Twenty years ago, I walked out of a flower shop and into the financial services industry. I had a bucket load of ambition, and no real idea what I was getting myself into.

My background was anything but traditional for finance. I was trained in floral design and marketing and had a business degree, but I did not grow up dreaming of a career in financial services. What I did know was that I needed to support myself, build a future, and find work that would allow me to grow. When a job opportunity in finance came my way, I took it. Not because I had some big aspirations, but because my mom gave me one piece of advice that changed everything.

She said, “You’re going to learn so much about money and finance that even if this job doesn’t work out, those skills will stay with you for the rest of your life.”

She was right. And that job did work out.

Two decades later, I am still here. Still learning, still growing, and now finally sharing what I have learned over the last 20 years. 

Not Where I Thought I’d Be 

If you had asked me back then where I thought my career would lead, this would not have been my answer. I am fairly certain there were some bets made that I would not last in finance.

Twenty years ago, being a woman in financial services meant you were the exception rather than the norm. The industry was not built for women, not as professionals and not as consumers. Women were typically placed in support roles, administrative positions, or behind-the-scenes work. I had never heard of a glass ceiling when I started my career.

Thankfully, I was raised by a mother who never thought to tell me I would face limitations. But, entering a world that was not designed with you in mind comes with challenges, whether you recognize them immediately or not. I learned quickly that if I wanted to be taken seriously, I had to take myself seriously. I worked hard, committed to my education. I pursued the proper credentials and made it a priority to truly understand what I was talking about and to earn my seat at the table. I wanted to be seen as capable, knowledgeable, and credible in an industry that did not always make space for that.

Twenty years later, I am incredibly proud of that journey. 

Why enlightenHer Matters to Me Today

I have the opportunity to take everything I have learned–the experience, the mistakes, the wins, and the lessons–and bring them to a broader audience through enlightenHer.

Between Ed and me, we bring roughly 45 years of collective experience in financial services. In our practice, we can only serve a limited number of people one-on-one. Yet over the years, we have accumulated knowledge and perspective that deserves to reach far beyond those walls. enlightenHer is our way of doing that. It exists to help women engage with money, understand it, and feel confident navigating it.

Women deserve to feel empowered making real decisions that impact their lives, families, and futures. This mission is deeply personal to me.

I know what it feels like to exist in a system that was not built for you. I understand how intimidating money conversations can be when you have been told, directly or indirectly, that they are not meant for you. I also know that those messages are wrong. 

The Women Who Shaped My Why

I grew up watching a strong woman manage the finances in our household. My mom never framed money as a man’s responsibility. It was simply a part of life and a part of being a capable, responsible woman in charge of her own world. She shaped my mindset long before I realized how impactful that was.

We lost her in 2015 after a two-year battle with cancer. During that time, she began volunteering at a local food bank, where she met women who were struggling. Women facing real challenges and doing the best they can with the cards they’ve been dealt. I will never forget her calling me and saying,

“Melana, you have got to find a way to help these women.”

Around that same time, Ed was beginning to brainstorm what would eventually become enlightenHer. When he ran the idea past me, it was a natural yes for me. It felt like a way to honor my mom by turning her compassion into action. Every time I get to share this information with women who need it, I feel like I am continuing something she started. 

If You Have Ever Felt Intimidated by Money 

Here is what I would say to any woman who feels overwhelmed, intimidated, or disconnected from money. Start by dropping the barriers. So many of the things that hold women back are not facts. They are ideas.

“This is not for me.”

“I am bad at math.”

“I do not understand this.”

“Finance is a man’s world.”

Those thoughts live in your head, not in reality. Don’t get me wrong it’s difficult to figure out what’s rightfully yours when years of subliminal (or outright) messaging tells you what’s not.

I did not grow up wealthy. I grew up in rural America, where finance was not an obvious or natural path. What I did have was the privilege of not being told I couldn’t do it. That made all the difference. When you let go of the stories that slow you down, even slightly, you can approach money with a clean slate.

With curiosity instead of fear. Confidence instead of avoidance.

That is what we hope enlightenHer provides. A space to learn, grow, and engage with money without judgment or intimidation. 

Why I’m Here 

I feel incredibly privileged to be in a position to help women navigate money with both clarity and care. I do not take that responsibility lightly.

This platform is not about perfection or expertise. It is about sharing what we have learned, lifting others up, and making sure all women feel empowered to participate fully and confidently in their financial lives.

If you are watching the videos, reading along, or just beginning to explore these conversations, I’m so glad you’re here! And I encourage you to start your journey today

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