Christine Schlonski [0:02]
Hey Gorgeous. This is episode number 320. You’re listening to Heart Sells! Podcast. I’m your host, Christine Schlonski. And it is variety Friday. Happy Friday to you. I hope you had a wonderful, wonderful week. On variety Fridays, I usually share resources or answer your questions or I share from my background. And from time to time I have an amazing special guest on the show to inspire you with their story. And today we are having Melissa Acuna-Dengo. And she has been one of my amazing clients and has had such a wonderful transformation that I started to do some, success interviews. And Melissa is one of the interviewees sharing her story of where she started out, being totally afraid of sales thinking that, you know, when I told her sales is love that I had three hats, and to where she is today is just really, really remarkable and beautiful to watch how she is giving her gifts to the world. So let’s dive right in with the success interview. And I hope it really really inspires you. Well, I am so super excited to have you on the show today. Melissa, welcome to the Success Interview for Heart Sells! Academy.

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [1:25]
Thank you. I’m so excited to be here.

Christine Schlonski [1:27]
Yes. So we are talking to Melissa Acuna-Dengo today, she is an inner transformation coach. And we have worked together a while ago. And yeah, there was so much fun, so much, interesting things that happened. But tell us just a little bit about you. So the listeners or viewers can get an idea of who you are and what you do.

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [1:52]
Sure. So I am a former teacher. And I started off doing just mindfulness and meditation. And then I got into much deeper inner-work. And now what I do is I help people to transform their inner beliefs into an inner ally. So I help them to release all of those limiting beliefs that are stopping them from moving forward, that is keeping them frustrated, keeping them stuck, you know, all that subconscious programming, we take a deep dive, we rewire the subconscious mind for success. And I also help them to install new positive programs, positive beliefs, and you know, to get them from you know, where they are to where they really want to be, to live that higher purpose.

Christine Schlonski [2:43]
I love that. I love that. Yeah, like the freedom, the lifestyle they dream of.

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [2:47]
Exactly.

Christine Schlonski [2:48]
Yeah, totally excited about your work. So tell us a little bit like how, how did you find me? And why did you decide to work with me?

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [3:01]
Such a fun story. So I was actually at a personal development workshop in LA. And, you know, I was flying back to New Jersey where I was living at the time. And it’s kind of funny, I don’t know if I told you this part, actually. But I was at the gate, right? And, you know, I very much believe in like, signs from the universe. And you know, I’m also very spiritual. And I just felt this, like this pole, right? And I saw it’s gonna sound so weird, but almost like a light, right? Like I saw, like, your light aura. And I was like, oh, wow, she, you know, just one of those like, kind of note taken kind of moments. Like, she’s got really cool energy. And you were sitting like on the other side of the gate. So I mean, so sitting there, and then, I boarded, like, almost last because I think I ran to get water or something. And when I get to my seat, like guess who’s sitting next to me? Like, oh, cool, you know, but it’s funny because I was, I was really tired. I know you were too because we had both just been at super intensive workshops. Right. So I had my book with me. So did you, in fact, and we were just kind of ready to just sit and, you know, read probably sleep like, you know, but I sat down.

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [4:27]
And I remember there was just like this poll like I just kind of kept feeling like I should talk to you, even though I was like, really tired. And I remember we started a conversation. And I think we started talking about the workshop that we were at, and I shared it with you. And it’s so amazing how these things happen, right? That I had no idea what you did or who you were, but I felt called to share with you. That I had just created, you know, like, my mission and vision. And you were like, okay, do you want to share it with me? I was like, sure. And I told you, you know what I would, I wanted to do what my mission was. And you were like, okay, cool, you know. And I remember telling you that when I was at this workshop, I had discovered that I really had an issue with selling, right, this is before I knew absolutely anything about what you did. It was like, I just discovered this. And, you know, we were doing this exercise, and then all of a sudden, it hit me that if I wanted anything, from my business, like anything, before I was to move forward, it would be to change my sales mindset, right? And you were like, well, like, I remember, you pulled out your business card, cuz you’re like, you’re not gonna believe.

Christine Schlonski [5:59]
I know.

