<p>Welcome back to The Feminine Profiles podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Norton of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cucinamelissa_/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Cucina Melissa</a> to explore her inspiring journey from culinary school in Italy to building a thriving business centered around food, travel, and community. What started as a small pasta and pizza kit venture during the early days of COVID has grown into a sought-after culinary brand with an immersive Italian cooking school and a dedicated following!</p><p><strong>What You’ll Learn in This Episode:</strong></p><ul> <li><p>The evolution of Cucina Melissa from a passion project to a full-scale culinary brand.</p></li> <li><p>How Melissa leveraged social media and influencer marketing to grow her business.</p></li> <li><p>The importance of community and connection in Italian food culture.</p></li> <li><p>The reality of entrepreneurship—burnout, resilience, and the power of delegation.</p></li> <li><p>What goes into creating unforgettable cooking retreats in Italy.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Resources &amp; Links:</strong></p><ul> <li><p>Follow Melissa Norton on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cucinamelissa" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@cucinamelissa</a></p></li> <li><p>Learn more about Cucina Melissa and upcoming cooking retreats: <a href="https://www.cucinamelissa.com/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cucinamelissa.com</a></p></li> <li><p>Follow me on Instagram: <a href="instagram.com/brookemackenzie____" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@brookemackenzie____</a></p></li> <li><p>Work with me: <a href="brookembaldwin.com⁠" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">brookembaldwin.com</a></p></li></ul>