An Interview with Melony Hill of Stronger Than My Struggles

February 02, 2018

An Interview with Melony Hill of Stronger Than My Struggles

Once counted out by society due to the obstacles she had to overcome and challenges she faced daily, Melony Hill has proven that she is a survivor. Enduring a lifetime of abuse that included molestation, physical, mental and emotional abuse, witnessing the murder of one her abusers and the passing of her mother from HIV at the age of 17. In 2009 she started intensive outpatient therapy, seeing a therapist 1-3 days a week. Therapy changed her life. Melony started Stronger Than My Struggles in 2017 to assist others in overcoming their struggles with emotional issues, self esteem and entrepreneurship.

What was your motivation to start your own business?

I started Stronger Than My Struggles in 2017 because I wanted to show people that no matter what obstacles you face in life, you can achieve your goals and dreams. Legally disabled, I’d been counted out as a statistic, I’m not. I knew that I had viable and valuable talents and skills. Through motivational speaking and my online platform, I help other survivors and burgeoning entrepreneurs overcome their struggles in life and business.

Walk me through some of the first few steps you took to get to where you are today?

Being multi-talented, the first thing I had to do was to narrow down the services and products I wanted to offer and if I wanted to operate as a non-profit or for-profit business. Once I did that, I bought my domain name, started to build a website and ordered marketing materials. Being mission-based, I then looked to find others to support while building my brand.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Funding indeed, I want to do so much to help others, but I live on a disability check and a dream. The money I earn, I put back into the charitable things I do through Stronger Than My Struggles.

How did you overcome this challenge?

I’ve started to take donations, which I wasn’t doing at first. Additionally, I’ve started meeting with local funding sources that can help me function as a non-profit until I can obtain non-profit status myself.

If a young person walked up asking your advice and only had a few minutes, what would be your best advice?

Follow your dreams, don’t do things because other people say you’ll be good at it. Work is hard, no matter what you do; if you’re working hard at something you love, it’s pleasurable, almost addicting. It’s important to love what you do, don’t think you’re stuck in any career you choose. It’s never too late to change your life.