Meet Melissa Bauknight | Founder and Chief Visionary

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Bauknight and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, how does your business help the community?

The Nova Global is dedicated to reshaping the narrative of success for professional women by guiding them toward a future where authenticity, purpose, and growth are harmoniously intertwined. Our community fosters holistic success across all dimensions of a woman’s life—personal, professional, and spiritual—through supportive networks and empowering resources. We focus on creating inclusive and empowering spaces, especially for BIPOC and LGBTQAI+ women, facilitating a sense of belonging and unity. By hosting events, workshops, and networking opportunities, we encourage women to step into leadership roles that blend empathy, resilience, and authenticity. Our aim is not only to support individual women but also to cultivate a collective force that drives societal progress towards greater empathy, equality, and authenticity, thus making a lasting impact on the community and the world.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

The Nova Global is more than just a business; it’s a movement dedicated to redefining success for women across the globe. What sets us apart is our commitment to nurturing holistic excellence—ensuring women thrive personally, professionally, and spiritually. Our focus isn’t just on achieving outward success but on fostering deep, meaningful connections and personal growth.

Starting The Nova wasn’t easy. It required stepping away from a successful corporate career to pursue a path that many considered unconventional. The journey was fraught with challenges, from initial doubts about leaving a stable job to the complexities of building a community from scratch. Each hurdle required resilience and a steadfast belief in the vision I held for The Nova.

Through these challenges, I learned the importance of surrounding myself with supportive networks—people who inspire and push you towards your vision. I also learned that true leadership involves vulnerability and authenticity; it’s about showing up as your whole self and empowering others to do the same.

I’m incredibly proud of how The Nova has evolved into a thriving community. We offer a variety of engagement opportunities, from local ambassador programs to global online events to intimate masterminds, each designed to support women in their quest for a balanced and fulfilling life.

I want the world to know that The Nova is here to challenge the status quo of what it means to be a successful woman. We’re creating a space where women can redefine success on their terms, supported by a community that values authenticity, connection, and holistic growth. At The Nova, every woman’s journey is celebrated, and every step forward enriches not just her own life but also the wider community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Day 1: Welcome to Golden!
– Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast at Cafe 13.
– Afternoon: Stroll through downtown Golden, visit local shops, and perhaps the Golden History Park for a quick history lesson.
– Evening: Enjoy dinner at Bridgewater Grill with lovely views of Clear Creek.

Day 2: Exploring Morrison and Red Rocks
– Morning: Breakfast in Golden, then head to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre for hiking and exploring the famous venue.
– Afternoon: Lunch in Morrison
– Evening: Dinner at The Fort Restaurant for some game meat specialties.

Day 3: Boulder Adventures
– Morning: Drive to Boulder, enjoy breakfast at a local café like The Buff Restaurant.
– Afternoon: Explore the shops of Pearl Street
– Evening: Dinner at Frasca Food and Wine for a top-notch dining experience.

Day 4: More Time in Boulder
– Morning: Start with breakfast at Lucile’s Creole Café, then hike the trails at Chautauqua Park.
– Afternoon: Relax at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, followed by paddleboarding or kayaking on Boulder Reservoir.
– Evening: Return to Golden for rest and a casual dinner locally.

Day 5: Discovering Denver
– Morning: Breakfast in Golden, then head to Denver to explore the Denver Art Museum and Union Station.
– Afternoon: Lunch in the LoDo District, then spend time in neighborhoods like RiNo for art and Capitol Hill for history.
– Evening: Dinner at Rioja on Larimer Square.

Day 6: Delving Deeper into Denver
– Morning: Breakfast in Denver, then visit the Denver Botanic Gardens.
– Afternoon: Explore the Denver Zoo or Museum of Nature and Science.
– Evening: Enjoy a performance at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts or catch a game if it aligns with your visit.

Day 7: Farewell Brunch and Final Strolls
– Morning: Brunch at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery in Denver before heading back to Golden for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
– Afternoon: Relaxing final moments by Clear Creek in Golden.
– Evening: Farewell dinner at Table Mountain Grill & Cantina in Golden.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Absolutely, my journey has been greatly shaped by a network of amazing individuals whose support has been crucial. I’d like to dedicate a heartfelt shoutout to my husband, who has consistently believed in my vision and supported me emotionally and financially through every step of this journey. His belief in my wild, ambitious ideas has been a cornerstone of my ability to pursue my passions.

I also owe a huge thank you to the team members and mentors from my days in the corporate world and at Beautycounter, especially Dia Draper, Michelle Waller, and Sarah Thielsen. Their encouragement and insights were vital as I transitioned from a corporate career to embrace my true calling in coaching and empowering women.

A special mention must go to the phenomenal group of women in the business mastermind led by Sarah Jenks. This supportive circle acted as business midwives, helping me bring to life The Nova, a vision deeply rooted in empowering women. The shared wisdom and encouragement from this group were instrumental in making my dream a reality.

Moreover, Brenda Rowe Plasz has been an essential part of The Nova from the very beginning, helping to shape and grow our community. Her dedication and hard work have been foundational in our success.

These individuals, along with every client and community member who has joined The Nova, have enriched this journey immeasurably. Their trust and participation have not only propelled me forward but have also helped to cultivate a vibrant, supportive space that continues to inspire and empower women globally.

Website: https://thenovaglobal.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenovaglobal/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-nova-global/about/

Image Credits
Jordan Quinn Smith