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [6:00]
Like, you pulled it out. And I’m like…

Christine Schlonski [6:05]
Yeah, yeah, I remember, we were both so tired, right? And for you listening and watching, I just want to point out that you’re so clear about who your soulmate client is, right? If you found your soulmate client work, things like these will happen, right? You attract your soulmate client, they will see you somehow not everybody can see an aura not everybody will have like the straw poll. But somehow people will connect to you. Online and offline. Right? Your soulmate clients are kind of everywhere if you have tuned into who that person is. So yeah, that was so fun. Right? So that’s how we met and how or when did you decide, let’s get to like this, like, when did you decide to work with me?

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [6:58]
You know, honestly, I think I decided on the plane. So I didn’t like how do I say it? I didn’t take the actual leap until a little bit later. But I think like, emotionally I knew. So, you know, we started talking. And just the conversation was like, so deep. It was powerful. We, you know, we really connected on so many levels. And one of the things that I loved, you know, and obviously this fits your brand, but you know, was your heart right? Like, really? You were just sharing from your heart. And at no point did I feel like you were even trying to sell me or anything like that. Right? It was just a conversation between strangers and you know, you gave me so much value. Like I still remember. I don’t know if you remember this, like, you had your beautiful Montblanc pen. Dude, do you remember that? And you were, it was so cool. You were like, oh, you know, I have this pen that I love to journal with and it’s really powerful. And you told me because you were about to fall asleep. You were, you know, that you were like, I think that you need to journal on this, you know, like, you gave me a prompt because I was spinning in like around something. And, you know, I said, okay, yeah, and I had my journal with me. So, you know, I actually pulled it out. It’s like, I think I’m gonna journal. And you lend me your pen like, you said here. You know, write with this. Let’s see how it feels. And I was like, okay, and I did and I sat there and I journaled.

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [8:36]
And then, you know, after I’d finished journaling, we talked and you still, you gave me more value, and you shared a lot. And I just knew, I was like, wow, you know, like her, her heart, her knowledge, like her, just everything, but about your presence and what you were giving. I just felt so called to it. And I knew at that moment, I didn’t have the money for it. But I was like, I just, I feel like I need to work with her. Like I knew deep down, you know, and at that moment, we, you know, we were just connecting and then later, you know, we did exchange contact info and it was probably a couple of weeks later or something that I signed up but um, I am pretty sure that, that was the moment like it was just like, yep, like, I need to do this.

Christine Schlonski [9:36]
So what then happened? So you, you were on board and we started working together? What do you feel was the biggest transformation or the most important result that you have gotten from working together?

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [9:50]
So for me, no question is my mindset around selling and sales like I will tell you that I mean, I was at a stage where I literally, like, I probably couldn’t sell a pack of gum to people. Like, I was so terrified. I mean, I feel like, I was like, allergic to sales, almost like it was so, like, I couldn’t even say the word. I know, without, like, just cowering and like retreating inside, and feeling like, you know, dirty and sleazy, because I had just all of these misconceptions about sales and what it was. And I definitely had a lot of beliefs around, you know, like, oh, I’m so spiritual, and I’m so loving, and I’m so this and, you know, I, I really just want to serve. And I didn’t realize that not only were those things not mutually exclusive but that they actually go together, right. And that I really, it felt like such a far leap for me to be able to really charge like, well, and I didn’t, and honestly, I didn’t know my worth at the time. And that was another piece that you did for me, is that, to really help me to see my own worth to see what I had to offer the world that was really big as well. Because I’ve always been called right to do more and to put this big thing out in the world. And yet I kept falling into imposter syndrome and you know, not knowing like, okay, I do have something really unique and beautiful to share.

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [11:33]
And now, I mean, I can tell you like, after working with you, like I do see sales as love and that was one of the things that caused me to work with you actually when you told me that you saw sales as love. I mean, first of all, it was such a far stretch for me. At first, I kind of looked at your like, what? But deep inside, I knew that that’s what I wanted. It was like if I can look at sales, as love, and service and I can really equate it with, okay, this is my purpose. And this is my mission. And when I sell, I’m just sharing that I’m getting to be of service, I’m getting to help more people, I’m getting to, like create a ripple effect in the world. Like that would be transformational. And that’s literally what happens. I mean, I, I now see it that way. And I and I actually, it’s funny, I’ve worked with some entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs myself, like, you know, now helping them heal their own blocks. And it’s interesting, because I hear myself, you know, sharing like your words. You know, we’re like sales is love. And if you have something so powerful to share with the world, how dare you not do it? How dare you get in your own way? And let your fear stop you. Right. So yeah, hands down. That was the biggest thing.

