Amongst the many gifts I’ve garnered from my membership in the National Association of Women Business Owners is friendships with absolutely incredible women business owners, like Melinda McVadon, the Co-Founder of Mojo Brand Magic. Like the quote Melinda provided in our Q&A from Maya Angelou about “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel”, Melinda is truly gifted in making those with whom she is interacting feel seen, understood and appreciated. Yet, her gifts don’t end there… I’m so grateful for the energy that Melinda brings to our interactions, the stories she amplifies and how she gets things done for the betterment of fellow entrepreneurs. Enjoy a peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

About Melinda McVadon

Melinda McVadon is the Co-Founder of Mojo Brand Magic, where she excels as a branding specialist.

As an award-winning journalist and news anchor for 15 years, Melinda McVadon discovered her love of telling stories. When she moved into management, the station ownership recognized her for her ability to run the newsroom, but her passion moved her from journalism into non-profit fundraising and community awareness, where she helped organizations craft messages to increase their funding, volunteer engagement and community presence.

With her friend Donna North, Melinda formed a company that went gang busters… until it didn’t. At which time, they joined NAWBO to connect with other women business owners, learned about what those women needed from a marketing standpoint and started Mojo Brand Magic. With NAWBO, Melinda became a committee member and, then, chair of NAWBO Charlotte’s gala for 2 years, increasing attendance and support for the event as well as leading to a term as Chapter President in 2022-23.

Having started Mojo Brand Magic in 2021, Melinda uses the knowledge she garnered as a broadcast journalist and successful fundraiser to share with clients that a powerful message can mean the difference between success and failure. Not only does she know that the magic is in the messaging, but she also knows how to help solopreneurs and small business owners find the magic within their messages such that they can attract the customers they want.

As an entrepreneur, Melinda knows how critical it is to have qualified leads brought in through effective marketing to grow your business. Using her own trial and error, she has created a program that dramatically shortens that process for others, helping do what she loves most… “making dreams come true.”

When you trust Melinda’s expertise, you really understand how “The magic is in the message. Find your magic; grow your business!”.

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Melinda McVadon

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

At Mojo Brand Magic, we build brands that create magical connections. We show women entrepreneurs they can harness their natural magic, that irresistible personality that only they carry, to attract the right customers—the ones seeking them. While people may need what you offer, they buy you. We create brands that unleash your natural style, igniting a spark of connection before prospects ever meet you. Through your unique archetype, we transform marketing from a chore into a compass that guides your business, feeds your energy and attracts clients. It is Magnetic and Unforgettable.

Why did you start your company?

When our first business failed, my business partner and I had to start all over. As we began regrouping, we realized we had made two very big mistakes: we had never created a company brand, and we had never marketed ourselves. We had no idea how or where to start.

We began looking for ways to combine my experience in journalism and non-profit fundraising into a business that would let me do what I love, which is storytelling and engaging people in new ideas and possibilities.

So, we did what many start-up and small entrepreneurial businesses do: We hit the internet. The marketing tips were overwhelming, contradictory and, sometimes, bordered on the ridiculous. Mostly, it was vague platitudes that gave no hint of how to do the work involved.

When we discovered Archetype branding, confusion turned into clarity. This approach revealed who we truly are, why clients are drawn to us, and how to market ourselves in a way that feels natural, authentic and aligned. It is magical!!

Along the way, we discovered we are not alone. Marketing themselves is one of the top 7 challenges listed by women business owners. Now, we are out to show women business owners how they can market themselves as themselves, be more effective and have more fun!

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

The most rewarding (and challenging) part of my journey in founding this company has been consistently going outside of my comfort zone. My business partner and I have both had to learn new skills, learn new processes and push ourselves to learn much more of the business side of having a business. Soon, I will step out of my comfort zone once again and begin doing public speaking. It is exciting and a little scary, and it is the stuff that makes you feel alive.

About what are you most proud?

I am most proud when I hear our clients say they love the confidence they have after completing our program, how natural it feels to promote their expertise and business because they are talking the way they talk. They walk taller and talk with ease, and you can feel the self-assurance they feel. I just love that! Not to mention they get a great brand.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I am not naturally organized. I struggle with it daily. You will find Post-it notes all over my desk, but I actually don’t know why I have most of them. I rely heavily on a list of goals and objectives, my Outlook calendar and my hand-written, daily to-do list to keep me on track. Crossing off completed tasks on my to-do list gives me a sense of accomplishment. I use a steno pad so I can review my daily lists and carry-over unfinished items.

