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
5 Conversations with 5 Smart Girls. Meet Melissa Shelton — a powerhouse creative, hospitality entrepreneur, and founder of Dear Valentine. This convo is a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to go from corporate leader to intentional founder. Melissa shares the raw truth about walking away from a high-profile career in the global design industry (hello, Vitra and Design Within Reach) to build something entirely her own — a hospitality brand rooted in travel, design, and unforgettable experiences. Inside this conversation, you’ll hear: How Melissa navigated imposter syndrome and the mindset shifts that helped her trust herself as a founder. The business plan essentials she swears by before making a leap — yes, money matters. Why collaboration and your network are the non-negotiables of sustainable success. What social media really looks like behind the scenes for a multi-hyphenate business owner. The power of investing in personal growth and the belief that you don’t get what you don’t ask for. This episode is a masterclass in owning your story, leading with vision, and creating environments (and businesses) that people feel — long after they leave. ✨ Takeaways: → Imposter syndrome happens — even at the top. Keep going. → Plan for your leap — evaluate the financial and lifestyle shifts required. → Your network is your business. Collaboration unlocks growth. → Authentic storytelling is your superpower on social. → Entrepreneurship is a forever experiment — stay curious. 🎧 Chapters: — Introduction + Melissa’s Background — Climbing the Corporate Ladder in Global Design — Imposter Syndrome + How to Navigate Doubt — Launching Dear Valentine: From Idea to Reality — Making the Leap: Leaving Corporate for Entrepreneurship — The Power of Partnerships + Collaboration — How to Build Meaningful Relationships in Business — Navigating Social Media with Authenticity — Why Investing in Yourself is Always Worth It — Lightning Round: Melissa’s Inspirations, Mindset Practices + What’s Next 🔗 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 Out of Office Club
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50:51
From Law to Spiritual Entrepreneurship: Trusting Your Intuition in a Major Career Pivot with Kirsten Stockton
5 Conversations with 5 Smart Girls. In this episode Andi sits down with intuitive guide and energy reader Kirsten Stockton for a conversation that feels like the best kind of girl talk — honest, reflective, and deeply transformative. Together, they explore Kirsten’s powerful journey of moving from a high-achieving career in law to stepping fully into her spiritual gifts — a transition sparked during the quiet, reflective moments of the pandemic. Kirsten shares how accessing the Akashic Records opened a new world of energy work and intuition, offering profound insights on self-trust, spiritual hygiene, and navigating life as a sensitive soul. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: → How to honor pivotal life moments as catalysts for transformation → Why the Akashic Records are often called the energetic library of your soul → Simple ways to practice spiritual hygiene and protect your energy → How to nurture your intuitive gifts (yes, we all have them!) → The role of self-compassion in healing and growth → Why investing in yourself and finding community is the ultimate expansion portal Takeaways: This conversation is a beautiful reminder that the journey inward is often the most life-changing of all. Kirsten’s story proves that it’s never too late to pivot, trust your inner wisdom, and step into a life aligned with your soul. Meditation, spiritual hygiene, and self-reflection aren’t just buzzwords — they’re practical tools for grounding and growth. Investing in yourself is the first step to unlocking your own inner magic. Chapters: — Introduction & Finding Connection — Pivotal Life Moments & Career Reflections — Transitioning from Law to Spirituality — Coming Out of the Spiritual Closet — Trusting Intuition & The Power of Self-Reflection — What Are the Akashic Records? — Spiritual Hygiene & Protecting Your Energy — Navigating Sensitivity in an Energetic World — Embracing Intuition & Practicing Self-Compassion — Investing in Yourself & Finding Aligned Community 🎧 Listen now and share this episode with someone who's standing at the edge of their next evolution. 🔗 Links & Mentions: Follow Kirsten on Instagram 👯♀️ 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 Out of Office Club
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44:43
Lazy Hustler Energy, Projector Hacks, NLP, and the Truth About Productivity with Meredith DeSantos
5 Conversations with 5 Smart Girls. In this episode, Andi sits down with Meredith DeSantos — a powerhouse strategist with nearly two decades of experience in the entertainment, tech, and wellness worlds — to explore what it really means to be a Lazy Hustler in business and in life. Meredith has supported A-list writers, showrunners, and creatives in launching their projects with clarity and emotional intelligence — and now, she’s bringing those same transformational tools to high-achieving entrepreneurs. Her work blends Human Design, neuroscience, and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) to help leaders release burnout patterns, rewire limiting beliefs, and align with their energetic blueprint. ✨ This episode is equal parts mindset shift and masterclass — for the creative visionary who’s done with pushing and ready to scale with strategy and soul. Meredith and Andi unpack: What it really means to embrace the Lazy Hustler mindset The truth about productivity vs. busyness (hint: they’re not the same) How Human Design reveals your unique blueprint for aligned business growth NLP tools for reprogramming limiting beliefs and building confidence Why 93% of communication is non-verbal — and how to embody your message Rituals for rest, nervous system regulation, and creativity Why investing in yourself is the most strategic move you can make How community connection fuels expansion (and ends the isolation loop) Reframing imposter syndrome and showing up when visibility feels hard 🧠 Meredith’s mission? To help you ditch the outdated systems that glorify burnout and step into your own success blueprint — without losing yourself in the process. 🔑 Takeaways - NLP is a powerful tool to reprogram your subconscious patterns. - Productivity is about alignment, not overextension. - Your aura is part of your brand — when you understand it, everything changes. - Emotional intelligence is the superpower behind creative longevity. - Rest is not a luxury — it’s a business strategy, especially for Projectors. - Investing in yourself isn’t extra. It’s essential. 🎧 Chapters Meredith's Journey to Lazy Hustler Mindset Strategies in Business Understanding Human Design & Celebrity Examples Imposter Syndrome & Visibility NLP + The Truth About Productivity Anchoring, Belief Shifts & Investing in Yourself Meredith is the behind-the-scenes genius for some of the most magnetic creators — and now she’s sharing her full toolkit with you. 💌 Listen now and share this one with your creative bestie who’s ready to build smarter, not harder. 🔗 Links & Mentions: Follow Meredith on Instagram 👯♀️ 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 Out of Office Club
