“You are not confused. I always say, ‘I have never met a confused woman.’ The truth is, women know exactly what they want—they just need to trust themselves and have a community that mirrors back who they truly are…” – Melissa Bauknight

Founder@ Interview

With Melissa Bauknight

Picture Credit: Jordan Smith Quinn

“My biggest piece of advice is this: You are not confused. I always say, ‘I have never met a confused woman.’ The truth is, women know exactly what they want—they just need to trust themselves and have a community that mirrors back who they truly are. Too often, we’re taught to question our intuition or doubt our own clarity, and that’s where we get stuck. If you’re considering starting something new, know that you already have the answers inside you. Trust that inner knowing, and surround yourself with people who see your vision and remind you of your strength when doubts arise…” – Melissa Bauknight

Today we feature Melissa Bauknight, the founder at The Nova Global. We hear their story in their own words, their successes, their challenges and their insights.

Let’s start by getting to know you. Can you please tell us a little bit about you and what you do?

I’m Melissa Bauknight, or as my friends call me Mo, a Business Alignment Coach and the founder of The Nova—a unique community for soul-led, professional women looking to bring purpose and authenticity into their work and lives.

The Nova isn’t just a networking space; it’s a movement designed to support women as they step fully into their power, free from societal pressures to fit into traditional boxes. We create both local and global spaces where women can connect deeply, align their lives and careers with their values, and cultivate holistic success that honors who they are at every level.

Before founding The Nova, my career was in corporate sales, specifically in medical device sales, where I spent over 15 years and rose to the top 1% of my field. From an early age, I thrived on achievement. I was that driven student, the college athlete, and the young professional, always striving to be at the top of my game. It felt incredible to earn recognition and accolades, but deep down, I started feeling that call for something more.

Alongside my sales career, I experienced a powerful inner journey—one that began around ten years ago when I immersed myself in personal growth. I became fascinated by the inner workings of the mind, body, and spirit. I dove into personal development through programs like Landmark Worldwide and began exploring somatic healing, the sacred feminine, Human Design, and various other modalities.

These experiences were transformative, especially as I became a mother, which opened up new layers of self-discovery. Five years ago, I made the bold decision to leave corporate life and embrace entrepreneurship. I joined a mission-based network marketing company, Beautycounter, where I quickly reached the top rank, coaching and leading a large team of women. That experience made me realize how powerful it is to support women in reaching their fullest potential and planted the seed for The Nova. I wanted to build something that allowed women to not only achieve but to do so in alignment with their most authentic selves.

Today, as a business alignment coach and leader of The Nova, I guide women to break free from societal conditioning, connect with their inner knowing, and build the lives and businesses their true selves desire. My work blends strategy with soul, and my mission is to create spaces where women feel safe, supported, and inspired to live boldly and fully expressed. I’m grateful every day for the winding path that brought me here, and I can’t wait to see where it leads next.

A great introduction and start to this interview. Can you please tell us, how did you start, from what age, and what made you decide to change direction and start?

I’ve known for nearly a decade that I wanted to create a chapter-based community to help women find their voices and step into their fullest, truest selves. Nine years ago, I had this intuitive feeling that I would one day build a space where women could come together, connect deeply, and rewrite the rules around what it means to be successful, empowered, and authentic.

At that time, I didn’t know what it would be called, what shape it would take, or how it would evolve, but I felt that pull. Before The Nova, I spent over 15 years in corporate sales, primarily in medical device sales, where I rose to the top 1% of my field. I had always been ambitious and driven to achieve.

I was a high-performing student, a college athlete, and someone who thrived in high-stakes, competitive environments. But despite the recognition and accolades, I began to feel this growing sensation that I was made for more—that there was a deeper purpose calling to me.

Ten years ago, I began exploring personal growth and self-discovery through programs like Landmark Worldwide, which opened the door to a transformative journey. I immersed myself in understanding the inner layers of mind, body, and spirit, diving into modalities like somatic healing, the sacred feminine, Human Design, and more.

