We’re looking forward to introducing you to Melonie Pinder. Check out our conversation below.
Melonie, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am doing both! I am walking an intentional path lead by my Inner Guide but I am simultaneously creating space to wander. There is so much excitement, joy and spontaneity in the wander which I have come to appreciate at this stage in my life. Life is a healthy mix of both walking a path and wandering; either way you’re moving forward.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I own 2 companies: Pinder Counseling LLC which is a private group practice specializing in individual and couples counseling and Pinder Properties LLC which is a realestate investment company. Pinder Counseling began officially in 2019 while Pinder Properties began in 2023.
Pinder Counseling offers services in addition to counseling which include: Executive Coaching, training, speaking engagements including key notes.
Pinder Properties currently specializes in providing housing to section 8 housing voucher recipients in the Jacksonville Florida area.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My mom taught me the most about work. She taught me that work can be incredibly fulfilling if you love what you do but work can also take all of your free time if you allow it. Perhaps one of the biggest lessons I learned about work was in my early 20’s and that lesson was we are replaceable no matter how great you may be at your job. My mom was at the height of her career in 2007 and she was replaced by someone who was recent graduate from college and no experience. The reason? They needed to cut back financially and quite frankly this new graduate would be paid less. It was an eye opener for me. My mom who had been the primary financial earner in the household was suddenly unemployed from a company which she was there from the beginning (before they had a physical building). That lesson taught me to follow my heart in terms of my career because ultimately, we can be loyal to a company for years but they don’t owe us loyalty back. It wasn’t personal, it was business. Shortly after, I nearly scathed by my own layoff experience. The decision was made merely based on whether or not there were duplicate jobs. I had just purchased a much needed new car and my VP was walking around with a list in his hand going from cubicle to cubicle informing people of the news. I’ve learned that work is apart of our life, but it shouldn’t be our life.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
As recent as a few months ago! While I won’t share what that decision was, it was one that I discussed many times with my therapist, spouse, mom, and even a close knit group of friends. In life we will make many decisions and some we will later pivot from, and that’s okay. I appreciate that I gave myself permission to pivot.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I create my own reality is a belief that I don’t often articulate but Ilive my life based upon this belief. It allows me to take responsibility for where I am at any given point of my life. It also gives me the ability to hope for a better future for myself because that is something I can create.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe I am doing what I was born to do. Each day I have the pleasure to provide inspiration, hope, validation and guidance. I love that for me and for the individuals I serve!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pindercounseling.com
- Instagram: Pinder_Counseling_LLC
- Linkedin: Pinder Counseling
- Facebook: Pinder Counseling LLC
