We were lucky to catch up with Melanie Adams recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melanie, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Confidence and self-esteem have been key to my success as an energy professional and entrepreneur, but they didn’t come overnight. They were built step by step, through experiences, challenges, and learning to trust myself. Early on, I realized that to bring something new—like flame-resistant clothing for women—to an established industry, I’d have to be willing to embrace uncertainty and advocate for myself and others. When I worked in oil and gas, I constantly struggled to find PPE that fit well and allowed me to feel comfortable and confident in the field. It became clear that this wasn’t just my problem; so many women in the industry faced the same issue. I’d never thought of myself as someone who could start a company, but I knew the problem needed addressing. Taking that first step to say, “Why not me?” was monumental for my confidence. It wasn’t about knowing everything but about committing to learn and grow. Sustaining my confidence early on was imperative. There were moments—especially early on—when self-doubt crept in. I’d ask myself, “Am I the right person for this?” But I found that every time I pushed through a challenge, I gained a little more confidence. I also surrounded myself with mentors, friends, and colleagues who believed in me and my vision. Their encouragement kept me going, especially when I faced setbacks.
Another thing that helped was celebrating the small wins. Whether it was a positive customer review or seeing someone wear Embher clothing on the job site, those moments reminded me why I started this journey. In addition to building confidence in what I was doing, self-esteem has been a foundation for everything. It’s about valuing myself and my ideas enough to bring them to the table. I’ve learned to stop comparing myself to others and to focus on my unique path. This has been especially important as a woman in industries where representation is limited. Self-esteem has allowed me to advocate for myself and to stand firm when I’ve faced resistance or doubt. And maintaining that confidence and self-esteem takes some work. I’m a big believer in self-reflection. I set aside time regularly to review what I’ve accomplished and where I can grow. Second, I practice self-care. Running a business and advocating for change can be demanding, so taking time to slow down and recharge —whether it’s exercising, spending time with family, or meditation —is essential.
Finally, I remind myself of my “why.” For me, it’s about creating a world where women feel seen, valued, and equipped to succeed. When I stay connected to that purpose, it’s easier to navigate challenges with confidence. For someone looking to build on their confidence I’d say, start small. Confidence grows with action, not perfection. Take one step toward your goal, even if it feels uncomfortable. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and believe in your potential. And most importantly, trust yourself. You are capable of so much more than you realize.
Thank you for allowing me to share a part of my journey! It’s an honor to tell my story. I hope it encourages others to step into their power and pursue their dreams with confidence.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m the founder of Embher, a company that creates flame-resistant clothing specifically for women working in industries like construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing. What makes Embher special is that we’re not just designing PPE—we’re creating solutions that empower women. Our clothing is tailored to fit women’s bodies while offering the same level of protection as traditional PPE. For far too long, women have had to compromise safety or comfort because of ill-fitting gear. We’re here to change that.
One of the most exciting aspects of what we do is hearing directly from our customers. Women often tell us how much they appreciate finally having PPE that fits properly and feels comfortable. That feedback drives everything we do.
In addition to Embher, I’m also involved in AWSAM (the Alliance of Women’s Safety Apparel Manufacturers), a nonprofit dedicated to improving access to PPE for women across industries. We aim to raise awareness and bridge the gap so that every woman, regardless of her role, has the gear she needs to stay safe and perform at her best.
Looking ahead, we have some exciting things in the pipeline. Embher is expanding its product line to include even more options for women, and we’re planning several events to showcase our designs. We’re also working on new collaborations that will help us reach more women and create lasting change in the industry. If there’s one thing I’d like folks to know about Embher, it’s that we’re not just a brand—we’re part of a movement to ensure that women are seen, supported, and celebrated in their work environments.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, I’d say the three most impactful qualities have been resilience, empathy, and problem-solving.
Resilience was crucial because starting something new—especially in a male-dominated industry—came with its fair share of challenges and setbacks. I learned to see obstacles not as roadblocks but as opportunities to grow and adapt. For those starting out, my advice is to embrace failure as part of the process. Each stumble is a chance to learn and build your strength.
Empathy has been a guiding force, especially in designing PPE for women. Listening to other women’s experiences and understanding their needs has been at the heart of Embher’s mission. To cultivate empathy, I encourage new entrepreneurs to stay curious and genuinely listen to the people they aim to serve. Building a connection with your audience will give your work a sense of purpose and authenticity.
Finally, problem-solving has been essential. From designing products to navigating the complexities of running a business, having a systematic approach to tackling issues has made a huge difference. To improve in this area, I recommend breaking challenges into smaller, manageable parts and approaching each with creativity and an open mind. Books like Designing Your Life can also help refine this skill through structured exercises.
No matter where you are in your journey, remember that growth takes time, and it’s okay to not have all the answers right away. Trust the process, stay true to your purpose, and keep moving forward.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
A book called Designing Your Life has been instrumental in building on what I already decided I was going to do—be an entrepreneur and solve a long-overdue problem. This book is a great resource to begin (or validate) thinking about how to be most fulfilled in life’s key areas and live a life full of joy.
The most impactful moments in the book are the exercises of reflection and forward thinking, as well as the many stories of others who are living their best lives by combining their passions with their work. The process utilizes design thinking and a systematic approach—two things that come easily for me—so I found this book incredibly helpful! It reinforced my belief in building a purposeful and intentional life, both personally and professionally, and gave me tools to approach challenges with creativity and curiosity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://embher.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embherfrc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/embherfrc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/embher
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
