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from Melissa Haffeman

Business 
Starts Here

Helping People build businesses they love to own:
Business concepts explained in everyday language

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start Here

The 52-Week Business in Plain English Challenge

Forget jargon. This challenge breaks down business terms one week at a time using everyday examples and simple action steps.

It’s like sitting down with a friend who just gets it—and shows you how to get it too.

Featured Books + Guides

Real tools for real people in business.


All of our resources are designed with one goal in mind: clarity. Whether you're figuring out your business plan, untangling your task list, or finally embracing strategic planning, these guides will walk you through it step by step.


Josephine R.

“Direct trade readymade pour-over, woke blog pickled turmeric. Cliche chambray direct trade occupy messenger bag beard organic put a bird on it. Four loko art party poke health goth.”

 “Arizona helped me totally reset my thinking around food. I finally feel free of a toxic diet culture mindset!”

Josephine R.

“Direct trade readymade pour-over, woke blog pickled turmeric. Cliche chambray direct trade occupy messenger bag beard organic put a bird on it. Four loko art party poke health goth.”

 “Arizona helped me totally reset my thinking around food. I finally feel free of a toxic diet culture mindset!”

Michelle L.

“Direct trade readymade pour-over, woke blog pickled turmeric. Cliche chambray direct trade occupy messenger bag beard organic put a bird on it. Four loko art party poke health goth.”

"You probably haven't heard of them vaporware fingerstache cupping +1 irony schlitz art party man bun big."

Samantha O.

"Letterpress seitan locavore jianbing cloud bread vibecession 3 wolf moon. Whatever flannel helvetica locavore. 3 wolf moon air plant lyft butcher everyday carry art party DSA tumeric ennui."

"Gluten-free snackwave gastropub glossier air plant wayfarers hoodie beard. Hot chicken post."

Starting a business is exciting but can also feel overwhelming.

Between managing life, family, and your dreams, finding time to build a business that aligns with your life can feel impossible.

At Haff Notes, we make building a business simpler and more fulfilling. Here’s how we help. 

Starting a business is exciting but can also feel overwhelming.

Between managing life, family, and your dreams, finding time to build a business that aligns with your life can feel impossible.

At Haff Notes, we make building a business simpler and more fulfilling. Scroll down to learn how we can help.

My journey began with an indie bookshop in a small coastal town in Alaska, which later grew to a 3,000 sq. ft. store.

Two years in, I co-founded a soy candle business with my childhood friend, Laura, expanding to wholesale across Alaska and the lower 48.

I've designed products, sold them everywhere from farmers' markets to Amazon, and discovered my passion for helping others start and grow their businesses.

People started asking me for business coaching, and it turned into my favorite venture.

At Haff Notes, my mission is to empower women to create businesses that resonate deeply with their lives and passions. I believe a business should uplift and support your goals—not add stress or compromise the things that matter most. Together, we’ll build something meaningful, sustainable, and truly yours.

Now, I pass on the kindnesses and insights I've received, helping others achieve their dreams

ENTREPRENEUR & FOUNDER OF HAFF NOTES
I know how it feels to balance family, dreams, and business, because I’ve been there too.

Hi, I'm Melissa Haffeman

ENTREPRENEUR
& FOUNDER HAFF NOTES

My family and I live on an island off the Alaska mainland.
The land of cannery hoodies and waterproof boots.

Her (Melissa's) coaching and help has turned my dream into a real side hustle that would have been difficult to pick up on my own. I just can’t thank her enough!

~ Erin Friese
Owner, Ernie Sews
& Wild Moon Quilts

Pilot Project Member 

Engaging daily questions and polls which connect you with others on your same path

Monthly themes aligned to the BRAVE Framework to help you dive deeper into your business

Business checklist to help you know what to work on next

Stories that inspire by sharing behind-the-scenes stories about women in small business

You'll also find inside...

Connect with other women entrepreneurs who totally get what it’s like to juggle it all

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

Be motivated by the success stories of other women who have turned their business dreams into reality.

Stories That Inspire

07

Get simple, easy-to-follow insight boosts to help you tackle everyday business tasks and feel more confident no matter your skill level.

Weekly Insight Boost

06

Develop your online selling plan and marketing techniques to effectively reach and engage your target audience.

Marketing
Workflows

05

Discover the best strategies for selling your products, whether online, in person, or through wholesale channels.

Where To Sell
Strategies

04

Learn the essentials of business structure, taxes, and inventory management to build a solid operational base.

Business Foundations
Checklists

03

Evaluate your business's profitability and offerings to ensure you’re on the path to success.

Guides for How to Analyze Your Business

02

Clarify your vision, mission, and ideal customer to lay a strong foundation for your business journey.

Business Vision
Strategies

01

Easy to access resources to help you know what to work on next in your business.

What's included inside Haff Notes Mastermind

What's included inside
Haff Notes Mastermind

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

- Natasha Zahn
Owner, Natasha Zahn Studio
Pilot Project Member 

Will this take a lot of time out of my day to use the resources?

Will this take a lot of time out of my day to use the resources?

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that life is busy, so Haff Notes articles are purposefully created for you to read within five to ten minutes. You can fit them in while you're waiting somewhere or when you have a little downtime at night.

Our goal is to provide you with quick, actionable insights without overwhelming your schedule.

What if I’m completely new to business—will I still benefit from This?

What if I’m completely new to business—will I still benefit from This?

Absolutely! Haff Notes is tailored to support entrepreneurs at all stages, whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills.

If you're completely new to business, we offer foundational knowledge and easy-to-follow guides that will help you confidently build your dream from the ground up.

And if you’re already running a business, Haff Notes is your go-to resource for leveling up your knowledge and diving into new areas that can help your business thrive.

Get the business strategies

Get The Free Newsletter in Your Inbox Each Week

Every week, you'll find one brief and easy-to-implement business strategy delivered straight to your inbox for you to explore.

Enter your email and sign up for free right now.

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Need a Personalized Strategy Session?
Let’s Connect One-on-One

Running a business can bring unique challenges—and sometimes,
a little extra guidance can make all the difference.

In a personalized 1:1 session, we’ll focus on your specific goals, questions, or roadblocks. Whether you need help clarifying your vision, creating a strategic plan, or finding solutions to current challenges, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Book whenever you need a boost with your business strategy.

Let’s work together to bring your vision to life.

Book Your 1:1 Session

Running a business can bring unique challenges—and sometimes,
a little extra guidance can make all the difference.

In a personalized 1:1 session, we’ll focus on your specific goals, questions, or roadblocks. Whether you need help clarifying your vision, creating a strategic plan, or finding solutions to current challenges, I’m here to support
you every step of the way.

Book whenever you need a boost with your business strategy.

Need a Personalized
Strategy Session?
Let’s Connect One-on-One

Your expertise and the time you have committed and devoted to helping grow not only your businesses but supporting others is so valuable and I appreciate your support!

~ Amanda Meyer
Owner, Wild ONes Design Co.
Pilot Project Member 

Haff Notes