Becoming a mother five years ago deepened this exploration, forcing me to confront parts of myself I hadn’t fully acknowledged and to continue peeling back the layers to find my most authentic self.

Then, as I mentioned, five years ago, I took a bold leap and left my corporate career to embrace entrepreneurship full-time, joining Beautycounter, a mission-driven network marketing company. I quickly rose to the top rank, where I led a large team of women, coaching them to reach their goals.

This role taught me just how powerful it is to guide women toward their fullest potential and planted the seed for what would ultimately become The Nova. I wanted to create a space where women could not only achieve but do so in a way that felt aligned with their values and purpose.

The Nova is now that vision fully realized.

It’s a community where women and nonbinary individuals can be seen, heard, and celebrated as their true selves—a place where they can break free from societal conditioning and build lives and careers that reflect their most authentic desires. But this journey has also been about me becoming the person who could hold such a big vision. I knew I couldn’t do this alone, so over the years, I have intentionally built a powerful network of women and nonbinary allies to bring this vision to life.

The Nova is by no means a solo endeavor; it takes a community to grow a movement, and it’s going to take a continued commitment to collaboration to keep this vision thriving. The past decade has been about growth, connection, and creating something that goes beyond me. Every day, I’m grateful for the experiences, lessons, and people who have been part of this path, and I’m excited to see where The Nova continues to go as we build this together.

Thank you for that insight. So can you tell us…What does your business do and where is your company based?

Our business, The Nova, is a community for soul-led professional women and non-binary individuals who want to align their career aspirations with their personal purpose. We create a safe space for growth, connection, and support—where ambition meets authenticity.

Through workshops, events, and educational resources, we empower our members to lead fully expressed lives, break free from societal expectations, and connect on a deeper, more meaningful level.

While we reach members globally through virtual programming, we’re based in Colorado, where local chapters bring our community together in person for connection and transformation.

How long has your company been operating, and what have been some of the key milestones in its development so far?

The Nova has been evolving and expanding since its inception in 2023, blending professional and personal growth with a strong focus on connection, empowerment, and breaking free from traditional expectations.

One of our earliest milestones was launching our founding membership, which quickly attracted soul-led women eager to join a community where ambition meets authenticity. This response confirmed the need for a space like The Nova, where women can thrive through meaningful community and support.

We’ve since expanded with monthly networking calls, community-building events, and impactful connections that continue to enrich our members’ lives. A key development has been the establishment of our local chapters, or ‘constellations.’ Starting in Colorado, we began creating spaces for members to connect both globally and locally.

This fall, we’re excited to be launching new constellations in Boulder, New England, and the Bay Area, expanding our reach and creating even more opportunities for members to find community wherever they are. Our growth has also been strengthened through strategic partnerships with organizations that share our values, including TARRA, Kiln, Connects, and Symmetry.

These partnerships have helped us amplify our mission, broaden our reach, and deepen the resources we offer our members. Looking forward, we’re excited to expand our membership options and increase our events, staying true to our core values of holistic excellence, bold authenticity, sacred rebellion, and collective empowerment.

The journey has been incredible, and we’re just getting started!

What’s the story behind your success? What led to your aha moment? how did you get to where you are now?

The story behind my success is rooted in a lifetime of drive, self-discovery, and a deep calling to live beyond the box. Growing up, I thrived on achievement, whether it was maintaining a 4.0 GPA or competing as a collegiate softball player at the University of Tampa. I was taught, and truly believed, that my worth was tied to my success, and I developed what I call an ‘addiction to achievement.’

From those early experiences, I moved into a high-level corporate career in medical device sales, consistently ranking in the top 1-10% of my peers. On the outside, I was thriving, but deep down, I had this persistent feeling that I was meant for more. This sense of ‘more’ was hard to articulate at first. I felt the weight of anxiety and a shameful fear of being truly seen—of not belonging or disappointing those around me.

