Melodie Simone thought her future was already mapped out. Growing up surrounded by music, radio, creativity, and performance in New York City, she was pursuing a career in audio engineering and media — until one moment completely changed the direction of her life. After hearing a quiet but undeniable message — “You cannot serve two masters” — Melodie walked away from the path she thought she was meant for and began a journey of surrender, faith, healing, and purpose. In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Aimee sits down with Melodie Simone — worship leader, entrepreneur, creative visionary, and co-founder of Journey Well Studios — to talk about discernment, anxiety, purpose, obedience, and what it really means to trust God when life takes an unexpected turn. Melodie opens up about growing up in a fast-paced New York environment, leaving music college, moving to Colombia to pursue God, and how the Lord transformed her gifts into something far greater than she originally imagined. Together, they unpack the tension between strategy and surrender, the importance of soul care and self-awareness, and why slowing down may be the very thing your spirit needs most. This conversation is for anyone who feels stuck between fear and faith, overwhelmed by anxiety, or unsure of what God is doing in the middle of their story. 🔥 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How God can redirect your life through unexpected closed doors The difference between wisdom, discernment, and discretion Why surrender doesn’t mean giving up your ambition How anxiety grows when we lose self-awareness and stillness The powerful connection between soul care and spiritual growth Why slowing down is essential in a fast-paced world How God prepares you for your purpose long before you see it The truth about strategy, striving, and trusting God fully Why resistance can sometimes confirm your calling How painful seasons can become preparation for your future ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – “You cannot serve two masters” moment 02:00 – Melodie’s radical life redirection 05:30 – Growing up in New York City surrounded by music 09:00 – Leaving music college and moving to Colombia 12:00 – How Melodie became a worship leader 15:30 – Wisdom, discernment, and discretion explained 19:00 – Anxiety, self-awareness, and slowing down 23:00 – Strategy vs surrender: trusting God in business 27:00 – Soul care, therapy, and emotional health 31:00 – The story behind She’s Built Different 📌 CONNECT WITH US 🌐 Website: https://www.thesmilespa.us/ 🎧 Spotify: The Smile Spa Podcast 🍎 Apple Podcasts: The Smile Spa Podcast 📸 Instagram: @the_smilespa 👍 Facebook: The Smile Spa Baton Rouge 🎙 GUEST INFO Melodie Simone Melodie Simone is a worship leader, entrepreneur, creative director, and the co-founder of Journey Well Studios in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Alongside her husband Tim, she helps brands, businesses, and ministries tell meaningful stories through podcasting, media, and creative strategy. She is also the host of the podcast She’s Built Different, where she shares powerful conversations centered around faith, resilience, purpose, leadership, and personal growth for women navigating business, ministry, and life. 📣 CALL TO ACTION If this episode encouraged you, hit subscribe, tap the 🔔 bell, and share it with someone who needs this reminder today. Comment: “PURPOSE” — if you’re learning to trust God’s plan “SURRENDER” — if you’re walking through a season of change “PEACE” — if you’re choosing faith over anxiety