Coffee Shop Goss Pottsville > Fingal - November 2014 | Page 3

>>>REALLOCALS>>> Empowered Professional Mel Groom Hi Melissa, how long have you been a Local? Nearly 9 years. I spent most of my life on the Northern Beaches but spent years moving all around NSW as a young child. I’d moved 50 times by the time I was 21. What is the Melissa Groom Story? My partner Glen and I have 6 kids between us. I was adopted at 17 months of age. My childhood was full of adventures, some great, some hell. I grew up in a big family and we moved around a lot. I spent most of my life on the Northern Beaches of Sydney and moved to Kingscliff after a separation to start a new life. My three children have special needs. My eldest son had a successful kidney transplant 4 years ago, my daughter is anaphylactic, and my youngest son has Aspergers. Three years ago I started a support group for mums “Empowered Mums” who want to start their own business or are already in business. We are now in 3 states and my goal is to be in every start empowering women to reach their full potential. What is the best thing that has ever happened to you? Having my 3 children tops everything. I think it’s a real privilege to be a mum. Family is everything to me. And starting a new life in Kingscliff 9 years ago after a separating from the children’s father and meeting my partner of 7 years Glen Spargo who treats me like a princess. What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you? Having my childhood taken away from me. It’s something you can never get back. What was your saddest moment? I would have to say my marriage ending. It was like a death which affected the whole family especially the children. What was the catalyst to a the major change in your life? My divorce. It made me re-evaluate everything in my life. Who motivates the motivator? A will inside of me that strives to be the best me I can be and not waste my time here on earth knowing I have a greater purpose than me. What do you do when you are not Empowering Mums?? I’m currently doing my MBA so most of my time I spend studying and when I have a break from studying I like to read personal development books or autobiographies of people I admire in between running kids around. How do you recharge your batteries. I go for long walks by the ocean. It is so energising, relaxing and soothes the soul. What do you feel the most guilty about? I don’t feel guilty about anything. I’m not perfect by any means but I do my best. I could feel guilty about a lot of things but that would serve no purpose. Who has been your biggest influence in your life. I’m close to my brothers and sisters, my mum and dad and my closest girlfriends who helped me through difficult times in my adolescence. Business Network I invite you to join us at our weekly meetings in Palm Beach •Increase your connections •Mix with like minded business women •Build long lasting relationships • earn the latest strategies to grow L your business •Get supported to reach your goals in life and business RSVP Melissa Groom 0414 948 109 to reserve your seat www.empoweredmums.com.au www.coffeeshopgoss.com.au > POTTSVILLE TO FINGAL > NOVEMBER 2014 3