Meet Melissa Martin, Mba | Founder & Brand Revenue Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Martin, Mba and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The idea to start Blackwood Impact Group came from seeing small businesses struggle with ineffective marketing. As head of sales in various marketing agencies, I noticed that many businesses were spending money on trends and fancy websites that didn’t align with their goals. They often lacked a clear strategy to convert leads into customers. I knew there was a better way.

One moment that solidified my decision was a meeting with a business owner in North Atlanta. His budget wasn’t large enough for my agency, but I knew exactly what he needed to see results. That’s when it hit me—I had the skills and knowledge to help entrepreneurs directly through consulting.

At the same time, several agencies were trying to recruit me, and I had built a solid reputation by networking across Atlanta. Despite these opportunities, I realized I didn’t want to work for someone else anymore. I wanted to lead. I wanted to create a business where I could guide my team with the kind of leadership I had always craved—empowering, supportive, and values-driven.

I also realized I didn’t need to wait until I had decades of experience or an MBA to start consulting. I had the experience and the drive to make an impact now. So, I took a leap, turned those job offers into retainer clients, and launched Blackwood Impact Group with one employee.

Starting this business was about more than just helping small businesses—it was about believing in myself and my ability to lead others toward success.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Blackwood Impact Group helps purpose-driven small businesses break through stalled growth. Our team of Fractional Executives specializes in sales, marketing, and revenue operations. We know the challenges that come with scaling after the startup phase. We provide tailored strategies and guidance to help business leaders make the right decisions and build sustainable systems that support long-term growth.

What sets us apart is our ability to turn complex sales and marketing problems into simple, actionable steps. My experience—spanning from sports marketing to digital marketing—along with being a certified StoryBrand Guide, allows me to offer proven frameworks that consistently deliver results for our clients.

I’m incredibly proud that Blackwood Impact Group is thriving, even after navigating significant personal and global challenges. I launched this business while earning my MBA, becoming a mother, going through a divorce, and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, we’ve reached our sixth year in business, and we’re growing steadily while practicing the same principles we preach to our clients.

Looking ahead, I’m most excited to introduce group coaching programs. While our work has primarily been one-on-one consulting and done-for-you services, group coaching will allow us to help more business owners in a cohort setting, fostering community and expanding our impact.

Getting here wasn’t easy. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that timing is everything. You can set goals, plan meticulously, and yet sometimes things don’t happen on your desired timeline. As an ambitious person, I’ve had to learn patience and appreciate the journey—because that’s where the true growth and learning happens.

What I want the world to know about me and Blackwood Impact Group is that I never gave up. Despite personal setbacks, I remained dedicated to my vision. I’m committed to my craft and passionate about helping other entrepreneurs succeed. No matter the challenges, I’m proof that resilience, hard work, and a clear vision can bring you through.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure we experience all the fun, culture, and flavors Atlanta has to offer. Here’s what our week would look like:

Friday:

– Dinner at Prime on Peachtree: Start the evening with a delicious dinner at one of Atlanta’s most elegant steakhouses.

– High Frequency Friday at the High Museum of Art: After dinner, we’d head to the High Museum for their special event featuring live music, performances, and art exhibits.

– End the night at Deeper Party: Finish off the night dancing and vibing at the Deeper Party, where the atmosphere is all about great music and energy.

Saturday:

– Morning Brunch at Just Brunch: A relaxed yet vibrant start to the day with brunch, offering a delicious mix of Southern-inspired breakfast dishes.

– Walk the Beltline starting at Krog Street Market: After brunch, we’d head downtown for a scenic walk along the Beltline, with a stop at Krog Street Market to explore the food stalls, boutiques, and street art.

– Dinner at Draw Bar: For dinner, we’d enjoy a chic evening at Draw Bar, with a rooftop vibe and great views of the city.

– Cocktails at Holiday Bar: We’d head downstairs to Holiday Bar for cocktails before ending the night with more drinks at El Malo, a fun spot known for its DJs and great drinks.

Sunday:

– Brunch at Toast on Lenox: A Sunday in Atlanta wouldn’t be complete without brunch at Toast on Lenox, where we’ll enjoy good food and an even better vibe.

– Drinks at Bar Vegan, Ponce City Market: After brunch, we’d head to Ponce City Market and enjoy cocktails at Bar Vegan, one of the trendiest spots.

– End the evening at Whiskey Mistress: To wrap up the weekend, we’ll finish at Whiskey Mistress with indoor-outdoor vibes that create the perfect Sunday evening.

This itinerary would give my best friend the perfect mix of Atlanta’s food, culture, and nightlife, making it a week to remember!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people, organizations, and resources that have contributed to my success, but I have to start by thanking God for guiding my path. Every connection I’ve made and lesson I’ve learned is because of Him.

My father was an incredible business leader and a huge inspiration to me. He used to take me to work with him at Baxter International and even to his MBA classes at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Watching him sparked my desire to become a businesswoman.

I also want to shoutout BNI—Business Networking International. The connections I made through BNI were instrumental in building my first digital marketing agency and continue to support me today.

Donald Miller’s book, Building a StoryBrand, completely transformed how I approach marketing. His work was so impactful that I became a Certified StoryBrand Guide in 2019, and I’m proud to call him a mentor.

Finally, Macrae Cain deserves special recognition. He gave me my first job in digital marketing when I was transitioning from sports marketing, and he later became my business partner. We co-founded and sold a digital agency together, and our professional relationship remains strong to this day.

Website: https://blackwoodimpactgroup.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melsplace_/

Linkedin: https://inkedin.com/in/melissamartin2/