Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Hacunda
Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my career working in-house in higher education marketing and communications, where I honed my skills in storytelling and content strategy. After several years in that space, I transitioned into life sciences and pharma communications, which allowed me to dive deeper into more specialized and regulated industries.
The turning point for me came during graduate school while navigating some personal health issues. At the time, I was also working in corporate, and that experience inspired me to focus on health and wellness brands. I wanted to use my skills to help organizations that make a positive impact on people’s lives, much like those that supported me.
Eventually, I took the leap and started my own marketing agency, where I focus on marketing strategy, content marketing, and social media management for clients in both the health and wellness space, as well as in education, which remains a passion of mine. I also teach as an adjunct faculty member at several universities across the state, including my former workplace, Boston College, and two of my alma maters, Bridgewater State University and Emerson College.
Today, I have the privilege of working with a range of clients, helping them craft stories and build meaningful connections with their audiences. I love the variety in my work and the opportunity to meet people across the country and around the globe!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—more like a winding one with plenty of ups and downs. One of the biggest challenges has been transitioning from being an employee to becoming a business owner. That shift came with a steep learning curve, especially when it came to finding clients after stepping away from the 9-5 world. Starting my business during the pandemic in 2020 added its own unique set of challenges.
Another major hurdle has been learning to put myself out there and not fear failure—a tough feat for a perfectionist like me. Marketing myself was also a new experience, completely different from marketing on behalf of others. Establishing a structure to manage projects effectively and setting clear office hours was essential to avoid burnout and maintain a sustainable work-life balance.
Each of these struggles has taught me valuable business lessons, and it’s been an ongoing process of adapting, growing, and embracing imperfection along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m Michelle Hacunda, the owner of Michelle Hacunda Consulting, a boutique health and wellness marketing agency based in Boston, MA. We specialize in marketing strategy, content marketing, and social media management, with a focus on health and wellness brands.
What sets us apart is our deep expertise in the health and wellness space, enabling us to create content marketing and social media campaigns that truly resonate with audiences. Our approach is highly personalized—we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we tailor strategies to each client’s unique needs, ensuring their messaging connects effectively with their target audience.
What I’m most proud of is the strong relationships we’ve built with our clients. We don’t just deliver results; we become an extension of their team, sharing their vision and working alongside them to achieve it. When our clients celebrate success, they include us because they know we’re just as invested in their success as they are.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My biggest piece of advice for finding a mentor or networking is to put yourself out there—post everywhere and let people know what you need help with. That’s how I got started. I began by posting in local Facebook groups, where I connected with fellow business owners. Those connections led me to my first clients, and everything snowballed from there.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to people in your network, whether online or in person. You never know who might offer valuable advice, guidance, or even a business opportunity. Networking isn’t just about attending events—it’s about making yourself visible and being clear about what you’re looking for. The more you share, the greater the chance that the right connections will come your way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michellehacunda.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.hacunda/