Someone Has to "Explain it All"
Unfiltered founder lessons with tough love, honest stories of the wins and the fails, and strategy you can actually use.
Hi, I’m Melissa! If you don’t know me yet, I’m the Founder of Bonita Fierce Candles. I built a multi–six figure business in the middle of the pandemic, bootstrapped with my own savings, and without a business degree.
I’ve been in business for nearly 5 years and I’m ready to share everything I’ve learned as a CPG founder.
And make no mistake, I’ve done some pretty cool stuff:
$100k+ in grant winnings (Ulta Beauty, Tory Burch Foundation, iFundWomen, PayPal, Ladies Who Launch, and more)
600+ retail doors (Barnes & Noble, Nordstrom, and more)
40+ media placements (GMA, NBC, ABC, Cosmopolitan, and more) — and no, I didn’t pay for a publicist.
But let’s keep it real, there have been just as many failures, mishaps, and “oh no” moments along the way:
Nearly sued (twice)
Took out $80k in credit card debt (and still paying it down)
Paid myself just $25k/year while scaling
I’m here to share both sides: the wins and the war stories (and there’s way more of those). Melissa Explains It All breaks down what no one tells you about running a product-based business and to give you tough love and practical strategy in one place.
Why subscribe?
Because building a small business isn’t all glossy success stories. It’s messy, expensive, and lonely at times. Melissa Explains It All is where small businesses get a reality check so you don’t repeat the same mistakes I did and the lessons I’ve learned from mistakes of other businesses.
What to Expect When You Subscribe
Free Readers:
✨ Hard Truths for Early-Stage & Small Businesses: Practical guidance I wish someone had told me earlier.
✨ From the Founder’s Desk: Honest reflections on scaling Bonita Fierce Candles and stepping into consulting.
✨ Shelf Indulgence: Books or articles I’m reading that I have shaped my thinking or business.
Paid Readers:
✅ Full Access to All Deep-Dive Posts: In-depth strategy breakdowns, step-by-step frameworks, and storytelling beyond the free previews.
✅ Actionable Playbooks: Templates, scripts, email outlines, and wholesale/retail strategies I’ve used to grow (and pitfalls to avoid)
✅ Brand Therapy Case Studies: Anonymous small business scenarios with tactical lessons and recommendations you can apply to your own brand
If you’re building a brand, side hustle, or small business, this is your space for unfiltered insights, cultural fluency, and mentorship you won’t get anywhere else.