Products
Custom Manufacturing
Amazon Sales
Businesses Founded & Operated By Melissa Haffeman
Coaching & Strategy