Meet Melissa Dotson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa Dotson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Melissa, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

It didn’t happen overnight. My journey to discovering my purpose took time—years, actually. It was a path filled with soul searching, curiosity, and paying close attention to what truly filled me up.

I’ve always been drawn to personal development. For the last 20 years, I immersed myself in it—devouring books, taking classes, hiring coaches, listening to countless podcasts, and spending hours journaling and reflecting. I wasn’t just interested in personal growth; I was passionate about it.

But the real turning point came when I realized that my passion wasn’t just about learning—it was about sharing. I found that when I talked about what I’d learned, when I encouraged someone else, or helped them see something in a new light—I felt lit up from the inside out.

I get just as excited—sometimes more—when I witness someone else have an “aha” moment. There’s something magical about seeing the light come on in someone’s eyes when they realize something powerful about themselves.

That’s when I knew: my purpose is to help others reconnect with themselves, discover what fulfills them, and create lives they’re proud to live. It’s not just what I do—it’s who I am.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am the CEO of Rieke Interiors, a company dedicated to helping businesses create environments where people truly thrive. We believe your space should energize your team, reflect your culture, and support the way you work—not hold you back.

What makes our approach special is that we go far beyond furniture and layout. We start with a proprietary culture and environment survey, followed by a customized roadmap tailored to each client’s goals. From design to build to final installation, we manage the entire process—so our clients can focus on what matters most: their people and performance.

But what really excites me right now is how I’m merging my two passions: workplace design and personal development. I’ve seen firsthand the power of fulfillment at my company. When leaders and employees feel aligned, energized, and joyful, the business results follow. That’s why I’ve started offering speaking, workshops, and leadership coaching, helping teams connect deeper to themselves and their work.

I’m also writing a book titled:
Elevate Your Greatness: Choose Joy, Rewire Your Life, and Build a Fulfilling Future
This book is your go-to guide for rediscovering what lights you up and living with intention. Through powerful insights, practical tools, and transformative exercises, readers will reconnect with themselves and unlock the greatness already within.

Whether it’s transforming your physical space or your inner landscape, my mission is the same: to help people and organizations thrive from the inside out.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

A Thirst for Knowledge
I’ve always believed in learning something new every single day. Whether it’s a book, a podcast, a conversation, or a challenge at work—I approach it all as an opportunity to grow. That hunger for understanding and self-betterment has been a constant driver throughout my journey.

Advice: Stay curious. Don’t wait for someone to hand you the answers—seek them out. Commit to being a lifelong learner, even if it’s just five minutes a day. Growth compounds over time.

Curiosity Over Certainty
I never assume I know it all. I ask questions. I dig deeper. I believe that every situation—good or bad—has something to teach me. This mindset of curiosity has kept me evolving and open to possibility. I don’t see obstacles as dead ends—I see them as puzzles waiting to be solved.

Advice: Ditch the idea that you need to have it all figured out. Adopt a “how can I?” attitude instead of defaulting to “I can’t.” If you have a vision or idea, it’s there for a reason. Follow it. Build the habit of asking better questions and staying open to new ways of thinking.

Surrounding Myself with Uplifting People
The people around you matter. I’ve learned to seek out those who challenge me, inspire me, and bring out the best in me. Whether in business or personal life, being in an environment of encouragement and positive energy fuels everything I do.

Advice: Choose your circle wisely. Find mentors, peers, and friends who make you want to level up. Pay attention to how people make you feel—and spend your time with those who light you up, not weigh you down.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is a business leader who genuinely cares about their people and recognizes that their environment plays a direct role in their company’s success. They understand that a thriving team isn’t just about productivity—it’s about creating a space where employees feel energized, inspired, and aligned with their purpose.

These leaders are intentional. They want their people not just in the right seats, but in the right roles—doing work that lights them up in a space that supports creativity, collaboration, and well-being.

They’re also growth-minded. They’re not afraid to challenge the status quo, push the envelope, and explore new ways to elevate both their culture and their performance. They see the value in strategic design, not just as aesthetics, but as a powerful tool to unlock the full potential of their team.

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