Christine Schlonski [12:56]
So, so cool. So people are gonna you know, you mentioned that you didn’t have the money at the time, but you had to organize it. So just the question, do you think it was worth it?

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [13:08]
Absolutely. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. You know, and I’ve made so much more back since then, you know, and, and honestly, I, I really don’t know that I would have really started my entrepreneurial journey, because I was kind of like, I had done some things. I had done some workshops that, you know, but I think because my fear of sales was so strong. And I knew that I had to sell in order to have my own business. I think I was at that point where it was like, make or break, right? Like, either I transformed this mindset, and I changed this and I decided, you know, I leaped into it with a whole new perspective, or I made the decision rooted in fear, that I just not cut out for this because, you know, I’m not, I can’t do sales, like, because that’s what I would tell myself at the time, right.

Christine Schlonski [14:13]
I just love that, you know, your work is so important. And I obviously, have soulmate clients, so I love what they do. And I’m totally excited, for them. And I love the work they put into the world. And I’m so happy that you are doing that now that you do serve and help people will say in a transformation that’s so deeply important. So while we already said like, where you were at the time, not being able to sell to actually selling and then what do you think would have happened if we would have not worked together and you would have started your entrepreneurial journey?

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [14:51]
Good question. So I’ve thought about that actually. Because I’ve talked to a lot of new, you know, new coaches. new entrepreneurs, like, who are still trading time for dollars, right? Like, I was actually talking to a coach who is starting out in the same field as me doing, you know, like NLP and hypnosis and all of this like, you know, deep work. And he’s charging like less than 30 bucks an hour. And it’s funny because I noticed my reaction when he told me how much he’s charging, I was like, oh, you know, I was like, really, and then I had this realization that that would have been me, like, you know, if, if I hadn’t worked with you. And I hadn’t transformed my mindset around it, I would have been charging 30 bucks an hour, maybe even less, like, you know, like I was doing Reiki sessions at the time, because I’m also a Reiki Master, and I, couldn’t get myself to charge more than 50 an hour. And when I tell you, like the going rate, like, in most places is over 100 it’s, you know, some places 120. And I know, you know, for separate Reiki sessions, I charge 130. And that’s just like a rare one-off like session. But yeah, when I first started, I literally couldn’t, like I was like, yeah, like 50, 50 feels like a lot.

Christine Schlonski [16:27]
Yeah. But it’s like, sales mindset and the money mindset is so you know, untangled?

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [16:35]
Yeah.

Christine Schlonski [16:36]
So there’s, there’s a lot of work that kind of needs to be done. During the self-love, self-worth, what’s your product was, and especially around that clarity. So I know, we started working one on one together, but then you also took the Heart Sells! Smart Start, which is now the Heart Sells! High Ticket Blueprint. Can you tell people a little bit what it was like working in the group, because it is a slightly different setting, just from what you received from this work?

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [17:09]
Yeah, so I have to say I loved both. Because of course, the one on one is, you know, it’s more customized, like personalized to your business. And with the group, I feel like I got so much value out of that too. Because it was like, you know, you have a community, like there are people that are on the journey with you that are doing, you know, pretty much the same thing, they’re overcoming this challenge. And so it was really beautiful to support each other to be there for each other. Also, you learn so much from other people, too. So every time that, you know, we would get on a call, and everyone shared, like, they would share their wins, so you would get inspired by their wins. And they would also share what they were struggling with. Right? And every time that someone did that, you know, or they asked a question, or, you know, you gave someone a hot seat and like, help them I feel like it helped me every single time you know, and I learned so much. And what’s beautiful, too, is that you form friendships, right?

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [18:13]
Like there are at least three people from that course that I’m still in touch with I connect with like, I’ve collaborated with two of them. And that’s just such a beautiful thing. It’s like, you know, this space and container to grow together. And I think that’s what I love about you know, group work but obviously, there are so many different group coaching programs. And I felt like with you, what was beautiful is that even though there was a group of us, it was still intimate enough and you showed up in such a beautiful way that we all felt taken care of. Right, and you actually made the point to like, give each of us a spotlight as well. And that was so great, you know, and the opportunity to like to celebrate each other, and yeah, it just, it honestly felt like a little family. You know, and I missed everyone afterward.

