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Practical, Actionable, Empowering & Delivered straight to you
Every business starts with a dream. Haff Notes helps you turn that dream into a business that works for you—one step at a time.
Each weekly issue guides you through the challenges and opportunities of building a business aligned with your values.
80% of women-owned businesses start from a passion project
Only 2% of small business owners feel they have a clear roadmap for growth and sustainability
90% of entrepreneurs say connecting with a community has been critical to their success
The Haff Notes Substack is here to change these stats for women-owned businesses by providing a clear, actionable roadmap.
Plus, with Haff Notes, you’ll be guided through the BRAVE Blueprint which demystifies what to work on next in your business.
Explore Haff notes on small Business Substack & Join in on the chat
*2 (Source: Small Business Administration Report)
*3 (Source: SCORE “The Megaphone of Main Street” Report)
*1 (Source: American Express “State of Women-Owned Businesses” Report)
*1
*2
*3
*2 (Source: Small Business Administration Report)
*3 (Source: SCORE “The Megaphone of Main Street” Report)
*1 (Source: American Express “State of Women-Owned Businesses” Report)
80% of women-owned businesses start from a passion project
Only 2% of small business owners feel they have a clear roadmap for growth and sustainability
90% of entrepreneurs say connecting with a community has been critical to their success
Practical, Actionable, Empowering & Delivered straight to you
Every business starts with a dream.
Haff Notes helps you turn that dream into a business that works for you—one step at a time.
Each weekly issue guides you through the challenges and opportunities of building a business aligned with your values.
The Haff Notes Substack is here to change these stats for women-owned businesses by providing a clear, actionable roadmap.
Plus, with Haff Notes, you’ll be guided through the BRAVE Blueprint which demystifies what to work on next in your business.
Start Reading For Free
Did you know...
Starting a business is exciting but can also feel overwhelming.
Between managing life, family, and your dreams, finding time to build a business that aligns with your life can feel impossible.
At Haff Notes, we make building a business simpler and more fulfilling.
Here’s how we help.
Starting a business is exciting but can also feel overwhelming.
Between managing life, family, and your dreams, finding time to build a business that aligns with your life can feel impossible.
Haff Notes is based upon the BRAVE Blueprint - Your Map to Building a Business You Love
The Haff Notes BRAVE Blueprint is your guide to building a business that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and true to your values. By breaking down business growth into five clear steps, we help you understand exactly where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there.
Each letter in BRAVE represents an essential area of business development: Big Picture, Revenue, Audience, Visibility, and Expansion. Together, they offer a step-by-step path toward building a business that thrives.
What Does BRAVE Mean?
B - Big Picture: Set your vision and find clarity for your business journey.
R - Revenue: Master the financials that keep your business profitable.
A - Audience: Know your customers and connect authentically.
V - Visibility: Grow your reach and attract more customers.
E - Expansion: Scale your business sustainably and confidently.
Curious to know where to start? Take our BRAVE Framework Quiz! In just a few minutes, find out which area needs your focus and get personalized guidance to move your business forward.
Take the BRAVE Framework Quiz
Quiz Coming Soon!
Haff Notes is based upon the BRAVE Blueprint - Your Map to Building a Business You Love
The Haff Notes BRAVE Blueprint is your guide to building a business that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and true to your values.
By breaking down business growth into five clear steps, we help you understand exactly where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there.
Each letter in BRAVE represents an essential area of business development: Big Picture, Revenue, Audience, Visibility, and Expansion. Together, they offer a step-by-step path toward building a business that thrives.
Take the BRAVE Framework Quiz
Curious to know where to start? Take our BRAVE Framework Quiz! In just a few minutes, find out which area needs your focus and get personalized guidance to move your business forward.
Plan for Success in 2025
Explore your Free
Year-End Business Resources
A year-end review is your chance to reflect on your wins, lessons, and growth while setting a clear vision for the year ahead.
Download the checklist for a quick review, or fill out the in-depth BRAVE Year-End Report to dive deeper into your business progress.
