Ambitious women in the midst of significant career transitions or looking to grow their side hustle passion project are often exploring a “Second Act” to their lives and careers. If you reach this point, you may feel overly taxed at your day job or unenthused about your life direction. Melissa Cossette knows this feeling, and she knows how many entrepreneurial women around the country are suppressing their creative desires out of fear or unreadiness. She’s been in the event planning industry for more than 20 years, and she wants to help women get over the hurdles of starting a business—whether technical or creative. Melissa’s business MAXevent now has a Business Builder Academy for women around the country who see themselves succeeding in creating unforgettable celebrations and socials for their communities.
In the six-month program, you can look forward to monthly coaching sessions, group mastermind sessions, workshops, panels, and more; every aspect of the academy builds on your confidence and skill set in a business development framework. Jackie Vecchio Fallon, a colleague, calls her “incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of event planning.” She recalls that “One conversation with her provided me with a treasure chest of valuable insights to incorporate into my event-based business,” and she “highly recommend[s] working with Melissa.” Beyond the numbers-oriented business planning skills, of which Melissa is an aficionado, she brings out her students’ unique qualities with personal coaching and collaborative sessions.
The event planning industry lacks creativity and passionate drives from the planners themselves, so honing your creative vision is just as important as getting your business off its feet. Enthusiastic women are the right match for such a rift in the industry. Melissa works hard to cultivate a private community within the Business Builder Academy where women can make connections and find support. Personally, she holds accountability check-ins—not to micromanage you, but to support you where and when you need it—and offers a planning session to sketch out six months of business. Students get exclusive webinars and virtual business opportunities within the group with experienced planners and networkers. Avoid becoming formulaic by spicing up your own creative vision in a like-minded community of ambitious women. This is what the Second Act is all about!
In 2021, Melissa Cossette created her academy. It was particularly troubling for her as it coincided with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With large gatherings on a nationwide hold, she was able to develop the curriculum more in-depth and put in place a long-term plan. Now, the MAXevent Business Builder Academy has two tiers, where you can pursue unlimited branded asset feedback and personalized review of materials. Overall, the program gives women a lifestyle option of greater flexibility and freedom, especially in balancing work with their personal lives. The work emphasizes self-care and work-life balance, creating a supportive community where women can connect, collaborate, and draw inspiration from one another. Melissa is a Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) from the National Association of Catering and Events. In 2022, she was named a Rising Entrepreneur by NEXTonSCENE Media, and in 2023, she was featured as a Woman to Watch by Boston Business Women. She’s spoken at industry events like the 2023 Metrowest Conference for Women. She competed in season 13 of The Blox and keeps up appearances in various publications. Some of her students have called her “energizing and uplifting” and complemented the “definite value working with her in any capacity.”
In the long term, Melissa wants to grow her business so the entire event planning industry can face an upgrade. By the end of this year, she will launch her innovative Apprenticeship program for graduates of the Academy. In 2025, expect the launch of MAXevent Collaborative, a vibrant community where experienced planners can connect with clients who are looking for their unique talents. The developments she makes forecast the status of a household name across the country by 2027, serving as a home base for all event planners who establish unforgettable atmospheres. If you want to build up a business from scratch, if you seek the confidence and happiness from reaching into your creative passion, and if your sights are set on a grand “Second Act” to your career, take a look at Melissa’s MAXevent Business Builder Academy. She’s eager to help you find satisfaction and joy because her students move the event planning industry forward.
Published by: Holy Minoza