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33:49
From First Business at 15 to CEO: Vanessa Farino on Building Through Imposter Syndrome
5 conversations with 5 Smart Girls. Andi sits down with Vanessa Farino — award-winning Latina entrepreneur, Forbes-featured marketing expert, and founder of Creative CEO, a media and events company helping women build brands with intention, clarity, and power. From launching her first business at 15 to supporting a $25M fundraise and working with celebrity entrepreneurs, Vanessa’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention, purpose-driven leadership, and creating spaces where women truly thrive. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes of how Creative CEO came to life, the realities of navigating imposter syndrome (even after receiving major recognition), and how Vanessa uses Human Design to help women reconnect with their energy, values, and aligned business strategy. ✨ Vanessa shares: – Her entrepreneurial path from corporate to full-time CEO – The inspiration behind Creative CEO and why financial empowerment matters – What it really looks like to work with high-profile clients and navigate visibility – How Human Design is transforming her business and her relationships – Why creating safe, inclusive communities is key to long-term success – Her lightning round answers: from dream ventures to soulful travel and what she’s manifesting next 💡 Takeaways: Vanessa launched her first business at just 15. Creative CEO was born from a desire for financial control and community. Women are the primary drivers of the economy — and they deserve spaces that reflect that. Imposter syndrome doesn’t go away — even with success. Understanding your energy type is crucial to building a business that flows. Regulating your nervous system is an underrated business skill. Feedback builds inclusive, magnetic brands. Implementation > ideas. Every time. Investing in yourself is the first step to aligned success. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: – Introduction and Background – Vanessa's Entrepreneurial Journey – The Birth of Creative CEO – Empowering Women in Business – Creating Safe Spaces for Women – Recognition and Documentary Experience – Celebrity Business Insights – Integrating Human Design in Business – Human Design in Personal Relationships – Building Inclusive Communities 🎧 Listen now and tag the creative CEO in your life — this one’s for the women building their legacy with soul, strategy, and deep self-trust. Follow Vanessa on Instagram 👯♀️ 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 Out of Office Club
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Career Astrology for Creatives: Find Your Path Using the Stars With Megan McCluer
5 conversations with 5 Smart Girls. Welcome to our first interview episode of season 5 with Smart Girls Mastermind Alum, Megan McCluer. In this magnetic episode of the podcast, we’re diving deep into the cosmos with career astrologer Megan McCluer, a guide for soulful women ready to align their professional paths with purpose and intuition. Megan’s work merges celestial wisdom with grounded strategy, helping multi-talented creatives ditch the "shoulds" and build careers that feel wildly authentic, abundant, and fulfilling. You’ll hear the origin story of how astrology became Megan’s compass during a gnarly breakup — and how it eventually turned into a powerful business tool she now shares with clients around the world. ✨ Inside This Episode, Megan Shares: Her personal journey into astrology and how it became a life-changing guidepost. What it means to embrace your multi-talented self and weave all of your gifts into your career. How the Midheaven in your chart reveals your aligned career direction. The energetic forecast for 2025 and what major planetary shifts mean for creatives. A breakdown of her signature Soulpreneur Blueprint Reports — for anyone seeking career clarity rooted in soul and strategy. Why mentorship is a non-negotiable for growth, and how to find the right mentor through resonance. Myth-busting around astrology stereotypes — and how to use your chart as a practical business tool. 💡 Key Takeaways: Megan first discovered astrology during a rough breakup — and it opened the door to a new, more aligned life path. Your birth chart holds insight into your ideal career direction, especially your Midheaven placement. Being multi-passionate is a strength — not a liability. 2025 is a cosmic turning point — now’s the time to get clear on your creative vision. Astrology offers actionable, grounded guidance — it’s not just “woo.” Finding a genuine, in-demand service is the foundation of sustainable entrepreneurship. The right mentor can accelerate your personal + professional evolution. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: – Introduction and Personal Connections – Discovering Astrology: A Personal Journey – Embracing Multi-Talented Identities – Astrology as a Career Guide – Interpreting Your Astrology Chart for Career Insights – Planetary Changes and Their Impact on Creatives – Business Readings and Services Offered – Astrology Myths and Personal Practices – Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs – The Importance of Mentorship 🎧 Listen now and tag your favorite cosmic creative — this one’s for the dreamers, the intuitives, and the entrepreneurs ready to build with purpose. 📲 Connect with Megan: You can find her on Instagram @meganmccluer &can @alignedastrology.co — and explore her Soulpreneur Blueprint Reports here. Join Out of Office Club here. Learn more about Obsession-Worthy and get on the waitlist here.
The Unschool is the go-to podcast for Out-of-Office entrepreneurs ready to deprogram outdated business rules and build obsession-worthy brands with intuitive strategy and zero gatekeeping.
Hosted by Andi Alleman — founder of Oui, We Studio and Casa Noon Beauty — this show blends Human Design, content creation, AI, and mindset work to help you grow a business that actually supports your life (not the other way around).
Most episodes are solo — part masterclass, part pep talk — with occasional Smart Girl guests from Andi’s Obsession Worthy program sharing what it really looks like to scale a soulful, successful brand on your own terms.
If you're building a brand, scaling your company, or simply rethinking the way you do business — you're in the right place.
New episodes every week.
Learn more on IG: @ouiwegirl & @ouiwestudio
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