This Founder Left a High-Profile Career to Create a Business That Feels Like a Love Letter: Melissa Shelton on How To Own Your Story
For the woman standing at the edge of her next big move—whether that’s leaving the security of a corner office, launching a passion-fueled business, or simply saying yes to herself for the first time—this story is for you.
Meet Melissa Shelton, founder of Dear Valentine, a boutique hospitality brand rooted in design, experience, and soul. After a successful career as a corporate executive leading major European design companies in the U.S., Melissa did what so many dream of—she made the leap. And not just any leap: she stepped away from her presidency at a global company, moved across the country, and launched her business as a new mom, in a new city, with a brand-new vision for what life could look like.
Here’s how she did it—and how you can too.
From Interior Design to the C-Suite
Melissa’s story starts in a place many of us can relate to: searching for a path that feels true. After getting a degree in interior design and launching into the industry during the 2008 recession, she quickly pivoted to a full-time role at Design Within Reach, blending her creative roots with a business-savvy approach. That set her on a path to leadership with global design companies, eventually becoming president of a Swiss firm overseeing major accounts like Google and Salesforce.
But something was calling her back—to her creativity, to herself, and ultimately, to a slower, more intentional way of living.
Listening to the Inner Nudge (Even When It’s Loud and Scary)
Melissa’s decision to leave wasn’t made on a whim. It was years in the making, complicated by real-life responsibilities like IVF treatments, a cross-country relocation, and the birth of her son. Like so many women in corporate roles, she found herself stuck between two truths:
She had security, success, and stability.
And yet, she knew she was meant for something more soul-aligned.
Imposter syndrome tried to stop her. Financial fear tried to stop her. But she got honest about what she needed and took bold steps to prepare for her next chapter.
Her advice?
💡 "The fear is real, but it’s not a sign to stop. It’s a sign you’re stepping into something brave."
Building Dear Valentine: A Business Rooted in Experience and Beauty
Dear Valentine isn’t your average vacation rental brand. It’s a hospitality experience studio rooted in soulful design, community connection, and travel that transforms. Melissa curates and manages luxury short-term rentals in historic homes—primarily in New Orleans—with a focus on interior design, guest experience, and local partnerships. Whether it’s an artist-made vase in a sun-drenched window or a custom itinerary designed for conscious travelers, every detail is curated to feel personal and beautiful.
Melissa’s team works with chefs, designers, and local artisans to elevate every stay. Think: curated interiors, grounding rituals, and thoughtful details that make guests feel like they’ve stepped into a storybook version of home.
Collaboration, Community, and the Power of the Ask
One of Melissa’s biggest strengths? She asks for what she needs.
She credits her success in launching Dear Valentine to her willingness to collaborate and co-create—whether that’s building design partnerships, reaching out to brands, or bartering services in the early stages. Her mantra?
💡 "You don’t get what you don’t ask for."
Her storytelling background from years in marketing and sales allowed her to pitch with clarity and heart. If you're building something new, Melissa encourages:
Leading with your passion
Telling your story clearly
And never being afraid to say, “Here’s what I’m creating. Want to build this with me?”
Behind-the-Scenes of a Modern Founder Life
You’ll find Melissa on Instagram at @melshel, sharing behind-the-scenes peeks of property renovations, aluminum foil window hacks (because #momlife), and gorgeous lifestyle vignettes from her New Orleans life.
She’s building something beautiful and honest—and that’s exactly why people are tuning in. Her feed doesn’t scream “perfection,” it whispers realness. And that’s magnetic.
Her Smart Girl Tips for Making the Leap
If you're dreaming of your own leap—from corporate to creative, from idea to execution—Melissa offers this advice:
Get Real with Your Numbers: Look at what you actually need to earn. What can you cut? What’s non-negotiable? What’s your monthly freedom number?
Mute the Inner Critic: Shut down the voice that says, “You’ll never get here again.” You got here once. You’ll do it again—and on your terms.
Plan, but Don’t Overplan: Map out your vision, but don’t let perfection stop you from moving. Take aligned action even if it’s not flawless.
Invest in Yourself: That $200/month manicure? Put it into a mastermind or a course that fuels your growth. Education is everything.
Collaborate Always: Don’t try to do it alone. Ask for help. Trade skills. Create community around your vision.
Ready to Leap?
Melissa Shelton’s story reminds us that it's never “too late” to change paths—and it’s always worth it to build a business aligned with your deepest desires.
Whether you’re a mom, a multi-hyphenate creative, a recovering perfectionist, or all of the above, this is your invitation to imagine something new.
So go ahead—light the candle, open your notebook, and ask yourself:
What am I building this year? And what’s one brave step I can take today?
Resources:
🔗 Links & Mentions:
Follow Dear Valentine: @dearvalentine
Learn more about Melissa’s work: dearvalentine.co
👯♀️ Want to go deeper?
💻 Join the Oui, We Roll Visual Content Course
🎤 Book Andi to Speak
📥 Explore the Obsession-Worthy Framework inside the Mastermind
🧳 Come hang inside