Explore your Free Year-End Business Resources
My journey began with an indie bookshop in a small coastal town in Alaska, which later grew to a 3,000 sq. ft. store.
Two years in, I co-founded a soy candle business with my childhood friend, Laura, expanding to wholesale across Alaska and the lower 48.
I've designed products, sold them everywhere from farmers' markets to Amazon, and discovered my passion for helping others start and grow their businesses.
People started asking me for business coaching, and it turned into my favorite venture.
At Haff Notes, my mission is to empower women to create businesses that resonate deeply with their lives and passions. I believe a business should uplift and support your goals—not add stress or compromise the things that matter most. Together, we’ll build something meaningful, sustainable, and truly yours.
Now, I pass on the kindnesses and insights I've received, helping others achieve their dreams
ENTREPRENEUR & FOUNDER OF HAFF NOTES
I know how it feels to balance family, dreams, and business, because I’ve been there too.
Hi, I'm Melissa Haffeman
ENTREPRENEUR
& FOUNDER HAFF NOTES
My family and I live on an island off the Alaska mainland.
The land of cannery hoodies and waterproof boots.
Step 1: Become a subscribeR
Step 3: Schedule a 1:1 Business strategy
session when you need it most
Step 2: Participate in the substack Chat
It's simple to get started
Ready to turn your business dreams into reality? With Haff Notes, we make it simple to start with just three easy steps. Each step is designed to provide you the level of guidance and support you need for every stage of your journey.
Ready to turn your business dreams into reality? With Haff Notes, we make it simple to start with just three easy steps. Each step is designed to guide you toward building a business that aligns with your life, goals, and values.”
Step 3: Schedule a 1:1 Business
strategy session when you need it most
Step 2: Participate in the
substack Chat
Her (Melissa's) coaching and help has turned my dream into a real side hustle that would have been difficult to pick up on my own. I just can’t thank her enough!
~ Erin Friese
Owner, Ernie Sews
& Wild Moon Quilts
Pilot Project Member
Engaging questions and polls in the chat which connect you with others on your same path
Monthly themes aligned to the BRAVE Framework to help you dive deeper into your business
Business checklists to help you know what to work on next
Stories that inspire by sharing behind-the-scenes stories about women in small business
You'll also find inside...
Ask your business questions during the weekly AMA sessions in the Haff Notes Substack chat
Working with my business coach, Melissa, has been a game-changer. She expertly guided me through starting my business to set me up for success. Melissa's passion for helping new business owners is evident—you can tell she cares deeply about
her clients and their success.
Without her, my business would still be a dream.
~ Monica Claridge
Owner, Rock LIfe
Ask the group anything -
This is your space to get advice, brainstorm ideas, and solve business challenges in real time.
Supportive Community
08
Find motivation by reading about the success stories of other women who have turned their business dreams into reality.
Stories That Inspire
07
Get simple, easy-to-follow insight boosts to help you tackle everyday business tasks and feel more confident no matter your skill level.
Weekly Insight Boost
06
Develop your online selling plan and marketing techniques to effectively reach and engage your target audience.
Marketing
Workflows
05
Discover the best strategies for selling your products, whether online, in person, or through wholesale channels.
Where To Sell
Strategies
04
Learn the essentials of business structure, taxes, and inventory management to build a solid operational base.
Business Foundations
Checklists
03
Evaluate your business's profitability and offerings to ensure you’re on the path to success.
Guides for How to Analyze Your Business
02
Clarify your vision, mission, and ideal customer to lay a strong foundation for your business journey.
Business Vision
Strategies
01
Haff NOtes on Small Business Topics for 2025
What's included inside
Haff Notes Mastermind
Just over here looking at my new website
(imagine Cheshire cat grin emoji) that I completely revamped by using Melissa's Haff Notes guides.
- Natasha Zahn
Owner, Natasha Zahn Studio
Pilot Project Member
Will this take a lot of time out of my day to use the resources?
Will this take a lot of time out of my day to use the resources?
