Did you like it the Alex Hormozi books, but don't know "how to really start doing your thing"?!

So this is for you!

This is a beautiful blending of stories and methodology in enterpreneurship, showing the step by step to start (even with fear, or exciting, smiles) your own business plan

Takes your by the hand to know your idea, stop lying to yourself and become objective and have some solid background in every step

A great and stimulating read, and conjoiting with the Hormozi books will give you the KEY TO YOUR OWN BUSINESS TODAY!

If you are looking for a read with deeply personal, refreshingly honest, and profoundly inspiring guide to building a business and a life that are aligned with your true self. Best known as the co-founder of the beloved toy company Melissa & Doug, Bernstein brings a rare blend of entrepreneurial expertise and emotional insight to the table. This book goes beyond the typical “how-to” startup manual. Instead, it invites readers to reconnect with their purpose, tap into their creativity, and define success on their own terms. Bernstein shares her journey with vulnerability and candor, illustrating that the path to meaningful work isn't always linear and that the inner work is just as important as the outer hustle. What sets this book apart is its emphasis on authenticity. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all formula, Bernstein encourages readers to craft their own “recipe” for fulfillment by blending passion, purpose, resilience, and self-awareness. Her reflections are supported by actionable advice and thought-provoking exercises that make this both a motivational read and a practical toolkit.

Taste the signature dish of the Master Chef of Entrepreneurship Melissa Bernstein. Like any signature dish, entrepreneurship takes not only creativity but also courage, not just ideas but unique inspiration, strong ideology, critique depersonalization, and thoughtful self-care. For the fresh entrepreneur, the book outlines critical steps with transparent stories to demonstrate its principle. Be prepared for some repetition and a total commitment to the food theme, but also, a fresh perspective you will not find in any similar book (e.g. how to handle personal fears and potential disasters). For the launched entrepreneur, the reader should find tweaking tips and meaningful motivation to move forward like using curiosity, criticism, competitor deceit productively. The seasoned entrepreneur learns the power of returning to the basics and the pleasure of regaining or simply maintaining one's internal motivation. For any potential or current business owner, the book offers an opportunity to examine yourself and your If you are looking to start something new, find SPACE for The Heart of Entrepreneurship,

Welcome to Melissa Bernstein’s kitchen! In her new book, she cooks up dozens of recipes about how to build your business, from facing your fears to launching the brand new product line. Using personal experiences from her companies Melissa and Doug’s Toys and Lifelines, Bernstein guides us through what it took to get on top and gives nice step-by-step recipies to follow in the path of greatness! Highly recommend!

Rating: 4 ⭐️
Pub Date: November 11, 2025
How I Read It:📱

My Thoughts
I picked this book up because there was a Melissa and Doug building a few towns over from me, so naturally, this book peaked my interest. Based on their products, I thought this would be a more light-hearted approach to entrepreneurship, but it’s far from that, diving into the complexities of the mind: anxiety, ego, the fear of the unknown. And she doesn’t get there slowly, she dives right in in the first chapter. This is a heavy read on entrepreneurship that many may not be ready for, but would be beneficial for most since the rollercoaster of thoughts and self-sabotaging beliefs while running a business is a real thing!

Thank you Sounds True Publishing | St. Martin's Essentials / Sounds True and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!

Thank you Sounds True Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in return of my honest review.

I admit that I was initially drawn to this book due to the cover and the fact that our child loved Melissa and Doug Puzzles and toys growing up.

Melissa and Doug was sold in 2024 and following this, Melissa came into acquaintance with Inner MBA, co-founded by Tami Simon the Founder of Sounds True, where Melissa felt a huge pull towards the Inner MBA program.

This book is a result of her journey since this time and provides the reader a fabulous, refreshing guide on how to build something from your heart.

I loved the Recipe analogy Melissa uses to “build a business”. She really makes it feel like something that has been a pipeline dream, shut down through fear and inaction can become a strong possibility.

In order to have an iota of success Melissa explains how to use this recipe, starting by ensuring first and foremost that the recipe your create is aligned with your values and draws on your creativity.

For a non-business minded soul this book really won my heart and I will be returning to it again and again.
I can’t wait to gather my ingredients, create the mix aligned for me and see what is possible.

Highly recommended.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this fabulous book.