#136 Trust the Spark Before You Have the Plan with CEO, Melissa Perlman

You don't need to know how. You just need to say yes. Melissa Perlman didn't have construction experience, speak Spanish, or a detailed business plan when she moved to Tulum after 9/11. She had a spark. A vision. And the courage to follow breadcrumbs instead of blueprints. That spark became Amansala, one of Tulum's most iconic wellness destinations. Genea and Melissa dive into: 🔹 The moment she negotiated her first hotel on a napkin with a man who couldn't write his own name 🔹 Why she chose to move forward after being forcibly removed from the property she'd rebuilt 🔹 How following the frequency of joy reveals opportunities that control never could 🔹 The practice of trusting small decisions so you can trust the big ones In this conversation, Genea and Melissa explore what it means to build from joy, experience some big losses, but keep trusting yourself anyway.   Connect with Genea: Website: http://bethewolfnow.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geneabarnes/   Connect with Melissa: Website: https://www.amansala.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-glee-perlman/   About Melissa: Melissa Perlman is the founder of Amansala, one of Tulum’s most iconic boutique hotels and wellness retreat destinations. A pioneer in experiential travel, she created Bikini Bootcamp, a signature program that has attracted celebrities, CEOs, and wellness seekers from around the world—and helped put Tulum on the global wellness map. What began as a simple concept—a few beachside rooms and a vision for transformation—grew into a multimillion-dollar hospitality brand rooted in authenticity, community, and conscious living. Melissa built her business from the ground up, navigating real estate challenges, local politics, legal battles, and the unique complexities of building in Mexico—all while staying true to her mission of creating spaces that inspire personal growth and connection. After being pushed out of her original location—a property she developed by hand—Melissa had to decide whether to walk away or rebuild. She chose to stay, and that decision became the turning point. She not only rebuilt Amansala stronger, but expanded its offerings, refined the brand, and emerged as a thought leader in the boutique wellness space. Melissa brings a raw and honest perspective to entrepreneurship—sharing how to overcome setbacks, stay financially independent, build a loyal team, and scale without selling out. Today, Amansala continues to thrive under her leadership, with plans to expand globally.