Meet Melissa Crispell | President, Pure Essentials & Wellness Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Crispell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I’ve probably always been a bit of a risk taker – not reckless, but just enough to push outside the lines. I think calculated risks are healthy, especially when there’s a purpose driving them. If I believe in something bigger than myself, the potential outcome usually outweighs the fear of the risk.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit… not every risk I’ve taken has been carefully thought through. And those are usually the ones that don’t go quite as planned. But they’ve shaped me. Some of my hardest lessons came from risks that didn’t pan out – but those lessons always moved me forward.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m the President of Pure Essentials Supplements, a radically clean, women-led supplement company on a mission to redefine what it means to support health with integrity. What sets us apart is our uncompromising commitment to transparency – in our formulas, our sourcing, and our communication. Every product is practitioner-formulated, third-party tested, and made without the usual industry fillers, synthetic additives, or misleading claims.

But getting here wasn’t easy — and honestly, doing it right never is. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that there isn’t nearly as much transparency in supplement manufacturing as people think. You have to check, double-check, and check again. Ask for documents, validate certifications, and be relentless about quality. We’ve learned the hard way that just because someone says they’re GMP-certified or “clean,” doesn’t mean the process is actually clean.

My motivation has always been deeply personal. After losing my sister to leukemia, and later helping my son through Hodgkin’s lymphoma (both were results of their military service), I saw firsthand how much harm can come from the hidden toxins and lack of oversight in our health system — even in the so-called “natural” space. During my son’s chemo, we tested a prototype of what’s now our Ultra Synbiotic, and it helped stabilize his digestion when little else was working. That moment showed me just how powerful the right support can be.

Today, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built with people who are done with hype and desperate for honesty. We’re not here to push another pill. We’re here to educate, empower, and offer radically clean, practitioner-designed supplements that actually help.

What I want the world to know is this: You’re not broken. Your body isn’t the problem. And your wellness shouldn’t depend on products full of compromises. It’s time for a better standard — and we’re building it at Pure Essentials.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Welcome to Wilmington
• Morning: Arrive and settle in; grab coffee and a light, healthy bite downtown.
• Midday: Explore Longwood Gardens—a stunning 1,100-acre horticultural paradise just north of Wilmington.
• Evening: Dinner at Krazy Kat’s inside the Inn at Montchanin—farm-to-table in a cozy, historic village setting.

Day 2: Spa & Slow Time
• Morning: Indulge in a HydraFacial + Body Scrub + Swedish massage at The Spa at Montchanin Village—tailored, peaceful pampering.
• Afternoon: Lounge on the spa grounds or enjoy a light lunch at the Inn.
• Evening: Evening walk by the Brandywine Creek and casual cocktails & wood fired pizza at LaPizzeria Metro.

Day 3: Culture & Nature
• Morning: Hike scenic trails at Brandywine Creek State Park or DuPont Environmental Education Center for riverfront views and wildlife.
• Afternoon: Visit Hagley Museum or Nemours Mansion & Gardens—du Pont legacy at its finest.
• Evening: Dinner in Greenville; consider local favorite like BBC Tavern & Grille.

Day 4: Wine + Scenic Drive
• Morning: Head to Chaddsford Winery in PA’s Brandywine Valley for a guided cellar tour and tasting—cozy fire pits and live music on weekends.
• Lunch: Bring farm-fresh snacks or enjoy on-site pairings.
• Afternoon: Check out more of Brandywine’s countryside or chill with a bottle by the lawn.
• Evening: Return to Wilmington for a relaxed evening & home cooking.

Day 5: Rehoboth Beach Getaway
• Morning: Drive 1 hour to Rehoboth Beach. Grab beachside breakfast at the Egg.
• Day: Beach time and boardwalk strolls—sun, surf, and fresh sea air.
• Lunch: Lobster rolls at Mason’s.
• Evening: Sunset swim, cocktails on the boardwalk, and head back.

Day 6: Gardens & Greenhouse Dining
• Morning: Stroll through Longwood Gardens (or revisit for new areas).
• Lunch: At 1906 Fine Dining inside the gardens – seasonal, locally-sourced menu.
• Afternoon: Visit Terrain Garden Café nearby in Glen Mills for stunning greenhouse-style lunch/dinner.
• Evening: Dine al fresco before heading back — Greenwich-style elegance.

Day 7: Reflection & Slow Farewell
• Morning: Light Hike at Bellevue State Park or Riverfront walk.
• Brunch: Cozy café downtown—local pastries and chai.
• Afternoon: Pick up local treats (wine, olive oil, wellness goodies) before drop off.
• Farewell: Coffee on the riverfront and a heartfelt goodbye.

Highlights & Why It Works
• Wellness + Restoration: Spa day, hikes, riverfront calm.
• Nature Immersion: Gardens, parks, beach—serene and scenic.
• Quality Dining: From farm-to-table to greenhouse elegance.
• Local Culture & Charm: Historic du Pont estates, winery, coastal vibes.
• Balanced Pace: Mix of active, reflective, and indulgent days.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I honestly have such an incredible support system that I’d sound like an Academy Award winner if I listed everyone. Personally, my kids have been my biggest cheerleaders and constant source of inspiration. Watching them grow into who they are reminds me why I do this work in the first place.

My husband and my parents have been steady anchors—supporting me behind the scenes in ways that don’t always get the spotlight but matter so much.

And professionally, my dear friend and colleague Mira has walked beside me through thick and thin. She’s challenged me, believed in me, and reminded me of my purpose during the hardest moments. I wouldn’t be here without her.

There’s no way to do this alone, and I’m grateful every day for the people who’ve helped carry the weight.

Website: https://www.pure-essentials.com/pages/our-story

Instagram: @Melissa_crispell. @shoppureessetials

Linkedin: Melissa Crispell