We were lucky to catch up with Elaine Michele recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Elaine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
My journey into the world of creativity and entrepreneurship started with a rebellious streak and a longing to break free from the constraints of my conservative upbringing.
Growing up in a household dominated by evangelical beliefs, I felt like an outsider in my own skin. Every fiber of my being rebelled against the narrow confines of what was deemed acceptable. My natural inclination towards music, the arts, and self-expression were deemed “sinful,” and from a young age, I learned to suppress my true self to avoid the judgment and isolation that came with being different.
Life took a turn when my parents split during my teenage years. While I reveled in my newfound freedom and experiences, shame and guilt lurked in the shadows, a hangover from years spent internalizing the teachings of purity culture.
College opened my eyes to a world of possibility. Discussions surrounding women’s rights and social justice set my soul on fire. Inspired by the desire to enact change, I pursued a path in political science with aspirations of attending law school. However, fate had other plans.
At 21, I became a single mom. At the time, I was barely capable of supporting myself, and I was scared. Dreams of law school no longer seemed viable, so I threw myself into work. Landing an internship at the TN State Legislature helped pay the bills, but I needed more if I was going to make it in Nashville.
That’s when I stumbled into entrepreneurship, becoming a women’s sexual health educator and sales rep for an intimacy company. Helping women shed body shame and embrace self love became my mission, and through this work, I found empowerment of my own.
In 2021, modeling found me, thanks to a chance encounter. What started as a hobby blossomed into a professional pursuit, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Alongside my legislative work, I found a source of joy and fulfillment in creative expression and community building.
A transformative moment came when I met Savannah Grimm, a beacon of acceptance and celebration of my multidimensional identity. Her admiration of my unconventional journey inspired me to embrace every facet of who I am. Our friendship ignited a spark that culminated in the creation of VXXEN, a platform dedicated to celebrating the divine feminine and artistic expression in its many forms.
Less than a few weeks after meeting Savannah, personal tragedy struck when my daughter survived a mass shooting. In the aftermath, creativity became my refuge, paving the way for initiatives like Nashville Creatives Club (co-founded with photographer/kindred spirit Isaac Jones), a haven for artists to unleash their unique brand of magic.
Through it all, I’ve learned that resilience is born from embracing authenticity. My journey is a testament to the power of creativity to heal, inspire, and create change in the world. I believe the future belongs to those bold enough to lead with love and embrace their authenticity, and I remain devoted to creating safe spaces for them to do so.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Elaine Michele, a dynamic individual known for wearing many hats and possessing an uncanny gift for connection. Whether it’s striking up conversations with strangers wherever I go or playing matchmaker among friends and fellow creatives, fostering meaningful connections is at the heart of who I am. Professionally, I’m recognized as a model/creative, entrepreneur, and TN Legislative Insider.
My journey into the world of creativity and entrepreneurship was anything but conventional. Growing up in a conservative environment, I learned early on to suppress my true passions for fear of judgment and rejection. However, as life unfolded, I found the courage to embrace my authentic self and pursue my passions wholeheartedly.
My background spans a diverse range of experiences, from navigating single motherhood at a young age to working as a legislative aide at the TN State Legislature. I’ve also carved out a niche in entrepreneurship, particularly in the realm of women’s sexual health and empowerment.
As a women’s sexual health educator and sales representative for a global intimacy company, I’ve had the privilege of helping women shed body shame and embrace their desires. Through workshops, consultations, and product offerings, I aim to create safe spaces for women to explore their sexuality without fear or judgment.
In addition to my work in sexual health advocacy, I’ve also found immense fulfillment in the world of modeling and creative expression. What started as a fun hobby quickly evolved into a professional pursuit, allowing me to collaborate with photographers, brands, and fellow creatives to bring visions to life.
In the wake of personal tragedy, creativity became my refuge, leading to the establishment of Nashville Creatives Club. We host monthly pop up events in the Nashville area for photographers/models/actors/creative beings. Alongside my creative partner, Isaac Jones, our desire is for these collaborative spaces to serve as a haven for artists of all backgrounds to embrace every aspect of who they are and showcase their creativity without inhibition.
I’m thrilled to be launching VXXEN with my dear friend Savannah Grimm this Spring. The vision is to create a platform dedicated to celebrating the divine feminine and artistic expression in all its forms. The first iteration of VXXEN is in podcast form – you can stream wherever you prefer to listen!
I believe one of my super powers to be an unwavering commitment to authenticity and inclusivity. Whether I’m advocating for women’s sexual health, breaking barriers in modeling, or fostering community through creative endeavors, my mission remains the same: to empower individuals to embrace their true selves and lead with love.
My work is driven by a passion for creating positive change in the world. Whether you’re seeking empowerment, inspiration, or simply a sense of belonging, I invite you to join me on this journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and my creative pursuits. I’m excited to continue sharing my story and watching the magic unfold!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the most defining moments came when I became a single mother at the age of 21. The weight of uncertainty loomed large as I wrestled with the prospect of parenthood without much emotional/financial support. Dreams of attending law school seemed like fantasies, overshadowed by the immediate responsibilities at hand.
I remember making a conscious decision to not to let my current circumstances dictate my future. I seized an internship opportunity at the TN State Legislature in pursuit of my passion for politics and correcting injustice in the world. The paycheck was modest, however this opportunity was a glimmer of hope as I charted a course towards a brighter tomorrow.
Driven by a desire for more than just making ends meet, I turned to entrepreneurship as a means of supplementing my income. I became a certified women’s sexual health educator, and found fulfillment in empowering others to embrace and explore their desires without shame. What began as a passion for advocacy blossomed into a thriving business venture, laying the foundation for future creative endeavors.
This experience taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and the transformative power of devotion to purpose in the face of adversity. It reaffirmed my belief that a willingness to trust God/the Universe and adapt when life throws you curveballs are key ingredients of success. Despite some setbacks and detours along the way, I’m proud of the person I am today, and I’ll continue pushing boundaries and embracing new opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Honestly, my best advice for building a social media presence is: have fun, keep it real, and just do you, boo! Create/post what YOU love vs what you think people want to see, and you’ll naturally attract your people. I feel that showing some of your “behind the scenes” moments alongside your highlight reel is important for fostering meaningful connection/loyalty. Everyone has a different take on this; however, I genuinely love hanging out in my DMs and connecting with folks who are vibing with my content. I post stories more than anything else, and that’s where I see the most interaction. I believe the secret sauce is literally f***ing around and finding out what works for you – I don’t think there’s any one “right” way to do it.
Contact Info:
- Website: xoelainemichele.com
- Instagram: @xoelainemichele
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itselainemichele
- Other: TikTok: @xoelainemichele
Image Credits
Rachel Oxford Collective Savannah Grimm Isaac Jones Stephen Dillon