We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Bauknight recently and have shared our conversation below.

MELISSA, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

At The Nova, we reject the notion that professional networks should be purely transactional. Instead, we cultivate a community where safety and genuine connection are the foundation of everything. In fact, we are a movement for ambitious soul-led women to show up authentically and rewrite the rules!! This approach is not just about creating comfortable spaces; it’s about fostering environments where members feel secure enough to be vulnerable. In our community, safety is the cornerstone. It’s more than physical—it’s emotional, psychological, and spiritual. When our members feel safe, they can express themselves fully, take risks in sharing their dreams, and engage genuinely without fear of judgment or reprisal.

The Five Pillars of The Nova:

Safety: We ensure that everyone feels secure, respected, and heard. This is where the magic of vulnerability begins.

Vision Holding: We actively support each other’s dreams. By holding space for each other’s visions, we reinforce a culture of mutual encouragement and ambition.

Values-Driven Standards + Accountability: Our actions and interactions are guided by our core values—Bold Authenticity,

Sacred Rebellion, Collective Empowerment, and Holistic Excellence. Accountability here is an expression of love and commitment to these values.

Growth-Oriented: We embrace a mindset of perpetual growth and learning, pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities together.

Genuine Investment in Each Other’s Vision: Support in our community is a two-way street. We celebrate each other’s successes and see them as collective victories.

These pillars are integrated into every facet of The Nova, from our daily interactions to our structured events and workshops. For instance, at a recent event, we explored the theme of “Elevate Your Network, Elevate Your Life.” This wasn’t just a discussion—it was an active practice of our beliefs. Participants shared personal stories in a setting that honored confidentiality, respect, and presence, embodying our commitment to creating a safe space for growth.

By focusing on these pillars, The Nova stands apart in an industry often dominated by superficial networking and competition. Our approach not only supports professional development but also fosters personal growth and deep, meaningful connections.

This difference matters because it doesn’t just change how we network; it changes how we live, lead, and support one another. It’s about building a legacy of empowered women who thrive through collaboration and mutual support, rewriting the rules of engagement in professional and personal realms.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Melissa Bauknight, and I am the founder of The Nova, a community movement dedicated to rewriting the rules for ambitious soul-led women through connection, support, and holistic personal and professional development. My journey into this field has been driven by a blend of experiences that showed me the power of community and the gaps in traditional networking spaces.

Before starting The Nova, I spent over 15 years in corporate medical sales and another nine years in network marketing with a social impact company, Beautycounter. Additionally, I have 8 years of experience as a Business Alignment Coach, where I’ve had the privilege of helping numerous professionals align their businesses with their core values and visions. This role deepened my understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in building a fulfilling career aligned with personal growth.

Throughout my career, I found myself frustrated by the superficial, patriarchial nature of professional networks. I noticed a common theme: many networks promoted competition over collaboration and often lacked genuine support and understanding among members. This realization was juxtaposed with my participation in various women’s circles, masterminds, and coaching programs, where the focus on authentic connection and mutual support contrasted sharply with my patriarchal experiences.

Inspired by the more holistic, supportive environments I encountered, I founded The Nova to create a space for ambitious professional women to thrive not just in business, but in all aspects of their lives. The Nova offers a variety of services and programs designed to empower women. These include regular in person networking events, workshops, retreats, and experiential anti-conferences focused on personal and professional development infused with soul, and an online community where members can connect, share, and learn from each other no matter where they are in the world.

I am most proud of how quickly The Nova has grown; we expanded to five chapters within the first 18 months of being founded, and we have five more on the way. This rapid expansion is a testament to the need for and impact of a community that truly supports its members.

For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want you to know that The Nova is more than a network—it’s a movement. It’s about redefining success, embracing vulnerability as a strength, and supporting each other unconditionally. If you’re looking to elevate your life and career surrounded by a community that cares deeply about your success and well-being, The Nova is where you belong.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Reflecting on what has significantly contributed to building our reputation within the market, I’d highlight the following key factors, prioritized by their impact:

Embodying Our Values: At The Nova, our actions are deeply rooted in our core values of Bold Authenticity, Sacred Rebellion, Collective Empowerment, and Holistic Excellence. Living these values day in and day out has not only solidified our internal culture but has also set a standard for integrity and purpose-driven operation in the business landscape. This alignment between our mission and our actions resonates strongly with our community and women in general.

Focus on Collaboration: We’ve strategically fostered partnerships with like-minded communities and organizations that reflect our ethos and extend our reach. These collaborations are built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared objectives, enhancing our service offerings and expanding our influence. This approach has been crucial in amplifying our impact and embedding us within the broader ecosystem.

Authenticity: Authenticity is the cornerstone of our interactions and communications. We ensure that everything we do and say aligns with who we are and what we believe in, which has cultivated trust and loyalty among our members. Our commitment to being genuine has made us a trusted name in a market saturated with fleeting trends and superficial connections.

Word of Mouth: As we provide an experience that truly differs from the norm, our members naturally share their positive experiences with others. This organic growth through word of mouth has been invaluable. It’s a testament to the power of delivering genuine value and fostering true connections, propelling our growth and enhancing our community’s vibrancy.

An Incredible Brand: Our brand stands out not just for its aesthetic appeal but more so for its embodiment of our mission and vision. The Nova’s brand is a beacon for those seeking a community that supports professional and personal growth in a holistic manner. It attracts individuals who are not just looking for a network but a movement to join—a movement that champions growth, empowerment, and transformation.

These elements collectively have not only defined our presence in the market but also ensured our continued relevance and resonance with our audience.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most pivotal moments in my career came last April when Beautycounter unexpectedly closed its doors. I had spent nine years building a thriving business within the company—one that not only provided me with financial stability and passive income but also gave me the freedom to pursue other entrepreneurial ventures. It was more than just a business; it was a deeply rooted part of my journey, my leadership, and my ability to create impact.

When it suddenly shut down, I was faced with a choice: scramble to replace that income with something familiar or go all in on what I knew in my heart was my next calling—making The Nova a global success.

That moment of forced transition wasn’t just about financial stability; it was about trusting myself, my vision, and the foundation I had already built. It was a leap of faith, but one I was prepared for. Instead of dwelling on what was lost, I channeled everything into The Nova, expanding our reach, launching new chapters, and deepening our mission of creating spaces where women can thrive personally and professionally.

Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I could have made. It reinforced my belief that setbacks can be invitations to rise even higher. Sometimes, the doors that close are simply redirecting us toward something even more aligned, expansive, and fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thenovaglobal.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenovaglobal/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thenovaglobal/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nova-global/about/

Image Credits

Betsi Ewing
Jordan Quinn Smith
Bernadette Marciniak