Despite my success, I was walking through life with a feeling of unease, wondering if there was a way to live without constantly feeling like an imposter. This question led me to embark on my personal growth journey about ten years ago, starting with Landmark Worldwide.

Through this work, I started dismantling the narratives that had shaped my life and, slowly, I began showing up with more courage and curiosity. Motherhood amplified my journey further. I experienced birth trauma, which led me to explore different healing modalities, from somatic movement and EMDR therapy to the sacred feminine and Reiki.

Each step brought me closer to myself, awakening a purpose I couldn’t ignore: to liberate myself and other women from the outdated norms holding us back. So in 2019, I left my corporate job to go all-in on entrepreneurship. I rose to the top of a mission-driven network marketing company and built a thriving coaching business, guiding women to break out of the molds they felt trapped in and to connect with their true, empowered selves.

This journey hasn’t been without its struggles. I lost friendships, navigated a spiritual awakening, healed ancestral trauma, and learned to trust my own instincts after ignoring them far too many times. Each experience, each step along this path, has fueled my commitment to creating a supportive community for women seeking to live with purpose and authenticity. The Nova, my community and coaching platform, is the manifestation of this journey.

I’m here to help women build a foundation of self-trust, align with their unique path, and make the impact they were born to make. This work is my passion and my life’s calling, and it’s grounded in my own lived experience of resilience, healing, and courage. I believe in the power of community, in the magic of women supporting women, and in the limitless potential we all have when we’re brave enough to walk the path back home to ourselves.

The road here has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has been a gift—one that now enables me to help others. And that, to me, is the true definition of success.

We know that there are ups and downs in business. What’s been your biggest lesson so far?

My biggest lesson in this journey came this past summer when I was confronted with the consequences of running too fast and making decisions from a place of fear rather than trust. I had been pushing hard to grow The Nova, wanting to meet all the needs of our members and the vision I had for the organization.

But in the process, I got away from embodying our core values—holistic excellence, bold authenticity, sacred rebellion, and collective empowerment. As the founder, my energy sets the tone for the entire organization, and while I didn’t fully abandon those values, I drifted just enough that it shifted the energy of The Nova.

Eventually, I burned out. My body quite literally stopped me with a couple of injuries, forcing me to slow down, listen, and return to my heart. It was humbling but also a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring my own pace and leading with trust rather than fear.

This experience taught me that as much as I want to push forward, I need to check in with myself and my own alignment with our values first. The energy I bring to The Nova directly impacts the community, and it’s essential that I lead from a grounded, heart-centered place.

Moving forward, I’m prioritizing regular reflection and self-care practices to stay connected to our mission and lead from a place of trust. If I could approach this situation again, I’d build in more moments to pause, reflect, and realign, especially during periods of rapid growth. This summer’s challenge has given me a deeper understanding of what it truly means to embody The Nova’s values, and it’s a lesson I carry forward with every decision I make.

That’s insightful. How has that lesson influenced your approach to decision-making, especially when faced with uncertainty?

This experience has fundamentally changed the way I approach decision-making, especially in moments of uncertainty. Before, I was often driven by a sense of urgency—feeling the need to move quickly and make everything happen at once. But after burning out this summer, I’ve learned the importance of slowing down and ensuring that every decision I make aligns with The Nova’s values and my own well-being.

Now, when faced with uncertainty, I ask myself whether a decision is coming from fear or trust. I take the time to check in with my intuition and let the decision sit for a moment before moving forward. I’ve started to prioritize decisions that feel expansive, even if they’re challenging, over those that might feel ‘safe’ but don’t align with our bigger vision.

I’ve also implemented regular reflection practices, such as setting aside time each week to reconnect with our mission and values. This ensures that my decisions aren’t just reactionary but are intentional, grounded, and heart-centered. One of the ways we cultivate this alignment across our entire community is through our weekly, members-only “Soul Call,” which is designed to give everyone space to reconnect with their intentions and values.

