Melody Pourmoradi is a women’s empowerment coach, author, and founder of GiRLiFE, a global movement that trains women to lead girls’ empowerment workshops. Through her programs, books, and podcast, Empowering Her, she guides women to reclaim their power, live in alignment, and help the next generation rise alongside them.
Business Name: GiRLiFE
Location: NYC
Tell us about your journey as a coach.
My coaching journey began the moment my twin daughters were born. It felt like a personal rebirth—a call to live more intentionally, to heal, and to become the kind of woman I wanted them to see. Becoming a coach wasn’t a career move—it was a heart move. I wanted to model what it looks like to live authentically and help other women do the same.
About seven years into my coaching practice, when my girls were seven, something shifted again. While helping women reconnect with their power was deeply fulfilling, I began to imagine how different the world could be if girls learned this early on. That realization sparked the creation of GiRLiFE—a global movement designed to teach girls self-worth, confidence, and emotional intelligence from the start.
In 2016, I launched the GiRLiFE Academy to train women around the world to lead girls’ empowerment workshops, equipping them with everything they need to create income and impact in their communities. Since then, hundreds of women have stepped into this mission, and together we’ve reached thousands of girls globally.
How did you get your very first paying client?
My first paying client came through pure word of mouth. Once people in my community heard about the work I was doing, their curiosity was instantly sparked. They wanted to understand how this kind of inner work could shift their own lives. One conversation led to another, and before long, those organic, heart-centered connections turned into my first coaching clients. It was a beautiful reminder that when you lead with genuine purpose and passion, the right people always find their way to you.
How did you decide on your niche, or what would you say to someone who’s struggling to choose one?
Finding my niche in girls’ and women’s empowerment wasn’t a strategic business move—it was born from what broke my heart. I always tell new coaches: when you’re unsure of your direction, ask yourself, what breaks your heart open? What pain in the world do you feel uniquely called to help heal?
For me, it was seeing how many girls—and women—walk through life carrying anxiety, self-doubt, and a sense of not-enoughness. I knew that feeling all too well. Growing up, I learned to shrink myself, to question my worth, and to quiet my voice. I didn’t want another girl to grow up disconnected from her own power.
That’s when I decided to dedicate my work to helping girls access the inner toolkit they were born with—to help them use their thoughts, words, and energy mindfully and with intention. Through that mission, my coaching practice became crystal clear.
So if you’re struggling to choose a niche, don’t start with market research—start with your heart. Your purpose will always point you toward the people you’re meant to serve. The moment you align your work with what moves you most, your niche stops being a question—and becomes your calling.
What training or certifications, if any, made the biggest difference in your career?
My journey began with iPEC, where I received my initial coaching certification and truly found my footing as a coach. That program gave me the structure and tools to turn my passion for helping others into a tangible, professional practice. From there, I continued my education at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), where I deepened my understanding of how our mindset, body, and spirit are all connected.
Beyond formal certifications, I’ve had the privilege of learning from transformational teachers like Tony Robbins and Gabby Bernstein—each experience expanding how I show up for myself and my clients. But honestly, the learning never stops. Every client, every conversation, and every chapter of my own evolution continues to teach me.
I’ve found that the best coaches are eternal students—always curious, always growing, always committed to embodying the work they share with others.
How did you set your initial pricing, and what did you learn about raising rates?
I started on the lower side, mostly because I was building my confidence and my body of work. As I gained experience, refined my programs, and witnessed the transformations my clients were having, I realized the value of what I was offering—and began to price accordingly.
Each time I expanded my offerings or deepened my expertise, I allowed my rates to rise naturally alongside the value I was creating. It was never about charging “what the market says,” but about honoring the energy, time, and heart I pour into my work.
What I’ve learned is that raising your rates isn’t just a financial decision—it’s an energetic one. It’s about standing fully in your worth and trusting that the right clients will meet you there. When you believe deeply in the transformation you provide, your pricing will always reflect that truth.
Do you recommend offering free sessions, and if so, how should new coaches approach that?
I don’t believe in calling it a “free” session—it’s all about the energy and intention behind it. In the early days, I offered an initial exploratory session at no charge. It was a way for both of us to see if the coaching relationship felt aligned and if we were the right fit to work together.
