Business Stories Magazine Founder interviews, in their own words
Los Angeles, California October 13, 2026 Independent since 2018 @businessstoriesmagazine

Founder Interview

Haïfa Melliti

My advice to anyone who dreams of starting a business is to believe in their own vision and never underestimate the value of their creativity, individuality, and passion.

Haïfa Melliti, founder of the Haïfa Beauty institutes in Montpellier, France

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Haïfa Melliti, and I am a Franco-Tunisian entrepreneur, self-taught visual artist, intuitive pianist, author, and Doctor of Naturopathy specializing in holistic wellness.

I am deeply connected to my Tunisian and Mediterranean heritage, and I am currently based in Montpellier, France, where I founded and manage two holistic beauty and wellness institutes under the name Haïfa Beauty.

My journey brings together entrepreneurship, art, music, and well-being. Through my paintings, I have created a symbolic artistic universe called Goddesses of Light, where feminine strength, spirituality, and cultural heritage come together. I also compose original intuitive piano melodies that accompany my artworks and enrich the atmosphere of my wellness institutes.

My passion is to create meaningful connections between beauty, creativity, and human well-being. I am also developing international artistic retreats that bring women from different cultures together through painting, music, and creative expression.

For me, art and entrepreneurship are not separate paths. They are two complementary ways of expressing my vision, sharing my cultural heritage, and inspiring others.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

What I love most about living in Montpellier is its beautiful Mediterranean atmosphere, which reminds me of Tunisia, the country of my roots and a profound source of inspiration in my life.

Tunisia holds a special place in my heart. Its rich cultural heritage, vibrant colors, traditions, and spiritual beauty deeply influence my artistic universe, especially my Goddesses of Light paintings and intuitive piano compositions.

Living in Montpellier allows me to maintain a beautiful connection between France and Tunisia, bringing together my Mediterranean heritage, artistic creativity, and entrepreneurial journey.

For me, these two cultures are not separate. They are part of my identity, my inspiration, and the light that guides my creations.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

My entrepreneurial journey is built around two complementary worlds: holistic beauty and artistic creation.

I am the founder and director of two Haïfa Beauty institutes in Montpellier, France. With my background in naturopathy and holistic wellness, I created these spaces to offer a different approach to beauty, where aesthetic treatments, relaxation, personal attention, and emotional well-being come together.

But my entrepreneurial vision extends far beyond the beauty industry.

As a self-taught visual artist and intuitive pianist, I have developed my own artistic universe, Goddesses of Light, inspired by my Tunisian and Mediterranean heritage, spirituality, and the strength of women.

My original paintings and piano compositions are at the heart of this creative activity. Each painting tells a story, carries a symbolic meaning, and has its own musical identity. I develop this universe through original artworks, musical releases, publications, and international artistic projects.

I have also published my illustrated artistic and spiritual book, “Là où les Déesses naissent, la toile chante,” which brings together my paintings, storytelling, and original piano melodies.

Today, I am expanding this creative vision through international artistic retreats, bringing women from different cultures together to explore painting, intuitive music, creativity, and cultural exchange.

What makes my business approach distinctive is that I have brought these two worlds together. My paintings are displayed in my Haïfa Beauty institutes, and my original piano compositions accompany the wellness experience.

Through Haïfa Beauty, I help customers enjoy moments of relaxation, personal care, and renewed confidence. Through my artistic work, I invite audiences to discover a universe of imagination, feminine strength, cultural heritage, and inner light.

For me, entrepreneurship is not only about managing a company or offering services. It is about creating an identity, developing original ideas, and transforming a personal passion into meaningful experiences for others.

My ambition is to continue building an international artistic and entrepreneurial universe where beauty, painting, music, literature, and women's empowerment inspire and enrich one another.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

My advice to anyone who dreams of starting a business is to believe in their own vision and never underestimate the value of their creativity, individuality, and passion.

As an entrepreneur, visual artist, and intuitive pianist, I have learned that building a business is very similar to creating a painting or composing a melody. You begin with an idea, sometimes without knowing exactly where it will lead. Then, through patience, discipline, courage, and perseverance, that idea gradually takes shape.

When I paint, every color has its place. When I play the piano, every note contributes to a melody. And when I develop my businesses, every decision becomes part of a larger vision.

I believe that successful entrepreneurship is not simply about following existing models. It is about having the courage to create something authentic, something that reflects who you truly are.

My own journey has taught me that we do not have to choose between creativity and business. Art can become an entrepreneurial strength, just as entrepreneurship can provide the structure and opportunities needed to bring artistic dreams to life.

Of course, passion alone is not enough. It must be accompanied by organization, financial responsibility, continuous learning, and the determination to overcome challenges.