Christine Schlonski [19:13]
I know. There was like this, this void but it was kind of over and you guys graduated. Yeah, I missed everyone too. So that’s why I created the continuing membership where people just can connect and you know, go from the group coaching or one on one coaching into that membership. And you know, still enjoy each other’s company but I know what you’re talking about. This is wonderful. I just you know, I just I’m so excited that you, you found your way and that you are successful. You created really beautifully over the past year, and I’ve been watching you so I just want to share that I’m really, really proud of you. And I’m honored that we worked because I see your beautiful heart, and I see what you are doing for your clients. And as you just described that the ripple effect will be huge. Because now they can go out, they can get rid of their inner bully, and they can create whatever they want to create. And then we do have this ripple effect. So thank you so, so much for doing that. And tell people a little bit, what you are up to now. And what’s next for you?

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [20:27]
Sure, yeah. So right now, I’ve been focusing a lot on one on one work. And I’ve also done some collaboration. So I’m working with some like powerful business coaches, and, you know, people who focus a lot on strategy, maybe a little bit on mindset, but they don’t have the tools or space or, you know, the training to release stuff. So that was one thing I’ve been doing. And what’s next. And I’m really excited, actually, I’m writing a book. So I did a co-authored book, which was published in May, but now I’m like, you know, this has been one of my, one of my dreams. So I am writing a book about this work. And you know, what I’ve uncovered and my unique perspective on this, and it’s going to come out next year. And I’m also kind of intent on going to release my group coaching program as well. So I’m excited, about that. I’ve been wanting to do that felt called to do it. And I think that it’s going to be really beautiful to serve more people in, you know, a similar space, like what I described, right, like creating a beautiful community for people. Oh, and I almost forgot, sorry, I’m like, my retreats. That’s like, the thing that I’m so pumped about, I have two international retreats next year, one in Costa Rica and one in Bali. So yeah, I’m excited.

Christine Schlonski [22:02]
That’s, that’s awesome. Well, thank you. so so much, for taking the time for sharing. Just one little thing I would love to touch up, on because I just had the conversation the other day with, unfortunately, a couple of people who were taken into programs that just weren’t a match, and then they couldn’t get out. And they, you know, they kind of spent the money, and now they’re paying for it, and they’re totally unhappy. Can you share some advice on that? Like, how can people know who to go to and or who to trust? Or what should they do before they start working with someone? So they have some guidelines, and they’re not tricked in by, you know, the very flashy marketing or, you know, the get rich, overnight kind of things? Because they are in pain. And when we are in pain, we don’t see clearly. And what would you suggest people do too, to make a good decision for themselves?

Christine Schlonski [22:59]
Yeah, that’s a great question. So there are two pieces for me. One is the clarity around what you need just sort of, you know, doing some journaling, doing some just reflecting on, what is it that I’m looking for? And not necessarily you don’t have to have the full, you know, that full vision because that’s also something that someone can help you with. But it’s really just knowing, okay, what kind of person would I want to work with? You know, what is this like? Because you talk about, like, the soulmate clients, right? But it’s also I think it works both ways. Like, who is your soulmate coach, right? And for me, I knew that you know, I need to work with someone who, yes, is like, excuse my language, like a badass at what they do. And you know, they have the knowledge, they have the skills, and they have the heart and for me, like, that was why I decided to go with you because I knew that you knew what you were talking about, and you had the experience. But the most important thing for me was, that how much you care.

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [24:09]
I mean, that really was felt from the first moment, we started talking on the plane. Until I mean, now like, it’s, you know, it’s been a while, since we last work together, right? It’s been over a year, I think now, and I still feel supported by you. It’s so beautiful because I feel like you know, you really invest in, your clients you take, you know, because you talk about like your soulmate clients, and I remember you saying to me, it’s like someone I would want to have over for dinner, right? And, and I love that because I’ve taken that into my business too. Like that’s the kind of people that I attract, the kind of people that I work with, too. But yeah, it’s really someone that cares. So the second piece that I want to just suggest is to feel into your heart like really just? is this person? Excuse me? Is this person going to support me? Are they do they have my highest interest in mind? Right? Like, do they really care about my success? Or am I just another number? Because unfortunately, for a lot of programs out there, that is what it is, right? And it’s, it’s a shame, you know, and honestly, I’ve fallen into that too, you know, I’ve invested in programs that I feel like, was honestly, kind of, well, I don’t want to say it was a waste because I feel like you always learn and grow a little bit from every experience, but I definitely don’t feel it was worth that amount of money.