Framing it that way created mutual respect from the very beginning. It wasn’t about giving my time away—it was about creating space for connection, trust, and clarity.
For new coaches, I think this approach can be beautiful. Lead with service, but also with boundaries. Let people experience your energy and your process, and you’ll attract the clients who are meant for you.
What helped you build confidence and/or overcome imposter syndrome when you were just starting?
What helped me build confidence in the early days was focusing on service over perfection. I know I say this often, but it’s everything. When you come from your heart and show up to genuinely serve, there’s no room for imposter syndrome—it becomes about the person in front of you, not the voice in your head.
I also learned that excellence is built through experience. You can’t think your way into confidence—you have to show up for it. Every session, every client, every imperfect moment taught me something valuable. The coach I am today exists because I was willing to take action before I felt “ready.”
Perfection was never the goal—presence was. And that shift changed everything.
How did you stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset when your business growth was slow?
When growth felt slow, I reminded myself that impact doesn’t always show up in numbers. I focused on the lives I was touching, even if it was one person at a time. Every message, every breakthrough, every “thank you” reminded me that this work mattered.
I also stayed rooted in my “why.” I didn’t start this business for quick wins—I started it to create lasting change for women and girls. When you anchor yourself in purpose instead of performance, you stop questioning your timeline. You trust that what’s meant for you can’t miss you.
On the hard days, I still showed up. I created, served, and shared even when the results weren’t instant. That consistency, that devotion to the mission, built momentum. Growth eventually followed—but it started with faith, service, and staying true to what called me here in the first place.
What beliefs about coaching or business were most helpful as you grew your coaching practice?
The belief that helped me most as I grew my coaching practice was that impact and income can coexist beautifully. I knew in my heart that meaningful work and abundance didn’t have to be opposites. When we serve with integrity, when our intention is pure and our actions are aligned, success becomes a natural byproduct.
I also held the belief that there’s room for everyone. Coaching isn’t about competition—it’s about contribution. Each of us brings a unique energy, message, and purpose to the table. That mindset kept me grounded in abundance rather than fear.
I want women to know that they can build thriving, heart-centered businesses doing work that adds real value to the planet. The world needs what only they can offer.
What’s your favorite coaching exercise or tool to use with clients—and why?
One of my favorite tools to use with clients—especially in challenging moments—is the question, “How is what is happening here rigged in your favor?”
This question is pure alchemy. It invites a complete shift in perspective—from “why is this happening to me?” to “how could this actually be helping me?” It opens up creative thinking, encouraging clients to look beyond the surface of the struggle and find the hidden wisdom, lesson, or opportunity within it.
When we approach life with this mindset, we start to see that every experience—especially the hard ones—can serve our growth. It encourages resilience, sparks gratitude, and empowers people to use what’s happening as fuel for their next evolution.
I love watching clients answer this question because it often surprises them. Suddenly, they’re brainstorming empowering, imaginative ways to interpret their circumstances—and that creativity becomes the foundation for lasting transformation.
What tech stack (software and tools) were you using when you started, and how has it evolved?
When I first started, my “tech stack” was incredibly simple—a laptop, a calendar app, and a whole lot of heart. I used what I had and focused more on building relationships than building systems. In those early days, most of my business came through word of mouth and social media, so I relied heavily on organic tools like Facebook and Instagram to connect and share my message.
As my business grew, I began incorporating tools that helped me streamline and scale. The biggest evolution hasn’t been in the tools themselves—it’s been in learning how to use technology to create more freedom, flow, and connection, rather than more noise.
If you had to choose three must-have tools for your business, what would they be and why?
My three must-have tools are Teachable, ConvertKit, and Canva.
- Teachable is where I host and teach all of my programs, including the GiRLiFE Academy. It allows me to create a seamless learning experience for women around the world and manage everything—from content delivery to payments—in one place.
- ConvertKit [now called Kit] has been a game-changer for building and nurturing my community. Sharing your voice through email is powerful—it’s personal, consistent, and something you truly own. It’s how I stay connected to my audience and keep the conversation going beyond social media.
- Canva is my go-to for creating all of my visuals. From social posts to course graphics, it’s intuitive, affordable, and helps me keep my brand identity cohesive without needing a design team.