It’s become a powerful touchstone for both me and our members to approach decision-making from a place of clarity and purpose. This shift has made me more patient, both with myself and with the pace of our growth. By leading from a place of trust and alignment, I feel more equipped to navigate uncertainty and stay true to the vision we’re building for The Nova.

If I could go back, I’d tell myself to trust the journey and not get so caught up in having everything perfectly figured out. Early on, I thought I needed a complete roadmap to launch The Nova successfully, but I’ve learned that sometimes you have to start with a strong vision and let the details unfold as you go. There’s power in just taking the next step, even when the whole path isn’t clear. I also wish I’d known the importance of leaning on my community and team. Trying to do it all myself created a lot of unnecessary stress, and I’ve come to realize that the more I allow others to support and bring their own strengths to the table, the stronger The Nova becomes

If you were to go back in time, what piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

If I could go back in time, the biggest piece of advice I’d give my younger self is to trust herself and her journey—fully and unapologetically. Growing up, I was focused on following the ‘right’ path, achieving at every level, and making others proud. But I’d tell myself that the most fulfilling path wouldn’t come from meeting external expectations; it would come from listening to my own inner calling, even when it felt scary or uncertain.

I’d encourage my younger self to embrace entrepreneurship sooner, not just as a career choice but as a way to live authentically and create something meaningful. At the time, entrepreneurship felt risky and uncertain, but I’d remind her that the freedom to build something aligned with her heart would be worth every challenge along the way.

And I’d tell her that those big, bold, scary AF leaps that seem overwhelming? Those are exactly what will lead to a purposeful, fulfilling life—so just JUMP. To those who doubted me, I’d say thank you. The doubts and questions from others only strengthened my resolve to follow my own path, and I’m grateful for how they pushed me to get clear on what I wanted. I’d remind myself that being an entrepreneur wouldn’t always be easy—but that the journey would be filled with growth, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose.

I’d tell myself that there might be days of doubt, but they’re part of the process, not signs to give up. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about choosing this path, because it’s allowed me to step fully into my purpose, support others on their journeys, and create something truly meaningful. Every step has been worth it.

We’re nearly halfway through our interview so it’s a great time to ask how does your business run. What three tools make your business run better?

There are three main tools that have become essential to running The Nova smoothly, helping us streamline operations, foster community, and grow our reach.

1. GoHighLevel (GHL): This CRM platform has been a game-changer for managing everything from member onboarding to event scheduling and communication.

We initially used various tools for these functions—different platforms for email, event registration, and CRM—but GHL allows us to do it all in one place. I found out about GHL through other community-driven entrepreneurs who recommended it for scaling community operations.

We have a dedicated tech assistant who helps us manage GHL and keeps things running smoothly. Without GHL, we’d be back to using multiple tools and managing data manually, which would be a huge step backward for our productivity.

2. Slack: We use Slack to foster communication and connection among our team and members. It’s invaluable for creating separate channels for different member groups, upcoming events, and initiatives like our ‘Member Offerings Marketplace’ where members can promote their events and webinars.

Before Slack, we were using email and social media DMs, but they lacked the cohesiveness we needed to keep our community engaged. Slack has become central to how we build relationships and create an inclusive, interactive space for members. If we didn’t have Slack, we’d likely lose a lot of the immediate connection that keeps our community feeling tight-knit.

3. Asana: Asana is the backbone of our project and task management, helping us coordinate everything from event planning to marketing campaigns. Each team member can see project timelines, responsibilities, and deadlines, keeping us on track and aligned.

Before Asana, we managed tasks across emails and spreadsheets, which created more confusion than clarity. Now, with Asana, we have an organized way to handle tasks and projects across multiple teams and initiatives. Without Asana, we’d struggle to maintain the level of coordination we have now, especially as our team and projects grow.