I would especially encourage women to trust their abilities, embrace their independence, and never allow fear or society's expectations to limit their ambitions.

My greatest advice is this: build your business as you would create a work of art, with authenticity, patience, imagination, and the courage to express your own identity.

And above all, remain grateful to Almighty God for the strength, inspiration, and opportunities that accompany your journey.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

One of the most meaningful moments in my entrepreneurial journey is when a client tells me that visiting Haïfa Beauty represents much more than receiving a beauty treatment. It is an opportunity to find inner peace, feel valued, and reconnect with herself.

What touches me most is when my clients appreciate not only the quality of our treatments but also the artistic atmosphere I have created through my Goddesses of Light paintings and my original intuitive piano compositions.

I experience that same sense of fulfillment when I participate in international women's wellness programs and see that my contributions are making a positive difference. Knowing that my discussions, insights, and professional experience can help women regain confidence, recognize their own worth, and move toward greater independence brings me immense satisfaction.

As an entrepreneur, visual artist, intuitive pianist, and wellness professional, this kind of feedback gives profound meaning to my work. It reminds me that beauty, art, music, and compassionate listening can come together to create meaningful human experiences.

For me, the greatest reward is seeing that my work leaves a positive impact on someone's life, whether through a wellness treatment, a painting, a melody, or my contribution to an international program.

It is this human dimension that gives meaning to my artistic and entrepreneurial journey and inspires me to continue developing my projects with passion, faith, and gratitude to Almighty God.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I see the future of my entrepreneurial journey as the continued development of a unique universe where holistic beauty, art, music, culture, and women's empowerment come together.

My ambition is to expand the vision of Haïfa Beauty by strengthening its identity as a place where wellness meets artistic expression. I want to continue developing innovative experiences that combine holistic beauty treatments, my original Goddesses of Light paintings, and my intuitive piano compositions.

At the same time, I envision my artistic work growing internationally through exhibitions, original musical releases, publications, and creative collaborations. My goal is to establish the Goddesses of Light as a recognizable artistic universe, where every painting tells a story and every melody brings that story to life.

I am also developing international artistic retreats that bring women from different countries and cultures together through painting, intuitive music, creativity, and meaningful human connections.

Another important part of my future vision is to strengthen my involvement in international women's wellness and empowerment initiatives. I hope to contribute to more programs, conferences, and collaborations that encourage women's confidence, independence, dignity, and personal development.

I do not see my future as simply expanding a business. I see it as building an artistic and entrepreneurial legacy that connects people, cultures, and generations.

For me, success means creating something that continues to inspire others, while remaining faithful to my identity, my Mediterranean heritage, my artistic freedom, and my spiritual values.

Above all, I place my dreams and ambitions in the hands of Almighty God, with gratitude for every opportunity and every new chapter of this journey.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

I believe one of the biggest misconceptions about the beauty, wellness, and creative industries is that they are often seen as separate worlds, and that their value is sometimes underestimated.

In the beauty industry, people may assume that everything revolves around physical appearance. Yet, through my experience as an entrepreneur and naturopathy professional, I have learned that beauty is also connected to self-confidence, emotional well-being, dignity, and the way we care for ourselves.

Similarly, in the art world, painting and music are sometimes perceived as personal passions rather than meaningful professional and entrepreneurial activities.

As a self-taught visual artist and intuitive pianist, I believe that art is not simply something we admire or listen to. It can become a powerful language of expression, cultural transmission, human connection, and entrepreneurship.

Through my two Haïfa Beauty institutes, I have brought these worlds together. My Goddesses of Light paintings and original piano compositions are an integral part of the atmosphere and identity of my businesses.

My artistic projects, publications, musical compositions, and international artistic retreats also demonstrate how creativity can develop into an independent entrepreneurial vision.

Another misconception is that women must choose a single professional identity to be taken seriously. I strongly believe that a woman can be an entrepreneur, an artist, a musician, and an author without having to sacrifice one passion for another.

For me, the greatest misconception is believing that beauty, art, music, and business cannot belong to the same universe. My journey is about showing how they can complement one another and create something meaningful.

I believe the future belongs to those who have the courage to challenge traditional boundaries and build a professional identity that truly reflects who they are.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

One of the biggest challenges in my entrepreneurial journey has been building a professional identity that brings together several worlds that are often considered completely separate: holistic wellness, visual art, intuitive piano, literature, and entrepreneurship.

As a woman, an entrepreneur, and a self-taught artist, I have had to learn how to transform my personal vision into a sustainable professional reality while remaining faithful to my creativity and values.

Developing and managing my two Haïfa Beauty institutes requires discipline, responsibility, organization, and constant dedication. At the same time, building my artistic universe, Goddesses of Light, involves an entirely different kind of commitment: creating original paintings, composing piano melodies, publishing my work, and developing international artistic projects.

