Melissa Pike knows the courage it takes to change one’s life. While she may not live in one of VIDA’s communities today, the professional life and health coach never forgot the sense of safety and peace she found during her time as a customer. Today Melissa is helping others in their own respective journeys, and recently offered a sample of her strategic workshops to VIDA.  

The Beginning of Change

Melissa Pike remembers VIDA CEO Ron Lovett’s unique mission in the early days of 2018. The successful entrepreneur was out to revolutionize affordable communities in the coastal city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Her curiosity about the company's culture and impactful community model inspired her to reach out and learn more. She met with Ron at a local coffee shop, and he gladly explained his vision of creating affordable housing opportunities to help people get ahead in working class communities. The conversation went well enough that the pair agreed to remain in touch about future job opportunities. 

A few months later, Melissa's life took a drastic turn. It all started when she ended a toxic live-in romantic relationship, with other big decisions soon to follow. She quit her job, impulsively booked a solo two-month trip to Indonesia, and wanted to hit the reset button on the way out.  

Before embarking on the journey, she planned to meet with Ron once again. With no concrete plan for when she returned, Melissa found herself at a crossroads—she needed a home where she could feel safe during her personal and career transitions, especially one that could accommodate her beloved dog, Dolly Parton. 

Finding a New Home and Purpose 

In a gesture of support when they met again, Ron offered to show her a townhouse apartment in the community of Fairview that was being renovated. Despite its unfinished state, when Melissa visited the place, Ron assured her it would be ready upon her return. The peace of mind in knowing she could have a safe place to return to after her travels swept over her, and she signed a lease on the spot.  

Melissa's trip became a turning point of self-reflection and personal growth, with other aspects of her life falling into place at the same time. A friend moved into the same VIDA building Melissa would soon call home, and a helping hand came from others who cared about her future while she was away.  

"My friends rallied together and went to my ex's place with a moving truck, they moved all of my stuff into my new place," says Melissa.

"Everything was waiting for me. While travelling, I had comfort knowing I had that place to return to. And when I did come back, it was beautiful. My friend, who moved in a few doors down, even had my dog waiting for me." 

Embracing New Beginnings 

The cozy new apartment became Melissa's sanctuary for a year, filled with joy, safety, and love. It was more than just a place to live; it was where she felt she could grow freely. The memories created during that time remain forever special, reminding her of the importance of having a sense of community in uncertain times. While Melissa loved living in her VIDA apartment, as time passed, she met her future husband. While focusing on her own development, someone just happened to come along to rightfully share in her success with loving support.  

As things with her new partner progressed, the couple made a new leap together, finding a larger new home to spend the pandemic together in. Things were going well, but Melissa knew the truth needed to be addressed in her career. More change was on the horizon.  

Initially, she returned to a management position at her previous company, seeking more meaningful work. However, she soon realized that a few aspects of the job didn't fit with her purpose. Melissa then left to join OSCO Construction in human resources. While she enjoyed the people she worked with, and the company, she found the demands of the role were taking her down a path to burnout. 

A Path to Purpose 

Inspired by a passion for helping others, Melissa explored various new career options, eventually discovering her interest in life and health coaching. A year after the revelation, she was working by day and chipping away at obtaining her coaching certification by night. The program's recognition by the International Coaching Federation was crucial to Melissa, reflecting on her commitment to professionalism and excellence. 

With her new husband's unwavering support, she navigated the financial uncertainties and emotional struggles that come with building a new career. Her dedication eventually paid off, and she found her footing with determination, down a new career path. 

Although it took several months before she saw any business traction on her own, today Melissa's coaching practice includes working with corporations and individual clients. She has persevered, by leveraging her HR experience to improve workplace well-being for companies looking to build better environments for employees. She helps address stress management, productivity, and overall employee health, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to wellness that people can apply to their lives. 

“I learned a lot from my previous HR experiences,” she notes. “Helping uncover solutions within the struggles of absenteeism and disability have been key aspects that I've carried into my practice.” 

Giving Back to VIDA 

Developing a workshop for VIDA years after experiencing so much peace and joy as a customer, Melissa has a special place in her heart for the communities created in the company’s mission. She understands firsthand what opportunities can mean to those struggling to get ahead in challenging times. 

“It was so fun to finally do something with a company that offered me safety and a sanctuary at a very difficult time in my life.”

Melissa's story is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the pursuit of creating a meaningful life. She embodies the same spirit of VIDA’s focus on workplace culture and highlights the value of opportunity that can be found in a time of need in a tough housing market.  

Below is what Melissa Pike’s workshop focused on with VIDA’s team. For more information and how to get in touch with Melissa, please visit: melissapike.ca

• Growth Mindset: how we can develop our beliefs and intelligence through dedication, learning, and resilience. 

• Adaptability: cultivating a flexible and open approach to change. 

• Solution-Oriented Thinking: focusing on identifying practical and positive solutions rather than dwelling on obstacles or challenges. 

• Mindfulness: focusing on self-regulation, stress reduction, and the ability to make intentional choices

• Reframing: cognitive restructuring that allows a more optimistic and solution-oriented approach to problems. 

• Learning Orientation: cultivating an attitude and approach that prioritizes continuous learning and development. 

• Gratitude: this approach encourages individuals to focus on what they have rather than what they lack, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.

For more about VIDA’s communities and the opportunities within them, please visit vidaliving.ca 

Written by Joel Goodman