In this episode of Teach Coach Mentor, Mike Wish sits down with his sister — the unapologetically real, wildly relatable Melissa Hammerle of Melissa in Chaos. A former teacher turned photographer turned online community builder, Melissa shares how she bootstrapped a successful photography business while juggling babies, bills, and zero formal training.

Together, Mike and Melissa unpack what it really means to learn by doing, the emotional rollercoaster of starting something new, and how to thrive (and occasionally fail publicly) in both business and motherhood. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, feeling stuck in your career, or just trying to survive another day with small children — this episode will speak to you.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Melissa taught herself photography using YouTube, grit, and $20 photo sessions
• Why starting messy beats waiting for perfect
• How motherhood shaped her mindset as a business owner
• The dangers of analysis paralysis (especially in the YouTube era)
• The real reason her online community grew to over 50,000 followers
• Why your passion doesn’t need permission — just consistency and courage

Plus:

• Mike reveals his own struggles with learning outside academia
• Melissa shares how her daughter (age 12!) started a mission-led business
• Honest talk about social media pressure, brand deals, and community trust

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Make It Stick: The Science of Successful Learning
• Melissa’s community: “The Seven Friend Circle”
• Velle Logos – Mike’s new learning platform for students and lifelong learners
• Free access to the Student Better course (now called the Self-Architecture Course) with the code MELISSAINCHAOS. Visit www.vellelogos.com/course/self-architect-learn-design-transform/

If this conversation made you laugh, reflect, or feel less alone —

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For more tools to help you learn with enthusiasm and lead with purpose, visit vellelogos.com.