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

Hi Melissa, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
At Nouveaux U Behavioral Health, our mission is rooted in healing, representation, and access. We provide integrative mental health care that is culturally competent, stigma-reducing, and deeply personalized for the people we serve.

Our impact goes beyond individual treatment, we create safe spaces where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to thrive. Through community education, digital resources, and a commitment to expanding access to care in Georgia, we’re helping to close the mental health equity gap and support long-term emotional wellness for all.

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?
Nouveaux U Behavioral Health is more than just a mental health practice—it’s a wellness movement. We offer compassionate, culturally-aware psychiatric care with a focus on therapy, medication management, and integrative solutions that support the whole person. Our goal is to help people feel seen, heard, and balanced, especially those who’ve been silently struggling while showing up for everyone else.

What sets us apart is how we hold space—with empathy, clinical excellence, and a deep understanding that healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. We blend modern psychiatry with holistic practices, lifestyle guidance, and coaching-style support that feels both affirming and effective.

The journey here wasn’t easy. I’ve worked in healthcare for over 20 years, and as a nurse practitioner, wife, and mother who’s experienced profound personal loss, burnout, and the pressure to “keep it all together,” I understand firsthand how important it is to care for your mental and emotional health. This business was born from my own healing, and a desire to create a space I wish existed when I needed it most.

Starting and scaling this vision hasn’t been without challenges, juggling family life, imposter syndrome, and the ever-evolving demands of entrepreneurship. But every obstacle has taught me something: the power of consistency, the beauty of boundaries, and the freedom that comes from building something in alignment with your values.

What I want the world to know is this: Nouveaux U exists to help people rewrite their narratives, restore their energy, and return to themselves. Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, ADHD, or just feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life, we’re here to walk with you.

We believe healing can be modern, soulful, and accessible, and we’re just getting started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Welcome to Georgia, Sis – Here’s the Ultimate Girls’ Wellness + Fun Week Itinerary

Day 1 – Chill + Catch-Up
Start the trip slow and soulful.

Brunch at First Watch (Buford) – Fresh juices, avocado toast, and conversation.

Walk & Talk at Sims Lake Park – Catch up by the water, breathe in nature.

Dinner at Secreto Southern Kitchen – Upscale comfort food and cocktails.

Wind down with a movie night or wine and charcuterie at home.

Day 2 – Wellness & Restoration
Because the girls need to pour back into themselves too.

Morning IV drip or vitamin shot at Nouveaux U Wellness – Because hydration and energy are non-negotiable.

Spa time at Jeju Sauna (Gwinnett) – A full day of saunas, body scrubs, and deep rest.

Dinner at Sweet Auburn BBQ or Two Urban Licks – Southern flavor with a twist.

Day 3 – Culture + City Vibes
Get dressed up and hit the city.

Start at The High Museum of Art – Enjoy some Black excellence in the galleries.

Lunch at Le Petit Marché or Slutty Vegan – Atlanta staples with big flavor.

Photos + skyline views at Ponce City Market rooftop

Drinks + dancing at Suite Lounge or a live show at City Winery – grown and sexy vibes.

Day 4 – Light Adventure + Shopping
We outside, but not too outside.

Hike Stone Mountain or walk the Beltline

Smoothie stop at Arden’s Garden

Shopping spree at The Avalon (Alpharetta) or The Forum (Peachtree Corners)

Dinner at Lazy Dog or South City Kitchen – warm, delicious, and inviting.

Day 5 – Sisterhood & Soul Food Sunday
Reflect, reconnect, and reset.

Brunch at The Real Milk & Honey or Breakfast at Barney’s

Attend a local church or meditation circle (optional)

Early dinner at Twisted Soul Cookhouse or Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles

Cozy night in with vision boards, wine, and deep talks.

Day 6 – Black-Owned Excellence Tour
Support and celebrate.

Visit local Black-owned bookstores (like For Keeps Books), cafés, or wellness spaces

Grab lunch at a food truck or market

Schedule a quick headshot session or branding shoot with a local photographer (we gotta stay camera ready!)

Dinner at Toast on Lenox or Fin & Feathers – upscale with great music

Day 7 – Departure Day, but Make it Sweet

Grab coffee or tea at Café Intermezzo

Reflect over brunch at South Main Kitchen in Alpharetta

A quick walk or journaling session at McDaniel Farm Park

Airport drop-off with hugs and affirmations!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no way I could stand where I am today without the village that has supported, loved, and stretched me. First, I want to shout out my late son—his life and legacy reshaped the way I see purpose, healing, and the value of every single day.

To my husband and two boys, thank you for being my anchor and my “why” when the days get long and the mission gets heavy.

Professionally, I’m beyond grateful for my mentors in nursing and mental health who saw something in me before I fully saw it in myself. And to my tribe of sister-friends, fellow nurse practitioners, and businesswomen your wisdom, encouragement, and “you got this” texts kept me from giving up more times than I can count.

Lastly, this journey is also built on the prayers, sacrifices, and generational strength of the women who came before me, my mother, grandmother, and aunties. Their stories, grit, and love are the roots of everything I’ve grown into.

Website: https://www.nouveauxubh.com

Instagram: @nouveauxubh

Facebook: @nouveauxubh

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