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that life is busy, so Haff Notes resources are purposefully created for you to read within five to ten minutes. You can fit them in while you're waiting somewhere or when you have a little downtime at night.
Our goal is to provide you with quick, actionable insights without overwhelming your schedule.
What is Haff Notes, and how can it help me build my small business?
What is Haff Notes, and how can it help me build my small business?
Haff Notes on Small Business by Melissa Haffeman is a Substack newsletter and community designed to provide women entrepreneurs with essential resources, guidance, and support for building and growing a small business they love to own.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, we offer quick, practical insights to help you succeed.
Who is the Haff Notes community for?
Who is the Haff Notes membership community for?
Our community is tailored for women who are passionate about starting or growing a small business.
Whether you're in the handmade crafts industry, consulting, nutrition, wellness, or other fields, we’re here to help you thrive.
What if I’m completely new to business—will I still benefit from This?
What if I’m completely new to business—will I still benefit from This?
Absolutely! Haff Notes is tailored to support entrepreneurs at all stages, whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills.
If you're completely new to business, we offer foundational knowledge and easy-to-follow guides that will help you confidently build your dream from the ground up.
And if you’re already running a business, Haff Notes is your go-to resource for leveling up your knowledge and diving into new areas that can help your business thrive.
How do I access the business guides and resources on substack?
How do I access the business guides and resources?
Accessing Haff Notes Substack:
Subscribe: Start by subscribing to the Haff Notes newsletter on Substack. You’ll receive weekly emails directly to your inbox with actionable business strategies, tools, and insights.
Log In: Visit Haff Notes on Substack to log into your account using the email you subscribed with.
Explore: Access all past and current newsletters in the Substack archive, so you never miss out on valuable content.
Can I ask questions or get personalized advice within the community?
Can I ask questions or get personalized advice within the community?
Yes! Our community is a great place to ask questions, share experiences, and seek advice from other members and experts. You can post questions in the chat, join discussions, and find other women in the same field as you to chat with about business.
The Haff Notes platform suggests connections for you so it makes it easier than ever to build your own trusted network of business owners on the same journey as you.
What types of resources are available In the Haff notes Substack?
What types of resources are available within the membership?
What You Can Do on Haff Notes Substack:
Read Weekly Newsletters: Get fresh, actionable advice and inspiration each week to help you grow your business.
Join the Conversation: Use the Substack chat feature to share your thoughts, ask questions, and connect with others who are building their businesses.
Participate in Weekly AMAs: Tune into the Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions to get your business questions answered directly by Melissa.
Explore Bonus Content: As a subscriber, you’ll also have access to any special features or tools shared exclusively on Substack.
Get The Free Newsletter in Your Inbox Each Week
Every week, you'll find one brief and easy-to-implement business strategy delivered straight to your inbox for you to explore.
Enter your email and sign up for free right now.
Need a Personalized Strategy Session?
Let’s Connect One-on-One
Running a business can bring unique challenges—and sometimes,
a little extra guidance can make all the difference.
In a personalized 1:1 session, we’ll focus on your specific goals, questions, or roadblocks. Whether you need help clarifying your vision, creating a strategic plan, or finding solutions to current challenges, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Book whenever you need a boost with your business strategy.
Let’s work together to bring your vision to life.
Book Your 1:1 Session
Running a business can bring unique challenges—and sometimes,
a little extra guidance can make all the difference.
In a personalized 1:1 session, we’ll focus on your specific goals, questions, or roadblocks. Whether you need help clarifying your vision, creating a strategic plan, or finding solutions to current challenges, I’m here to support
you every step of the way.
Book whenever you need a boost with your business strategy.
Need a Personalized
Strategy Session?
Let’s Connect One-on-One
Your expertise and the time you have committed and devoted to helping grow not only your businesses but supporting others is so valuable and I appreciate your support!
~ Amanda Meyer
Owner, Wild ONes Design Co.
Pilot Project Member
Download the Substack ApP
Haff Notes on Small Business
By Melissa Haffeman
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Download the Substack ApP
Haff Notes on Small Business
By Melissa Haffeman