We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Childress a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

Yes, we absolutely prioritize vacations. In fact, this year alone, we have planned to travel 15-20 times. Vacationing is not just a personal indulgence for us; it’s actually integrated into our business model. We’ve established travel collaborations that are an integral part of our operations. Essentially, we’ve devised a way to be compensated for creating content for hotels and resorts. It’s a win-win situation where we get paid to create family memories together.

Maintaining this balance between work and leisure requires meticulous organization and teamwork. We ensure that all tasks, orders, and deliverables are well-defined and scheduled in advance. By coordinating effectively as a team, we are able to fulfill our commitments even when we’re away from the office. This approach not only allows us to enjoy our vacations but also ensures that our business continues to thrive in our absence.

For entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away from their business for a short vacation, my advice would be to explore creative ways to integrate leisure into your business model. Whether it’s through partnerships, collaborations, or innovative revenue streams, finding ways to monetize your time away can not only alleviate the guilt of taking a break but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of your business in the long run. Additionally, fostering a culture of trust and effective communication within your team is crucial for ensuring that operations run smoothly even when you’re not physically present.

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 honored to share my journey, one that’s been marked by resilience, love, and the unwavering support of my husband and faith in God. My path took a drastic turn during what seemed like the darkest year of my life, but through it all, I emerged with a newfound purpose and a passion to uplift others.

It was a year marked by profound loss. The pain of bidding farewell to my husband’s dear friend was still fresh as we rushed back home, only to receive the devastating news of my mother’s sudden hospitalization. In a whirlwind of emotions, I stood by helplessly as I watched her slip away. She was not just my mother, but my confidante, my rock. And amidst this grief, I was also carrying life within me, my third child.

But life’s challenges didn’t stop there. In the midst of this turmoil, a car accident further shook our world. And just when I thought I had weathered the storm, another blow struck – the loss of my job at a Fortune 500 company that I had poured my heart and soul into for over a decade. Yet, little did I know, this setback was merely paving the way for something extraordinary.

In the midst of darkness, a flicker of hope emerged – my daughter Cassidy Monroe, our angel baby, a beacon of light amidst the shadows. It was during this time that my husband approached me with a proposition – to bring our superpowers together under one roof. While we were already entrepreneurs in our own right, he believed that my business acumen would allow us to thrive in any arena we stepped into. With his unwavering support, I birthed Mom Tribe Vibes, a sanctuary for mothers and women seeking solace, community, and love.

As a wife and mother of four, I intimately understand the challenges that come with juggling multiple roles. Mom Tribe Vibes isn’t just a business; it’s a lifeline, a testament to the power of God, community, and support. We made a deliberate effort to be efficient in everything we do. Our homeschool journey began simultaneously with the inception of Mom Tribe Vibes, and it’s been a journey where my kids have been right there in the trenches with us, learning the ins and outs of business. It’s taught them the value of money, time, and teamwork, while instilling in them important life lessons that will serve them well into their future. This whole journey has been nothing short of a blessing, allowing us to impart invaluable lessons of entrepreneurship to our children while reclaiming precious family time.

What sets Mom Tribe Vibes apart is our unwavering commitment to empowerment, encouragement, and inspiration. We don’t just offer products or services; we provide a safe haven for women to connect, grow, and thrive. Our journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been guided by faith, love, and the belief that through adversity, we find our greatest strengths. I am most proud of the community we’ve built, the lives we’ve touched, and the countless women who have found solace in our tribe. Mom Tribe Vibes isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement, a testament to the power of resilience and the beauty of sisterhood.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Mom Tribe Vibes is more than just a brand; it’s a family. We welcome you with open arms, ready to walk alongside you on your journey, offering support, encouragement, and love every step of the way. Together, we rise, empowered by the strength of our tribe and fueled by the belief that no obstacle is insurmountable when faced with faith, love, and unity.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Certainly! Building an audience on social media is not an easy task, but with dedication and authenticity, it’s possible to cultivate a thriving community. Here’s my story:

The journey to building our social media following began with a foundation rooted in authenticity and genuine relationships. My husband and I leveraged our connections in the sports and business worlds to garner unpaid advertisements from celebrities and top influencers. These relationships served as a catalyst for our organic growth, as their endorsements helped amplify our brand’s message to a wider audience.

However, it’s essential to emphasize that patience played a crucial role in our success. Building a meaningful audience takes time, and it’s important not to rush the process. Instead of chasing fleeting trends or waves, we remained steadfast in our commitment to staying true to the essence of our brand. This authenticity resonated with our audience, fostering trust and loyalty over time.

For those embarking on the journey of building a social media presence, my advice would be to prioritize authenticity and patience above all else. Stay true to your brand’s identity, values, and voice, even when faced with the temptation to conform to popular trends. Remember that genuine connections and engagement are the keys to long-term success on social media. Focus on building meaningful relationships with your audience, and the growth will follow naturally.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the inception of Mom Tribe Vibes, I encountered a pivotal moment that significantly shaped our trajectory. Initially, our marketing strategy centered around leveraging influencers and celebrities to generate buzz for our business. However, upon delving deeper into this approach, I realized the substantial costs associated with engaging these influencers. It was a moment of revelation, albeit with a touch of humor, as I recognized the significant sums these individuals commanded for brand promotion.

In response to this realization, I swiftly pivoted our approach. Understanding the importance of visibility and brand partnerships, I decided to market not only Mom Tribe Vibes but also our family as distinct entities to potential collaborators. This shift aimed to leverage the strengths of each entity while fostering mutual support. It turned out to be a pivotal decision, propelling us into the realm of successful family content creators. Today, we stand as one of the most successful family content creators, with both our family brand and Mom Tribe Vibes thriving in their own right, yet seamlessly supporting each other’s growth and visibility.

By integrating our family brand with Mom Tribe Vibes, we fostered seamless collaboration opportunities across various niches, including family travel, business, entertainment, food, and brand partnerships. This strategic alignment not only amplified our reach but also enhanced the appeal and effectiveness of Mom Tribe Vibes as a platform.

In retrospect, embracing this pivot was undoubtedly one of the best decisions we’ve made. It not only allowed us to navigate the challenges of influencer marketing but also paved the way for sustainable growth and success across multiple fronts. Today, we stand as a testament to the power of strategic adaptation and synergy in achieving our goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.momtribevibes.com
• Instagram: @momminwithmichelle & @momtribevibes
• Facebook: @momminwithmichelle