Together, these three tools have allowed me to grow my business with ease, creativity, and genuine connection.
How do you structure your sessions or packages for clients?
When I first started coaching, I worked one-on-one with women and offered small packages focused on mindset and personal growth. It was deeply fulfilling—but I soon realized that the impact I wanted to create couldn’t be contained to individual sessions. I wanted to reach more women and equip them to share this work with girls everywhere.
That realization led me to create the GiRLiFE Academy, and eventually to share it on Teachable. Hosting my program there allowed me to scale my mission globally while keeping the experience intimate and heart-centered. Women can now access my full training, curriculum, and mentorship no matter where they live, at their own pace.
This shift completely changed how I think about structure. It taught me that coaching doesn’t have to be limited by hours or geography—it’s about creating frameworks that are sustainable and scalable. My advice to other coaches is to build systems that honor both your energy and your expansion. When you share your work in a way that’s accessible and aligned, your reach and your impact naturally grow.
What does your day-to-day look like now compared to when you were starting?
When I was first starting out, my days were all hustle. I poured every ounce of energy into building my business from the ground up—saying yes to everything, working long hours, and figuring things out as I went. And honestly, that season served me. It taught me resilience, creativity, and the value of showing up no matter what.
Now, my days look very different. They’re rooted in intentionality. I start slower, making space for my own mindset and energy before I pour into others. My mornings often include journaling, movement, and a quiet moment to connect inward. From there, I might be working with one-on-one clients, supporting the women inside the GiRLiFE Academy, or creating content for my newest offering, the S.O.L.E. Membership—a space where women can deepen their mindset work and personal evolution each month.
This new rhythm feels like flow instead of force. It’s less about doing more and more about doing what truly matters.
Is there a book, podcast, or resource you recommend for other coaches?
Instead of recommending a specific book or podcast, I’d actually encourage coaches to look beyond the coaching world for inspiration. It’s so easy to get caught in the echo chamber of what everyone else in our field is doing or saying—but true creativity often lives outside of that.
For me, inspiration comes from unexpected places—music, fashion, art, travel, even everyday conversations. Those are the spaces where I reconnect with beauty, creativity, and emotion—the same qualities that fuel my work.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your business and your clients is to step outside the bubble. When you draw inspiration from other industries, you bring something new and authentic to the table—and that’s where your real magic begins.
Do you have any examples of how a “failure” set you up for later success?
Absolutely. I’ve had launches that didn’t go the way I hoped—moments when I poured my heart into something and the response just didn’t match the effort. In the early days, that felt like failure. But over time, I came to see those moments as some of my greatest teachers.
One particular launch forced me to pause and get radically honest about what wasn’t working. Instead of giving up, I used it as an opportunity to pivot, restructure, and realign with what felt true. That experience taught me that every “no” is simply a redirection toward something better aligned.
Now, when things don’t go as planned, I don’t see it as failure—I see it as feedback. Each time I’ve been willing to learn, adjust, and try again, something more powerful has been born from it. That’s the gift hidden inside every setback.
How has your approach to coaching evolved since you started?
When I first started coaching, I focused mostly on mindset—helping women shift their thoughts and beliefs to create change in their lives. Over time, my work has deepened. I’ve learned that transformation isn’t just about the mind; it’s about the whole person—their energy, emotions, habits, and sense of purpose.
My approach has also become more intuitive. In the beginning, I followed the “rules” I’d been taught, but now I trust myself and my clients more deeply. Coaching, for me, has become less about fixing and more about remembering—helping women return to the truth of who they already are.
And through the GiRLiFE Academy, that evolution has multiplied. I no longer just coach women—I teach them to become coaches and leaders themselves, creating ripple effects of empowerment that reach girls around the world. That expansion has been the most beautiful evolution of all.
What’s one trend in the coaching industry you’re excited (or cautious) about right now?
One trend I’m really excited about is the shift toward authenticity and depth. For a long time, coaching content leaned heavily on perfection and polish—but more and more, people are craving realness. They want coaches who show up as humans first, experts second. I love seeing the industry move toward honesty, vulnerability, and conversations that go beyond the highlight reel.
At the same time, I’m cautious about the constant pressure to be “visible” all the time. Visibility is powerful, but only when it’s rooted in alignment. Coaches don’t need to be everywhere—they just need to be present where it matters.