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [25:41]
But, you know, with working with you, it just, it always felt like I had, like someone had my back, someone, you know, was there to encourage me, to push me to, like, you know, and lovingly kicked my butt when I needed it. Like, just like, hey, all right, come on. Like, we got to do the work, right, but just in a really loving way. And that’s something that I feel like you don’t get in a lot of places you really don’t, I really feel like it’s so unique. That yeah, just, you know, Heart Sells! I read, it speaks for itself, like your brand, you know, represents you and who you are, and just what you believe in and your values. And I think that’s what people need to decide for themselves, like, who aligns with my values are weird when I look at this person and how they’re showing up and who they are. And do I feel loved and supported by them? And if not, if you feel like you’re just going to be another number or another, you know, whatever, like, then don’t, don’t go for it. Because like, that’s, that’s not going to serve you ultimately.

Christine Schlonski [26:52]
Thank you so much for sharing that, and your perspective on it. I also think it’s so important. We all have been burned, I have done those investments somewhere, you know, I was the next number. And that’s also why I created what I’m creating, especially with a small group and one on one coaching, to make sure that this does not happen, right? Because um, yeah, people really did get burned. And I just want to be the person, you know, happy people, make people happy and really help them to be empowered and to go for their dreams. It was such a pleasure having you on today. Thank you so so much, Melissa, and all the best to you. And we will definitely have your full name under this interview, as well as a link to your website so people can check out your work. If they have this inner bully, which to be honest, everybody has one. So thinking about if you have one, that’s not the question. The question is, when does it come out? So then you really need to check out Melissa and her beautiful work and connect with her. Because at the end of the day, you’re just gonna win. And yeah, thank you so, so much for having been here today.

Melissa Acuna-Dengo [28:05]
Thank you. Thank you so much for having me. And you know, for what you’re putting out into the world.

Christine Schlonski [28:11]
Thanks. Well, I just love this conversation. I hope you did too. And I hope you are inspired. I hope you understood that you can meet your soulmate client anywhere in the world. And you know, maybe at the next grocery shopping or on the plane or wherever you go, you have the potential to meet your soulmate client when you’re really really clear who that person is. I could have talked to Melissa forever as she is my soulmate client and I’m so so proud of her, how she has transformed over the time that we worked together. And I’m so excited for everyone who will now work with her because I know how deep and impactful her work is. Hop on over to christineschlonski.com find the podcast tab and episode number 320. To check out the transcript, the show notes. All the links that connect to Melissa are right there. And once you’re over there, I want to invite you to book your sales assessment call. This is a call I’m offering you, a 30-minute free call. And during the call, we will evaluate your sales skills strengths, as well as identify the skills that need some refining so you can take your next best step forward in your business.

Christine Schlonski [29:35]
This is a session that I am gifting you if you feel you want to take it forward in your business, you are not really 100% comfortable when it comes to sales. It just doesn’t feel natural and you feel like you are blocking yourself and sabotaging yourself from giving more of your gifts to the world. So this call would be amazing to take and at the end of the call, I can also let you know if you might qualify of working together. And if that is the case, we definitely can discuss the next steps. But for right now, I just would love to support you in having a look at where your sales process is, how you feel about it, what your sales skills are, what your strengths are, and how you can start to redefine sales in a way so that it’s fun, that it’s enjoyable, and that at the end of the day, you can say, well, sales is love. I can now sell with ease, grace, and confidence. I am authentic in the process, I can ask my price. And I know that I can serve so many more people by giving my gifts to the world in a way that’s totally aligned with who I am. If this feels true for you, then hop on over to christineschlonski.com and book your Sales Assessment Call. Thank you so much for having been here. I am so grateful that you are listening, that you are ready to give your gifts to the world. And I hope you tune in next week with an amazing, amazing guest, Mark Hunter, The Sales Hunter. And I’m super excited to have that conversation. Thank you so much for listening. Thank you so much for tuning in. Have a wonderful day, wherever you are in this beautiful world.