Episode 28
From Hobby to Hustle: Melissa's Journey into Hunting, Skincare, and Lifestyle Freedom
Discover Melissa’s inspiring story of transforming her traditional family hunting background into a thriving skincare business rooted in sustainability and wild deer products. This episode explores her newfound confidence in the bush, the ethical side of hunting, and the empowering experience of stepping outside societal norms.
Main Topics Covered:
- Melissa's early life as a tomboy and her initial disconnection from hunting
- How her relationship with hunting evolved through personal and emotional insights
- The process of turning wild deer fat into natural skincare products
- The significance of hunting for connection, sustainability, and animal respect
- The confidence and community she’s built as a woman in the hunting space
- Future plans for samba hunting and expanding her natural skincare line
In this episode:
- Melissa shares her childhood in Illawarra and her family’s hunting traditions
- The pivotal moment when she realized the benefits of deer tallow for skincare
- Her journey from skeptic to advocate for ethical hunting and conservation
- The technical process of rendering deer fat and marrow into skincare products
- How hunting has enhanced her confidence, patience, and connection with nature
- The community aspect of hunting and her vision of women supporting each other in the field
- Upcoming hunts and ambitions, including samba hunting and product expansion
Timestamps:
00:00 - Melissa’s background and early life in Illawarra 02:14 - Growing up outdoorsy and her initial perceptions of hunting 03:52 - Her family’s hunting activities and target species 05:04 - The moment her perspective on hunting shifted 06:28 - How deer fat became the foundation for her skincare brand 08:44 - The process of her first successful deer hunt 11:18 - Emotions and thoughts during her first deer stalking experience 13:37 - The species Melissa hunts and her hunting setup 15:34 - Designing her skincare products from deer tallow and marrow 19:58 - The impact of hunting on her confidence and community 21:10 - Building skills and confidence in the bush 22:05 - Her use of long-range rifles and target practice 24:56 - The role of being a female in the hunting community 29:28 - Advocating for ethical hunting and sustainable practices 31:16 - The holistic approach to utilizing every part of the deer 34:15 - Developing her natural skincare line and its benefits 37:52 - Experiencing the softening effects of deer tallow on her partner’s beard 40:02 - The future of her business and upcoming hunts 43:23 - Melissa’s reflections on her journey and personal growth 45:24 - What hunting means to her as a woman 48:52 - Her next steps, including samba hunting and product growth 55:12 - Connecting with Melissa and supporting her work
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