Read what one of our clients, Michele, had to say about her experience with the 40 over 40 Campaign and why she wanted to be part of this confidence-boosting experience!
A Little About Michele’s Background And Life
Michele’s multifaceted career path took root in Hendersonville, TN, where she traversed various professions—bartending, academia, and corporate marketing—before stumbling into entrepreneurship unexpectedly. A pivotal turn came in 2017 when she embraced motherhood and ventured into nutrition coaching, eventually birthing a thriving health and wellness line centered around her sought-after elderberry products.
Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, her brick-and-mortar endeavor encountered hurdles, yet her unwavering commitment to supporting local farmers and artisans persisted. On the family property, fondly dubbed Harbin Hollow, Michele tends to her health products and a burgeoning small apiary, embodying resilience and unwavering dedication in her pursuit of fostering community and sustainable living.
Q+ A With Michele
Why was being part of the 40 Over 40 Campaign important to you?
The past year has been a great time of reflection for me. I have started seeing patterns of anxiety and depression fueled by burnout throughout my adult life. Each cycle, I have been able to learn a little more about myself, and with the help of a team of therapists, I am consistently learning new coping mechanisms and ways to live a happy, purpose filled life.
These significant points in life begin as storms and end with sunny days full of rainbows. When I emerge from each storm, I can see clearly again, and looking back, I’m always thankful for unanswered prayers. I feel the older we get, the more we are able to realize life is working for us, not against us.
What is your profession?
Entrepreneur
What are your achievements and hobbies?
I hold a Master Degree in Corporate Communication, am passionate about health and fitness, and take pride in building and maintaining meaningful relationships. At the end of the day, I love people and embrace any chance to support, connect, and network with others. I also LOVE public speaking and jump at the chance to sit on a professional panel, be a guest on a podcast, MC an event, or give a motivational or informative speech.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
My family, hands down. Being a wife and mother overflows my cup, and I am proud of the loving, kind, accepting children we are raising. Lylah Jane is nine years old, and Cooper is five.
What is your personal motto?
I had a health coach who ingrained the value of being “Better, Not Perfect” in me. This phrase encourages me to simply be my best. At the end of the day, isn’t that all we can really ask of ourselves?
What is something that matters to you?
Social justice- I truly believe we all deserve equal chances at living out our true purpose and achieving any level of success our hearts desire. We are ALL worthy of love, safety, and a life filled with joy.
What quote defines you?
The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. – Dolly Parton
What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
Learn to trust yourself with an open heart and sober mind.
What would you like your legacy to be?
I simply want to be remembered as a kind person who connected people to one another by building bridges and finding common ground. Anytime I am asked what my greatest strength is, I say it is my ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships.
What are 3 words that define you?
Enthusiastic. Adventurous. Supportive.
Have you been professionally photographed before? By whom? Describe your experience.
I have! My first professional photography experience was by Natasha Dickinson at her home studio. I was photographed with other strong, empowering women for a billboard running in Nashville promoting women in business. She left me feeling beautiful inside and out. This was before my shoot with Fizzah. After my shoot with Fizzah, I finally booked a boudoir session with my friend, photographer Kat Bradshaw. She has an amazing Vanity Fair style of shooting and made me feel so comfortable in my own skin and as the woman I have become at age 44.
When you look at your final portraits, how do feel about yourself? What words would you use to describe the woman in the portrait?
These are some of the most absolute gorgeous photos taken of me in my entire life. I left Fizzah’s studio feeling empowered, capable, and beautiful. I see strength and tenacity in a woman who has fought addiction and depression and was able to overcome. The power within me surfaced and transferred into these photos. It was truly an experience I recommend to every woman.
If you’re ready to book your photoshoot, you can start the process by sending an inquiry here.
Or you can see more of my Portrait Photography photos here!
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