Melissa Grierson is on a mission to help young families build stronger connections with each other and it is this passion that drives the goals for her local business, I AM ABLE.
With an extensive background in social sciences and community services, Melissa has been harnessing all her knowledge over the past seven years into developing programs for I AM ABLE. The programs are aimed at providing innovative and creative ways to connect and support families during the perinatal and early childhood stages. Her first programs developed were the ‘Wiggly Collection’ with ‘Mini Wiggle’ aimed at zero to two-year-olds, and ‘Wiggle and Giggle’ aimed at three to five-year-olds with both featuring interactive music and movement activities to foster parent-child connection.
With a holistic approach to care, Melissa is also as internationally certified Infant Massage Practitioner while having pursued further training in areas such as birth trauma, perinatal mental health, Keyword Sign, Marte Meo and kids’ yoga. These skills have helped her expand to offer baby massage groups, as well as a new service; 'The Birth Reflection' for new parents who have experienced a difficult or traumatic birth.
“I just really love being able to meet so many different people through what I do,” said Melissa, “for some of them, they don’t have families or supports around them, so it’s more than just providing the program, it’s about making a connection.”
Melissa’s journey to starting her own business began with her own relationship with her children and as a young parent looking for different ways to connect with them based on her experiences. This led to creating the ‘Wiggly Collection’ which she pitched and volunteered to venues such as councils and libraries. Melissa was met with such positive feedback and interest in bookings that she soon realised there was a need to formalise a business plan to help her stay on track and meet demand. The way I AM ABLE was born and grew very quickly from being a passion project to needing a proper business plan and this is something she says startups should be wary of.
“It is really hard to work on your business when you are in your business,” said Melissa, ‘and whilst there will always be things that need working on, it will make business – and life – feel more balanced if your building blocks are ready from the get-go. It is easy for momentum to get the best of you.’
To help her get her business and financial plans in order, Melissa sought a business mentor and completed an IntoJobs self-employment course which has helped guide her as she looks towards future goals of hiring staff and scaling the business. Seeking out these kinds of programs and training, such as a business support sessions or networking at the Stretton Centre, is something Melissa recommends.
“Running your own business is a lonely island to be on sometimes, so getting out there and making connections at networking events is really helpful on a number of levels,” said Melissa.
Networking and finding business support is crucial to building a successful business and Melissa has come across many of the same challenges that new businesses face such as funding, but she is very strong in letting her beliefs and passion guide her, even if that means saying no to opportunities from time to time to maintain her work-life balance.
“Finding a comfortable balance between when to say yes to opportunities and when to say no is important and is sometimes difficult when you are starting out.”
A Playford local, Melissa loves the diversity of the City of Playford and working within the community to help people who sometimes just need to feel heard. It’s very important to her that she sets time aside away from the desk and gets out in the community to ‘fill up her cup’ outside of work.
"I love to get out and get some sunshine, a good coffee and go op shopping but also finding a way to give back that doesn't have anything to do with the day-to-day business,” said Melissa, “I volunteer at aged care with my 2-year-old daughter. I love to spend time visiting the residents, and I know it certainly puts a smile on "the oldies" (as my toddler would say) faces.”
To find out more about Melissa and her I AM ABLE programs, you can visit her website at iamableconnect.com.au.