As we continue to grow, we’re also exploring other tools to enhance our community experience, including tools to streamline social media engagement and track member engagement more efficiently. These tools help us keep The Nova operating smoothly, creating a cohesive, accessible experience that allows our members to feel fully supported and connected

What do you know now that you wished you had known before?

If I could go back, I’d tell myself to trust the journey and not get so caught up in having everything perfectly figured out. Early on, I thought I needed a complete roadmap to launch The Nova successfully, but I’ve learned that sometimes you have to start with a strong vision and let the details unfold as you go.

There’s power in just taking the next step, even when the whole path isn’t clear. I also wish I’d known the importance of leaning on my community and team. Trying to do it all myself created a lot of unnecessary stress, and I’ve come to realize that the more I allow others to support and bring their own strengths to the table, the stronger The Nova becomes.

Based on what you’ve learned, what are some common pitfalls you’ve observed other companies in your space fall into?

One of the most common pitfalls I’ve seen in this space is focusing too heavily on growth over genuine connection. Many communities prioritize scaling quickly, but in doing so, they can lose the sense of intimacy and support that members crave.

At The Nova, we’re mindful of balancing growth with depth, ensuring that as we expand, we stay true to our values and create meaningful experiences that resonate on a personal level. Another pitfall is relying too much on structure and programming without leaving space for organic connection.

I’ve seen companies pack their schedules with events, workshops, and programs, but sometimes members need space just to connect and be present with one another. We’ve incorporated elements like our weekly “Soul Call,” which offers a dedicated time for members to align, reflect, and connect authentically without an agenda.

I’ve noticed that some companies overlook the importance of inclusivity and diversity. Creating a truly welcoming community requires more than just inviting everyone in; it involves intentional practices and leadership that reflect a variety of perspectives.

This is something we prioritize at The Nova, ensuring that all voices feel seen and valued. Avoiding these pitfalls has been key to cultivating a community where members feel genuinely connected, supported, and empowered to grow.

What future life goals do you want to achieve and why?

In the future, one of my biggest goals is to see The Nova grow into a truly global movement, with over 30,000 members and constellations in every major city—specifically, at least 100 active local constellations within the next few years.

I want to create a community where women feel empowered and connected, no matter where they are, and where they can access the support and inspiration they need to live their most authentic lives. This goal is deeply personal for me because I know firsthand how transformative it can be to have a supportive community, and I want to share that with as many women as possible.

On a personal level, I’m also committed to continuing my own journey of self-discovery and growth. I want to keep exploring new ways to show up as my most aligned self—in my work, in my relationships, and in my role as a leader. Part of this goal includes cultivating a balance that allows me to feel present and fulfilled both personally and professionally.

I dream of creating more spaces that bring together women, families, and communities to connect and grow holistically. Part of this vision includes establishing a give-back initiative that supports women globally, with a portion of our profits dedicated to organizations that elevate and empower women in underserved communities around the world.

For me, these goals represent a life lived with intention, impact, and meaningful contribution—and that’s the legacy I hope to leave.

To finish our inspire questions…”We believe that sharing inspiring words can inspire others.” If there was one positive thing you would say to someone to inspire and empower them what would it be and why?

My biggest piece of advice is this: You are not confused. I always say, ‘I have never met a confused woman.’ The truth is, women know exactly what they want—they just need to trust themselves and have a community that mirrors back who they truly are.

Too often, we’re taught to question our intuition or doubt our own clarity, and that’s where we get stuck. If you’re considering starting something new, know that you already have the answers inside you. Trust that inner knowing, and surround yourself with people who see your vision and remind you of your strength when doubts arise.

The right community can be the anchor that keeps you grounded and helps you stay true to your purpose. Building The Nova taught me that success is about listening to what you know deep down and finding the courage to follow it.

“Thank you it has been great learning more about your founder story and The Nova Global”

To learn more about The Nova Global Visit www.thenovaglobal.com

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