We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Ann. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.

Michelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Authenticity. Follow what lights up your soul and it will never lead you astray and it will keep leading you to every door you need to open, even if you don’t listen right away.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Marketing and Communications Specialist. Under the umbrella, I also provide Graphic Design and Photography, so I am like a one-stop shop as they say for all your marketing needs and all can be done al la carte as well. My passion is creating and also helping businesses grow, so marketing and design were the perfect way to incorporate all of that in one. This field also allows me to work remotely, which is important.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I lost my ability to sing three years ago. Music is one thing I thought my disease could not take away from me. Music is my outlet. It has always been there when life is throws its trauma and darkness. Way before my diagnosis, trauma was ever present which most people do not know. I am slowly becoming more open and vulnerable about it in hopes of helping others feels less alone. One day at a time, though. A line in my song “Sing Above” is “On my darkness days, I guard my hope as the thief invades, faith builds my armor to fight another day.” This rings true, every day for people with MS. During this time of losing this ability, I focused on my writing and then that prompted me to focus on my love of photography as well. Heartache strikes, loss strikes, trauma strikes. I pivot. That doesn’t mean I don’t have all the feelings that come with any loss, and it is not to downplay any of those feelings, it is important to normalize them and speak on them I’ve realized as I’ve gained wisdom as I’ve gotten older. it is truly brutal and that’s important to speak on. I eventually turn the pain into beauty, I go through the motions in the speed that is comfortable for me, and then turn it into something that helps others and provides healing for my soul as well and this is typically through the medium of Art. With my disease loss is a cycle, some symptoms become permanent, some is temporary, This latest attack, which means new or worsening symptoms, It affected my mobility. I was unable to walk like before. I went on intense iv high dose steroids at an infusion center, No one knew besides by family that told them. I was literally just surviving honestly as the steroids affected my body very strongly as did the attack and I just couldn’t bare to reach out and I have a very hard time asking for help or support. I do not broadcast things typically when they happen, maybe for awareness later but my Ms community understands this. Things aren’t temporary, this happen all the time if we told you everything we’d have no time to feel any bit “normal” not to mention time to LIVE. I however SO appreciate people who take initiative and reach out to me, I am happy to talk to those people if they care enough to reach out, I just mean day to day, most people have no clue. it makes you truly appreciate the present and for all your abilities, big or small.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I want to help others feel less alone and feel understood and heard through their own Journey. Authentic Art has the magic to do that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://michelleannmusic.wixsite.com/home
• Instagram: instagram.com/michelleannmusic
• Facebook: fb.me/michelleannmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC143BWBTFA1CzR9nblqyb2Q
• Other: I have a free newsletter I provide to my awesome music community full of music history, deals, and steals and first to know news and updates! You can sign up by putting email at the bottom of my website homepage! You can also, follow, like and subscribe to my platforms! I’d love to have you! I am currently in a contest I was selected for by a judging panel I would love any support! My original music is on this site and you can cast votes here as well: https://theopenact.com/2023/michelle-ann: