This all started with a feeling — a quiet pull towards connection.

A modern roundtable of sorts.

After years of working within founder-led brands, I understand the quiet weight of entrepreneurship, whether you’re building something of your own or carrying the responsibility of a business from within. The decisions you hold, the expectations you juggle, and the parts you often need to keep to yourself, even when the work is deeply rewarding. There are seasons when you need a sounding board; someone who understands both the creative drive and the operational reality, someone who’s been in the trenches and can sit beside you.

This work grew from that same pull—a need for connection, community, and a more modern way to access senior experience. As more brands embrace fractional leadership, there’s a shift towards bringing experienced operators into the fold in more intentional, flexible ways. Not just through traditional full-time roles, but as trusted insiders who support momentum, navigate change, or lay the groundwork for what’s next. It offers expertise without the rigidity of a full-time hire—designed to meet your business where it is and adapt as it evolves.

If you feel drawn to this work or would like to explore working together, I invite you to reach out at hello@melcolman.com. I’d love to hear from you.

NOTES FROM ACROSS THE TABLE

  • “Working with Mel Colman as my business coach has been an incredibly rewarding experience. As I embark on launching my next D2C business, her guidance and support have been truly invaluable. Mel’s approach to business is deeply rooted in strong values around people, culture, and leadership—values that closely align with my own. Her ability to provide clarity, strategic insights, and encouragement has made a significant impact on my business founder journey. Having Mel by my side as a coach has not only strengthened my confidence but has also given me the tools to make smarter, more aligned decisions for my business. I am truly grateful for her mentorship and highly recommend her to anyone seeking a thoughtful, value-driven business coach.”

    — Eleanor Pendleton, Founder of Haléau Beauty

  • "With ambitious growth plans and international expansion on the horizon, I turned to Mel for guidance on the key strategies needed to make this vision a reality. From refining our staff structure to optimizing resources and streamlining company operations, Mel provided invaluable insights that clarified our path forward. Thanks to her expertise, we’ve developed a clear and actionable roadmap to guide us through what promises to be an exciting year for our brand”

    — Fabienne, founder & CEO of YCL

  • “Mentorship can be a blurry line between great advice, action and accountability, where you leave with one but maybe not the others. I’ve been lucky enough to receive all three from Mel, every time we speak, I have actionable takeaways that give my business real value, rather than just encouragement. Defining the pain points within my business, looking at it from a macro perspective and moving the needle towards where I need to go. Can’t thank her enough for the resources, listening and advice she has given me to continue to grow my small business.”

    — Charlotte, Co-Founder of Hall of Harper

  • "I felt extremely lucky to have found Mel when I was still early in building VESITIA. From our initial chat to the following sessions, Mel always came prepared ahead of our conversations. Having a mentor like Mel with her wealth of knowledge has truly inspired me to keep dreaming big, continue pushing (even if it meant getting out of my comfort zone), and achieve sustainable growth for the business. I feel empowered and safe knowing I have her guidance and support. Highly recommend her to anyone looking to establish, grow or expand their businesses."

    — Ysabel, Founder of VESITIA