Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa A Davis.
Hi Melissa A, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started out like many eager to climb the corporate ladder, armed with degrees and ambition. But what truly shaped my journey wasn’t the titles I held, it was the moments I had to start over. I was laid off five times in my career, and each time, I had to reinvent myself. Out of necessity, I built a job sourcing system that eventually helped me land roles with Fortune 500 companies and later became the blueprint for the business I run today.
I founded Strategies Plus Consulting to help other professionals and businesses navigate change with clarity and confidence. Over time, I expanded into project management, enterprise strategy, and brand development, supporting clients across industries like healthcare, logistics, and tech. Most recently, I launched Luxe Connect, an exclusive networking ecosystem for women who value connection, community, and elevated experiences.
My story is rooted in resilience but it’s also a story of alignment, faith, and choosing to bet on myself, every single time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been anything but smooth. I’ve faced unexpected layoffs five of them which shook my confidence and forced me to constantly reimagine my next move. There were seasons of doubt, financial strain, and moments where I questioned if the path I was on even made sense.
Navigating these challenges as a Black woman in corporate spaces added another layer having to prove my value repeatedly, often in rooms where I was the only one who looked like me. Still, each setback sharpened my resilience. I didn’t just bounce back—I built systems, strategies, and a brand that would not only support me but eventually support others. The hardest moments became the foundation of my most transformative work.
As you know, we’re big fans of Strategies Plus Consulting LLC . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Business Overview:
Strategies Plus Consulting is a boutique consulting firm specializing in project management solutions, enterprise strategy development, and corporate branding. We partner with Fortune 500 companies, startups, and nonprofits to bring clarity, structure, and results to their most critical initiatives.
What sets us apart is our ability to merge strategy with soul we don’t just build frameworks; we create impact with intention. From leading multi-million-dollar digital transformations to helping individuals reinvent their careers after layoffs, we approach every project with empathy, excellence, and execution.
We’re also the home of Luxe Connect an invite-only networking ecosystem designed for ambitious women who crave authentic connection and elevated experiences. From curated events to strategic introductions, Luxe Connect is where strategy meets sisterhood.
I’m most proud of the way Strategies Plus has become a platform for transformation whether that’s in the boardroom, during a brand pivot, or at a wine tasting among powerful women. We help people and companies move from stuck to strategic.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I definitely see myself as a calculated risk-taker. I don’t move on impulse, but when something aligns with my purpose even if it scares me I lean in. One of the biggest risks I took was walking away from the comfort of traditional employment to build a consulting firm from scratch. I had no roadmap, no safety net just faith, strategy, and grit.
Launching Luxe Connect was another leap. I created something that didn’t exist yet: a luxury networking experience for women grounded in authenticity and intentionality. It was a risk to believe that high-level women wanted more than just another business card exchange but it paid off.
To me, risk is a necessary ingredient for growth. Every major breakthrough in my life came from a moment where I chose courage over comfort.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luxeconnect.co
- Instagram: @Madfabstyle
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/madavis01
