We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Benson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Learning to let go of perfectionism has been one of my greatest keys to my growth, both in life and in business. I have spent years undoing the lie of perfectionism in my life and the defeat that performance-based living can bring.

Perfectionism will absolutely keep you from living your best life. It keeps you in what I call analysis paralysis, where you never end up making moves because you’re so worried it won’t turn out just-right or be good enough. One of my biggest breakthroughs — hands down — has been the realization that done is truly better than perfect. Not sloppy, not half-hearted, not by any means. Excellence is extremely important to me. But relentless forward motion regardless if the outcome is super clear and even when you don’t have all the answers. Do that, and watch your business and your life soar.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I absolutely love being a full-time mom and a full-time entrepreneur. It’s a lie to believe you cannot fully be both. I was wired to operate — and have impact in — both of these areas simultaneously. That doesn’t mean it’s always always easy and pretty. I’m constantly adjusting, making sacrifices, and reminding myself to be disciplined about my time and energy, but I would not change a thing. Both are incredibly life-giving and I think each makes me a better woman as a whole. I would encourage any mom who is interested in starting their own business and changing the landscape of their family’s financial future to 100% go for it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite places to visit within a few hours of the valley is the Strawberry Inn in Strawberry, Arizona. This little 8-room boutique is nestled smack dab in the middle of a small town and surrounded by pine trees. It’s just beautiful. Nearby is the town of Pine, which is equally as cute, and there is amazing hiking, rivers, and sights all within a short drive. It’s a total gem in the middle of our state.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Pedro Adao and the 100X Community have been instrumental in my growth as an entrepreneur. I don’t believe I’d be where I’m at now without the mindset-shifts and heart-healing that came as a result of being a part of this incredible community.

Website: justlikejoan.com

Instagram: instagram.com/justlikejoan

Facebook: facebook.com/justlikejoan

Image Credits
Tressa Hazen Photography and Lucy Krodell Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.