In this edition of the series, I'm sitting down with Mel Hernandez — the founder of Your VA Mel, a virtual assistant business based right here in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Mel spent seven years teaching kindergarten before making a bold leap into entrepreneurship in 2024. Her story is one of burnout, calculated risk, and what it really looks like to build a life and business with intention. I think you're going to love her. Tell us about Your VA Mel — what do you do, and

Who is Porchia Carter, and what does it mean to be a purpose-driven creative? I am a daughter of the Most High God. I am a chosen vessel of the Lord, and I know that I'm chosen—even though many things in life try to tell us we're not. I consider myself a purpose-driven creative because I have so many gifts and talents that the Lord has placed in me. I'm an author, dancer, actress, event host, TV host, and producer—everything I do is creative. I call myself the purpose-driven

That means being intentional about every single day. Exists deliberately every single day. Make deliberate choices every single day.

That means being intentional about every single day. Exists deliberately every single day. Make deliberate choices every single day.

That means being intentional about every single day. Exists deliberately every single day. Make deliberate choices every single day.

That means being intentional about every single day. Exists deliberately every single day. Make deliberate choices every single day.

That means being intentional about every single day. Exists deliberately every single day. Make deliberate choices every single day.

That means being intentional about every single day. Exists deliberately every single day. Make deliberate choices every single day.