We recently connected with Melissa Pavone and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa , appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Melissa Murphy Pavone’s journey to founding Mindful Financial Partners was born out of a deep desire to serve clients authentically—a sharp departure from her experiences in the traditional financial world. Having spent years in the wirehouse environment, Melissa was no stranger to the relentless focus on quotas, product sales, and the bottom line. While the environment was fast-paced and financially rewarding, it lacked the soulfulness and client-centric ethos she craved.

In her heart, Melissa knew there had to be a better way. She envisioned a practice where financial planning wasn’t just about dollars and cents, but about empowering people, fostering meaningful conversations, and creating plans that truly aligned with her clients’ values and aspirations. The concept of Mindful Financial Partners began to take shape during her wellness coaching with Christianne Jensen, founder of Love This Life Wellness, as she reflected on what a client-focused practice could look like.

The first step was acknowledging the leap of faith she was about to take. And how hard it would be to leave her team of co-workers who became family. She envisioned a practice centered on collaboration, education, and mindful decision-making, particularly for individuals navigating significant life transitions like divorce or retirement.

After months of preparation, Mindful Financial Partners officially launched. Melissa vividly remembers the first client meeting in her new role as an independent advisor. It was liberating to sit across the table and focus entirely on the person in front of her—no sales quotas, no corporate mandates, just a genuine conversation about their goals and concerns.

Over time, word spread about Melissa’s compassionate and holistic approach. Clients appreciated her ability to blend technical expertise with emotional intelligence, particularly during difficult transitions like divorce. Her second business, Mindful Divorce Partners, naturally evolved as she became a trusted resource for individuals seeking clarity and stability during the divorce process.

Looking back, Melissa reflects on the journey with immense gratitude. Leaving the wirehouse world wasn’t easy, but it allowed her to create a practice that aligns with her values and serves the people who matter most. Today, she wakes up each morning excited to show up authentically, focusing on beings and businesses rather than balance sheets. Through Mindful Financial Partners, she’s not just managing wealth; she’s empowering lives.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I’m Melissa Murphy Pavone, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), and the founder of Mindful Financial Partners. My journey into the world of financial planning began with a genuine passion for helping people navigate the complexities of money and life. With over a decade of experience in the financial industry, I have had the privilege of supporting individuals and families through some of life’s most significant transitions.

I started my career in 2007 at UBS and then joined Oppenheimer in 2013, where I gained invaluable technical expertise and a deep understanding of financial markets. However, over time, I felt constrained by the corporate focus on sales and quotas, which often came at the expense of genuine client care. I wanted to create a space where financial planning was more than just transactional—where it could be transformational. This vision inspired me to launch Mindful Financial Partners, a practice grounded in authenticity, empathy, and a commitment to putting clients first.

Life’s transitions can be overwhelming, particularly when they intersect with financial uncertainty. Whether it’s planning for retirement, navigating a divorce, or starting a new chapter, our work is about reducing the stress and complexity of financial decisions. We help clients:

Understand their financial picture

Develop actionable, long-term strategies

Protect and grow their wealth

Align their financial goals with their personal aspirations

My Why is my My Mom. I am a child of divorce and I wish I knew back then, what I know now. Often times individuals lead with their heart and not their head, during times of transition. Having an unbiased financially ally in your corner can help empower you to make educated decisions regarding your future.

Our focus is on collaboration, education, and empowerment. Clients often tell us that they appreciate our ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable plans. We prioritize building relationships based on trust and transparency, and we’re committed to creating an environment where clients feel heard, respected, and supported.

What I Want Potential Clients to Know

Mindful Financial Partners is more than a financial planning firm—it’s a partner in your journey toward financial wellness. Whether you’re planning for the future or navigating a significant life change, we’re here to provide clarity, confidence, and compassion every step of the way. Our approach isn’t just about dollars and cents; it’s about helping you live a life that reflects your values and priorities.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The Power of Client Referrals

One of the best sources of new clients for Mindful Financial Partners has been referrals from existing clients and trusted professionals in our network. When a client or collaborator refers someone to us, it’s a testament to the trust and value they’ve found in our services. These referrals often come from individuals who have experienced firsthand the impact of our personalized and mindful approach, and they’re eager to share that experience with others. We are incredibly grateful for this word-of-mouth support, as it not only helps our business grow but also strengthens the sense of community we strive to foster.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A Lesson I Had to Unlearn

One of the most profound lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I needed the backing of a large, fancy corporation to succeed in the financial industry. For a long time, I thought that being part of a well-known firm gave me credibility and access to opportunities that I couldn’t achieve on my own. However, the reality was that the corporate structure often stifled the authenticity and client-centered focus that I valued most.

When I decided to step out on my own, I was stepping into uncharted territory, not only as a solo entrepreneur but also as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. I quickly learned that my identity as a woman and a mom was not a limitation—it was one of my greatest strengths. Being a mother has taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and resilience—qualities that my clients deeply appreciate. It allows me to connect with clients on a personal level, particularly those navigating emotionally charged situations like divorce or the balancing act of a career focused mom.

The experience of building Mindful Financial Partners has shown me that success doesn’t come from the name on the door but from the relationships you build and the value you provide. By embracing who I am and the unique perspective I bring, I’ve been able to create a practice that truly serves my clients and aligns with my values.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mindfulfinancialpartners.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamurphypavone/

Image Credits

Mark DiConzo KMDECO Creative Solutions