I think the next wave of coaching is going to be about substance over flash—less performance, more purpose. And that’s the kind of evolution I’m here for.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had when you were brand-new?
I wish someone had told me that what I have is already enough—and that no other coach in the world has my combination of experiences, energy, and heart. When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to look around and think you need to sound like everyone else or do things “the right way.” But the truth is, your uniqueness is the magic.
I’d tell new coaches to lean into what makes them different and offer more of that to their clients. The quirks, the stories, the perspective only you can bring—that’s what people connect with. The more you show up as your full self, the more magnetic your work becomes. Authenticity isn’t just good branding—it’s your superpower.
If you were starting over today, what would you do differently?
If I were starting over today, I’d trust my intuition sooner. In the early days, I followed every “should” and tried to do things by the book. Over time, I learned that my intuition is my greatest business strategy—it always knows where to guide me if I slow down and listen.
I’d also create scalable programs earlier. One-on-one coaching was such a powerful foundation, but it took me a while to realize that I could multiply my impact by teaching others to do this work, too. Building the GiRLiFE Academy and moving my programs to Teachable opened up a whole new level of freedom and reach that I wish I’d embraced from the start.
And honestly, I’d tell my younger self to enjoy the process more—to trust that it’s all unfolding exactly as it’s meant to. Every detour, delay, and pivot led me here.
Is there something you thought was really important as a new coach, but later realized wasn’t?
When I was a new coach, I thought everything had to look perfect—the website, the photos, the branding, the “right” wording. I spent so much time trying to make it all appear polished that I sometimes lost touch with what really mattered: connection.
What I’ve learned is that people don’t hire you because your feed is flawless—they hire you because they feel something when they hear you speak, read your words, or sit in your presence. The real magic happens in the authenticity, not the aesthetics.
Now, I focus far less on appearances and far more on impact. It’s not about being impressive; it’s about being real. The polish will come—but it’s your heart that draws people in first.
What’s one lesson you wish you had learned earlier in your coaching career?
I wish I had learned earlier that you don’t have to wait until you feel “ready” to start. Confidence doesn’t come before the action—it’s built through the action. In the beginning, I spent too much time questioning myself, perfecting my materials, and waiting for some invisible moment of certainty.
What I know now is that excellence is born from showing up, not from waiting until you have it all figured out. Every client, every conversation, every imperfect step forward teaches you something invaluable.
If I could go back, I’d tell myself to trust my voice, take the leap, and let the learning happen in motion. Clarity doesn’t come from thinking—it comes from doing.
What do you think new coaches need to understand in order to build a successful, sustainable practice?
New coaches need to understand that success is built on service and sustainability, not speed. In the beginning, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that more clients, more content, or more visibility equals success—but lasting fulfillment comes from building something that feels aligned with your values and your life.
Lead with service—focus on genuinely helping people, not just getting them in the door. When you show up with integrity and consistency, your reputation and your client base will grow naturally.
And think about sustainability from day one. Protect your energy, price your work in a way that honors your time, and build systems that allow you to scale without burning out. A successful coaching practice isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing what matters most, with heart and intention.
If you could give one piece of advice to every coach reading this, what would it be?
If I could give one piece of advice to every coach, it would be this: trust yourself. You already have everything you need within you to guide, serve, and create impact. The certifications, strategies, and systems are all wonderful—but your intuition, your presence, and your heart are what make your coaching transformative.
There will always be noise telling you to do it a certain way, but the most magnetic thing you can ever be is yourself. Let your authenticity lead the way, and your ideal clients will always find you.
Coaching isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions and holding powerful space for others to discover their own truth. The more you live that truth yourself, the more others will rise alongside you.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
What I want every reader to know is that this work matters. Whether you’re just beginning or years into your journey, remember that every conversation, every workshop, every person you serve creates ripple effects far beyond what you can see.
Coaching isn’t just a profession—it’s a movement of awakening, empowerment, and healing. When we do this work with heart and integrity, we don’t just change individual lives; we shift communities, families, and generations.
So keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep trusting that your voice and your mission are needed. The world doesn’t need more perfect coaches—it needs more real ones.
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