(Maybe you can help me, Emily!)

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

My father. He always told me, if I did the work, I could be anything I wanted to be. He was calm, wise and unfailingly optimistic with this dry sense of humor that always made me laugh. When I failed or was passed over for a promotion or award or told “you’re just not a good fit”, he would say “you can’t stop now because he who hesitates is lost.” He taught me to be measured, to act out of calm and thought, not anger (I won’t say I have mastered that one). He was a lawyer known for his integrity and kindness, and I often ask myself “what would Daddy do? … how would he respond, how would he counsel me to be and act?”.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

First of all, set your goals and choose daily actions based on meeting those goals. The simplest and most powerful tools for me are my calendar and my daily to-do list. If I don’t schedule it, I usually don’t get to it. With my list, I start with the 4-5 most important actions for that day. Be sure to keep track of the items completed and those moved to another day. Above all, ask for help! No one does this entrepreneurial journey alone.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I have a new tech tool specifically for networking follow-up that really is simple to use! Follow-up and relationship building are critical, and the CRM systems I have tried are so detailed that it’s very time consuming to enter the data. With this system, data entry is simple, takes about half the time to enter important data and includes reminder emails for me.

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

My business is at a stage that still requires quite a bit of hands-on by me. Truthfully, work takes much of my time. It is just what is required right now. So, what I have done is create some special events—such as my Sunday afternoon book club, Saturday morning time with friends, time with my daughter (who is even busier than me) and creating some just “do nothing” times with my husband. I really don’t operate inside of work/life balance. My work, my family, my friends, my hobbies are all of my life, and I want to do them all! I do make an effort to focus on what I am doing at any given time. I work from home, but, during the day, I don’t try to squeeze in household chores or do email when out for dinner, etc.

About what causes are you most passionate?

I am passionate about programs that lift people up, from affordable housing to job training to inclusivity to, especially, programs that support women business owners or would-be business owners. I have volunteered for United Way, Dress for Success and local food banks. Our first consulting business focused on helping non-profits increase their community engagement and funding.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

I can’t say I really have relaxation practices, although retail therapy does help! Also, a good book or Hallmark movie never hurt anyone.

What is your favorite author / book?

Currently reading and loving Kristin Hanna. I recently finished both The Women and Winter Garden. I highly recommend her books. She has written more than 25 so I will be busy for a while. I do have one book from my growing up that I love: A Girl of the Limberlost. I re-read that from time to time, reminding myself of the gifts that kindness and forgiveness are.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

What is your go-to accessory?

A scarf. I can never have too many, and I keep them for a long time. You can change any outfit (and cover up whatever you want covered) easily with a sharp scarf.

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

Good skin care, drinking lots of water and eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

What is your favorite food?

For a girl who loves food, this is indeed a hard question. I think I would have to say currently it is salmon. Of course, you can’t go wrong with chocolate either.

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites?

Amelie’s French Bakery – It offers fabulous French pastries and coffee as well as a large eating area that has eclectic and humorous décor. There are several locations, and each one is a great gathering spot for working or meeting up with friends and colleagues.
Paper Skyscraper - This amazing bookstore has become a Charlotte institution. From the books it carries to its great inclusive greeting card collection to its “fun little gadgets and trinkets for gifts” to its celebration of all things and the ability to find necessary items that are really pure art. It’s always high on my Holiday shopping stops.
All things North Davidson or NoDa as we call it. This is a great little old Charlotte neighborhood, once the home of textile mills, that has been revitalized over the last 30 years. Here you find everything from art galleries to restaurants to local gift and coffee shops, all with a bit of a bohemian atmosphere. Such a fun place to go! It also backs up to a quaint little neighborhood where you can still walk from home to a restaurant.

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

It’s a toss-up between London and Venice. They are both amazing places in such different ways… Of course, there is also Florence and…

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

Valentines Day

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

I think it would be to spread tolerance and kindness.

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

I would say to make your voice heard; be brave and pay less attention to what others say and go after your dreams.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

Oh, my. That is a hard one… I think it would be Susan B. Anthony. She believed so much in the right of women to have the rights and freedoms that would allow them to pursue their dreams.

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