MELANIE BEINGESSNER doesn’t want other entrepreneurs to struggle like she did.
As the owner of Blessingways Family Wellness, Beingessner has spent the last 15 years building her practice, learning valuable lessons along the way.
“When you have your own business, you do everything yourself. Cleaning the bathrooms, sweeping floors, sending reminders and managing finances — it’s all on you,” says Beingessner.
“I wouldn’t be here without others helping me, so it feels natural to give back everything I’ve learned.”
Now in her sixth year as a volunteer mentor for the SMARTstart Airdrie program, Beingessner dedicates at least 40 hours annually to working one-on-one with mentees, helping them develop business plans and navigate challenges.
She also created and delivered a talk for SMARTstart participants on “Scheduling Time and Money in Your Business,” and has assisted with the program’s selection committee. Beingessner has mentored new chiropractors in Alberta and helped massage therapists grow their practices, manage care plans and handle billing.
In 2022, Beingessner also won the Airdrie Chamber Business of the Year Award for her clinic.
“Melanie truly values mentorship, as she received mentorship via the SMARTstart program as she was opening her clinic,” says nominator Jessica Williamson.
“Around the community, Melanie takes on an informal mentorship role and is often approached by local business owners to learn more about her success.”