One of my greatest challenges has been finding the balance between the practical responsibilities of running a business and the freedom necessary for artistic creation.

I have approached this challenge through perseverance, continuous learning, patience, and a strong belief in my vision. Rather than separating my different passions, I decided to bring them together and allow each one to strengthen the others.

My paintings and original piano compositions have become part of the identity of Haïfa Beauty, while my entrepreneurial experience has given me the confidence and discipline to develop my artistic career internationally.

I have also learned that success does not happen overnight. It requires courage, financial responsibility, the ability to adapt, and the determination to continue even when progress seems slow.

The most important lesson I have learned is that challenges should not force us to abandon our identity. Sometimes, they are precisely what teaches us how to build something truly original.

Today, I see every difficulty as an opportunity to grow, both as a woman and as an entrepreneur.

Above all, my faith in Almighty God has always been a source of strength, patience, and gratitude throughout my journey.

What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Growing up, one of the musical artists who inspired me most was Abdel Halim Hafez, the legendary Egyptian singer whose timeless melodies carry extraordinary emotional depth.

I have always been fascinated by the beauty of Oriental music, its rich melodies, its sensitivity, and its ability to express emotions beyond words.

Today, as an intuitive pianist, I feel a deep connection to this musical heritage. Through my own piano compositions, I explore emotion, spirituality, and the dialogue between music and painting.

As for sports, I did not have one particular athlete whom I followed growing up. My greatest inspirations came primarily from music, artistic expression, and the cultural richness of the Mediterranean and Arab world.

For me, music has always been more than entertainment. It is a universal language that connects the heart, the soul, and the imagination.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Almighty God for the strength, inspiration, and opportunities that have guided my artistic and entrepreneurial journey.

I would also like to send a heartfelt message to women around the world, especially those who are building their independence, pursuing their dreams, and finding the courage to express their true identities.

As a Franco-Tunisian visual artist, intuitive pianist, author, and entrepreneur, I believe that every woman carries within her a unique light, a story, and an extraordinary creative potential.

I would like to thank everyone who supports my work, discovers my Goddesses of Light paintings, listens to my original piano compositions, reads my publications, or shares in the experiences I create through Haïfa Beauty and my international artistic projects.

My gratitude also goes to the people and organizations who work to promote women's well-being, dignity, creativity, and empowerment across cultures and borders.

Finally, I would like to thank Business Stories Magazine for giving me the opportunity to share my journey, my artistic universe, and my entrepreneurial vision with its readers.

My message to every woman is simple: Never underestimate your own light. Believe in your creativity, protect your independence, and never stop building the life you dream of.

With faith, gratitude, and love, I continue my journey, trusting in the guidance of Almighty God.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers who would like to learn more about my artistic and entrepreneurial journey are warmly invited to explore my official website: www.haifamelliti.com

There, they can discover my artistic universe, Goddesses of Light, my original paintings, intuitive piano compositions, publications, exhibitions, and international artistic projects.

As a Franco-Tunisian visual artist, intuitive pianist, author, and entrepreneur, I am passionate about creating connections between art, music, spirituality, and human well-being.

My entrepreneurial journey also includes Haïfa Beauty, my two holistic beauty and wellness institutes in Montpellier, France, where I bring together beauty, wellness, artistic expression, and music.

For those interested in my international artistic retreats, I invite them to visit: www.goddessimmersion.com

Through these creative experiences, I aim to bring women from different cultures together to explore painting, music, creativity, and meaningful human connections.

Readers are also welcome to follow my artistic journey on social media, where I share my latest paintings, musical compositions, exhibitions, and upcoming projects.

My greatest wish is to continue sharing my universe of Goddesses of Light with the world, building bridges between cultures through art, music, beauty, and creativity.

Haïfa Melliti in a white lace dress and red chechia, painting a Goddesses of Light canvas in her studio surrounded by her colourful paintings
Haïfa at work on a Goddesses of Light canvas in her studio
Haïfa Melliti in traditional Tunisian dress painting The Celestial Choir of God's Goddesses, with a canvas of the Tunisian flag on the wall behind her
Painting The Celestial Choir of God's Goddesses in traditional Tunisian dress
Les Déesses des notes éternelles, a Goddesses of Light painting by Haïfa Melliti: two goddesses with candles, treble clefs and musical notes on a green and blue background
Les Déesses des notes éternelles, from the Goddesses of Light series
The Celestial Choir of God's Goddesses (2025) by Haïfa Melliti, oil and acrylic on canvas: three goddesses in red chechias and red robes beneath yellow birds and a treble clef
The Celestial Choir of God's Goddesses (2025), oil and acrylic on canvas, 70 x 70 cm