Melanie Underwood, Founder of Nourish and Gather
Name: Melanie Underwood
Founder: Nourish and Gather
In one sentence, what problem do you solve and for who?
I help people of all ages slow down, reconnect with themselves and each other, and find genuine presence through cooking, mindfulness, and meaningful conversation.
What's your story?
I’ve spent my life in kitchens - first growing up on a small farm in Virginia, then in New York City restaurants, and later teaching thousands of students at the Institute of Culinary Education. What’s always guided me is a deep belief that when people feel empowered, they become curious, confident, and connected - and I know how to help them get there. Leading comes naturally to me; I can see people’s potential before they can. Cooking and mindfulness are simply the tools I use to help them get there. Today, through Nourish & Gather, I teach embodied nourishment—using food, conversation, and presence to remind people that empowerment doesn’t come from being perfect; it comes from showing up fully, with awareness and heart.
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
Being in FoundHer is all about connection. I’m constantly inspired by the strength and generosity of this community’ people who genuinely want to see each other succeed. That’s what draws me in, because that’s what I care about most: helping others rise, lead, and create lives that feel meaningful.
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
I’m active in several local business groups where I help other women founders brainstorm, problem-solve, and refine their pricing— something I’m known for and passionate about. I’ve supported several women here in Westchester who’ve confidently doubled their prices and grown their businesses as a result. Beyond that, I mentor young girls and work with the Girl Scouts to help future founders develop the confidence and curiosity to lead.
What are three podcasts you listen to that have helped you with your business?
The Marie Forleo Podcast
Second Life
The Goal DiggerPodcast
What is ONE BOOK that you would recommend every female business owner read?
Build For Tomorrow by Jason Feifer
Who is a female entrepreneur you look up to and why?
Gretchen Hotl Witt. She took the pain of her sons cancer diagnosis and death and turned it into an organization that has, 15 years later, funded almost 25 million in children’s cancer research. She is a force and I admire her strength and tenacity.
What are the first five things that you did when you were starting your business?
Studied color theory and decided what branding (colors, fonts, etc.) I wanted for my business and website
Built my own website. I literally locked myself away on President's Day weekend for three days and built out my website myself. For someone who came with zero tech skills, I am very proud of that.
Reached out to former private clients for testimonials
Joined local business groups
Began networking like hell
What is something you do differently from the industry standard?
For better or worse, I throw myself into the fire and see what works. I’m super creative and constantly coming up with ideas. Sometimes I try things and see they’re not going to succeed, so I quit and move on, and sometimes I pivot and find a better angle. I don’t care about perfection at all. I hate performative work, and I think most people who talk about being authentic aren’t actually as authentic as they say they are.
For me, it’s always been about being who I am being—direct and honest and leading with that.
What was an obstacle you overcame to get your business where it is today?
One of the biggest obstacles I had to overcome was my husband’s resistance to my growth. I’m not even sure it was fear of my success, but it was clear he didn’t want me to grow as a business person. In the past, every time I started to build something and he saw it working, he’d quietly lay out little obstacles to slow me down. When I launched Nourish and Gather, I told him directly that I was done buying into his drama and his obstacle building. I ignored it, kept moving, and eventually, I trained him to stop.
What are three actionable tips you would give to other women who want to start a business or are just getting started?
Stop crowdsourcing your confidence. If you’re constantly asking for feedback before you act, you’ll never trust your own instincts. You don’t need a committee to validate what you already know.
Don’t romanticize the grind. Yes, building something takes work, but burnout isn’t a badge of honor. Protect your energy early so your creativity doesn’t turn into resentment.
Learn to pivot fast and without shame. Not every idea needs to succeed. Sometimes the win is realizing it’s not worth your time and moving on without apology.
Do you want to share your story and advice with the Dear FoundHer… community? CLICK HERE to submit your information.
Follow us on Instagram @dearfoundher and join our Facebook community for more conversation.
Make sure you tune in to Dear FoundHer… for new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
