--- title: Meet Luminary Member, Melissa Mitchner description: melissa --- [![MCButton-Menu-2](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MCButton-Menu-2.png?width=200&name=MCButton-Menu-2.png "MCButton-Menu-2")](https://www.weareluminary.com/smallbusinessmastercard) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareluminary) [**](https://www.instagram.com/weareluminary/) [**](https://www.facebook.com/weareluminary) [![Book a Day Pass](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4720688/576b4dad-3441-4b1d-be0a-c9e5bfc54a6d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4720688/576b4dad-3441-4b1d-be0a-c9e5bfc54a6d) [![Book Now ](https://www.wearelu.com/individualmemberships)](https://www.weareluminary.com/luminarymemberships) [![Schedule a Tour](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4720688/3fc3c9dd-9056-4d20-abb5-d94d8cc7d777.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4720688/3fc3c9dd-9056-4d20-abb5-d94d8cc7d777) [![Already a Member?](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4720688/8c43714b-3a5e-4611-a91f-3d306b158a3f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4720688/8c43714b-3a5e-4611-a91f-3d306b158a3f) [![Luminary_2-Jun-11-2024-05-48-05-2042-PM](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luminary_2-Jun-11-2024-05-48-05-2042-PM.png?width=163&height=50&name=Luminary_2-Jun-11-2024-05-48-05-2042-PM.png "Luminary_2-Jun-11-2024-05-48-05-2042-PM")](https://www.weareluminary.com/home) # Member Highlight [Back to Blog](https://www.weareluminary.com/member-highlight) # Meet Luminary Member, Melissa Mitchner [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.weareluminary.com%2Fmember-highlight%2Fmeet-luminary-member-melissa-mitchner%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.weareluminary.com%2Fmember-highlight%2Fmeet-luminary-member-melissa-mitchner%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.weareluminary.com%2Fmember-highlight%2Fmeet-luminary-member-melissa-mitchner%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.weareluminary.com%2Fmember-highlight%2Fmeet-luminary-member-melissa-mitchner%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Meet%20Luminary%20Member%2C%C2%A0Melissa%20Mitchner) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.weareluminary.com%2Fmember-highlight%2Fmeet-luminary-member-melissa-mitchner%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.weareluminary.com%2Fmember-highlight%2Fmeet-luminary-member-melissa-mitchner%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) July 12, 2020 | By [Luminary](https://www.weareluminary.com/member-highlight/author/luminary) **![Headshot 20 - Melissa Mitchner](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Headshot%2020%20-%20Melissa%20Mitchner.jpg?width=355&name=Headshot%2020%20-%20Melissa%20Mitchner.jpg)** **Tell us a bit about yourself! How did you get started with your current career path/business journey?** My name is Melissa Mitchner, I kind of stumbled into the pet grooming industry 8 years ago. I was inspired by a reality human hair show called Chicagoiscious. Within 90 days I emptied my savings , started my company from the living room of my project apartment and opened my my brick and mortar The Bark Shoppe. Prior to that I had one job that helped accelerate my career, I worked at Best Buy. I started as a line level associate and left the company after almost 9 years as a district administrative assistant. **How are you overcoming challenges during the pandemic as a business owner?** I had to pivot very quickly, we have recently launched a mobile grooming truck to help continue to meet the demand of the pet grooming industry and implement new policies and procedures at our physical location. I am staying optimistic about the future and continuing to cut expenses. **What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?** Tenacity and faith. I trust my next chapter because I am co producing my life. I work extremely hard and never give up. I grew up in the poorest congressional district in the nation and if I can make it through that, I can do anything. There is really not anything else that could be worst than that environment, so everyday is a step closer to accomplishing my vision. **What’s a mistake you made early on in your career, and what did you learn from it?** I wanted to please everyone but I soon realized you teach people how to treat you and you must have the right systems and policies in place. So from the beginning you can train your consumers. **What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?** I am working on networking and building my professional sisterhood. Women are amazing and together we can continue to create and break barriers. We can do anything and I truly believe that. **In what ways are you taking care of your personal well being and what are your #selfcare tips?** I have recently committed to dedicating one hour out of my day for me, everything will be on hold for an hour until I am full. I can't pour from an empty cup. **How are you inviting others to take a seat at the table #virtually?** I am apart of a few female groups where we share business info, discuss books in our book club and share opportunities for us to be better human beings overall. **What impact has Luminary made in your career? eg: Business Generated, Revenue, New Clients, Career Connections, Advancement Opportunities ** Luminary has afforded me the opportunity to meet and connect with great women. I found out after sharing in conversation, that I knew more people by a few degrees of separation that are members.   ## Comments ### Luminary News News and Articles about Luminary. ### Subscribe for News Updates ### Topics - [Cate Luzio (30)](https://www.weareluminary.com/asseenin/tag/cate-luzio) - [Luminary Team Highlight (38)](https://www.weareluminary.com/asseenin/tag/luminary-team-highlight) - [Member Highlight (1)](https://www.weareluminary.com/asseenin/tag/member-highlight) - [News (73)](https://www.weareluminary.com/asseenin/tag/news) - [The Glass Ceiling (4)](https://www.weareluminary.com/asseenin/tag/the-glass-ceiling) [![Luminary-2](https://www.weareluminary.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luminary-2.png?width=1081&height=1081&name=Luminary-2.png "Luminary-2")](https://www.weareluminary.com/home) ###### Location **NoMad** 1204 Broadway New York, NY 10001 (646) 876 - 8680   ###### Hours **Monday-Thursday** 8:30am - 7pm **Friday** 8:30am - 6pm **Saturday** 10am - 4pm ###### Social [**](https://twitter.com/weareluminary_) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareluminary) [**](https://www.instagram.com/weareluminary/) [**](https://www.facebook.com/weareluminary) ### Stay updated with our latest news and events. © 2022 Luminary Legacy, LLC. 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