HAYVN HerStory: An Evening with Melissa Bernstein, Cofounder of Melissa & Doug, Lifelines, and Author

About HAYVN HerStory:

Chronicles of Women Who Innovate. Celebrate, Learn, and Be Inspired!

Showcasing Inspiring Journeys of Local Female Entrepreneurs

Hear ‘HerStory’ in HAYVN’s special series highlighting challenges, triumphs, innovative ideas, and offering all a unique opportunity to learn from their experiences.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, these events are designed to empower and motivate our entrepreneurial community. Come and connect with like-minded individuals, share your own experiences, and leave inspired to innovate and excel.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of an empowering experience!

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026

Join us for HAYVN HerStory featuring Melissa Bernstein, entrepreneur, creative visionary, and cofounder of the iconic billion-dollar brand Melissa & Doug.

In this intimate conversation, Melissa will share her remarkable journey of building purpose-driven companies while navigating creativity, leadership, motherhood, and personal well-being. From shaping childhood play through Melissa & Doug to redefining wellness with Lifelines, Melissa’s story is a testament to leading with heart, intention, and resilience.

Guests will gain insight into what it means to build a meaningful business and life, grounded in values, curiosity, and courage, and leave feeling inspired to reconnect with their own purpose.

The evening will conclude with a book signing of Melissa’s newest release, The Heart of Entrepreneurship.

FEATURED SPEAKERS & MODERATOR:

• Melissa Bernstein, Cofounder of Melissa & Doug, Cofounder of Lifelines, and author of The Heart of Entrepreneurship.
• Moderator: Nancy Sheed, Sheed Communications
• Beverage sponsor: Owl’s Brew.
• Media sponsor: Greenwich Lifestyle Magazine

LOCATION (please see parking info and map below):

• HAYVN Greenwich, 1700 E Putnam Ave Suite 208, Old Greenwich, CT 06870

COST:

Main Event begins at 6pm and follows an intimate VIP reception at 5:30pm.

VIP Reception & Main Event: 5:30-8:00pm

• General Admission: $100; Early Bird Tickets: $90
• HAYVN Members: $75; Early Bird Tickets: $65

Main Event: 6:00-8:00pm

• General Admission: $35; Early Bird Tickets: $30
• HAYVN Members: $20; Early Bird Tickets: $18

NOTE: Early bird ticket sales end two weeks before event.

WHY ATTEND?

• Meet & Greet – You’ll have the opportunity to meet with our featured guest during an intimate VIP reception before the main event.
• Engaging Conversations – Hear firsthand accounts from successful female entrepreneurs followed by an audience Q&A.
• Authentic Stories – Dive deep into their personal narratives and discover what drives them.
• Guidance & Empowerment – Gain invaluable insights and advice to fuel your own journey!

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

ABOUT MELISSA BERNSTEIN, COFOUNDER OF MELISSA & DOUG, LIFELINES, AUTHOR:

Melissa Bernstein is an entrepreneur, creative, and mother of six. She’s cofounder of the billion dollar toy company Melissa & Doug and cofounder of Lifelines, a wellness brand offering science-backed sensory immersion products designed to help manage stress, find calm, and enhance well-being. Melissa is the Entrepreneur in Residence for the Inner MBA certification program created by Sounds True, LinkedIn, and Wisdom 2.0, cofounder of the Duke University Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs program, Duke University Trustee, and author of Lifelines, Practice Makes Purpose, and the recently released The Heart of Entrepreneurship.

LINKS TO EXPLORE:
Find out more at Melissa & Doug, Lifelines, The Heart of Entrepreneurship.

ABOUT NANCY SHEED

Nancy Sheed is a marketing strategist with more than 20 years experience in the communications and publishing industries. She helps people get confidently connected online and in person so they can be seen, be found, and be heard by their target audience. Her clients include authors, thought leaders and entrepreneurs seeking to authentically integrate content marketing and community building into their branding and communications strategy.

Parking & Getting to HAYVN Greenwich

• HAYVN Greenwich is located between exits 5 & 6 off I-95.
• Our building is right next to the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Entrance is first building on right as you enter circular driveway.
• Use HAYVN’s main outside entrance to access the space (See video and map)
• Park on the HAYVN designated spaces or on parking lot 1 or 2. Either parking lot is only a few steps away from our Main entrance!
• Please only park in the designated HAYVN spaces or unmarked spots. Parking in spaces reserved for other companies may result in your vehicle being towed by the building management.

Accessibility Parking & Entry – HAYVN Greenwich

• Accessible parking is available in Lot 2, located behind the building. This lot has ADA-compliant spaces next to an entrance with elevator access to the second floor, where you’ll find HAYVN Greenwich (Suite 208).
• Please note: The main HAYVN entrance in the circular driveway is not wheelchair accessible. For step-free access, please use Lot 2 and enter through the back of the building.
• The accessible entrance does not have an automatic door opener, but a receptionist is usually available to help if needed.
• If you have questions or would like help when you arrive, please contact us at [hello@hayvn.com] or call (203) 244-7322.

Questions? Contact questions@hayvn.com

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WANT TO SEE MORE? View our full calendar of events