We recently connected with Michelle Dawes Birt and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

The story behind my mission is simple. I believe that Real Chicks Rock! – It’s about being authentic in every way possible.

Real – Having the ability to identify our insecurities, vulnerabilities, embarrassments, failures, and weaknesses, and still be genuine and authentic. Regardless of what you look like on the outside, it’s the contents of your inside that make one REAL.

Chicks – Represents women who can relate to what it means to be REAL as we are not perfect, but a constant work in progress. Women who are no longer ashamed of who they are, where they’ve been, and what has happened to them. But who has decided to use those things to give them the power, endurance, and courage they need to break cycles, generational curses, fear, and insecurities. No longer will they be silenced or abide by rules implemented by others; they will be brave enough to own their past and use it to create a better future for themselves. Women are willing to do the work. No longer boxed in by rules, perceptions, and opinions of others while discovering who they are in the process.

ROCK! – Strength, power, confidence, courage, and bravery that women have by pushing through the challenges, problems, and adversity. ROCK represents ‘nuggets’ of empowerment and inspiration that are shared between women. Some of our strength and ability to endure comes from the women that came before us (family, friends, or foes). Whether the deposits in our lives were good or bad helped shape us into becoming the women we are today.

Michelle , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Michelle is an Entrepreneur, Speaker, Community Service Activist, Philanthropist, Podcaster, Talk Radio Personality, and Professional Mentor in Atlanta, Georgia. Michelle earned her degree in Computer Information Sciences from DeVry University and her MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management.

I’ve always admired business owners and entrepreneurs and their abilities to step out and call their own shots. Running a business is never easy, and it comes with significant risks. However, it can be very rewarding. I grew up in a home with hard-working women who never talked about owning their own business. My mother and grandmother were always dedicated to doing a good job for the people they worked for. Having my own business didn’t come to me until much later in life, but I find it’s the path I belong on. I don’t always know what I’m doing nor the outcome; however, it’s probably one of the best decisions I’ve made. Being a business owner, especially running a small business, allows you to connect to other small businesses and communities. Being able to make a difference is impactful.

Real Chicks Rock!™ is a 501c3 non-profit organization and brand that creatively collaborates and raises awareness regarding issues that impact women through the arts (music & media), community service, public speaking, mentoring, workshops, and more. We’re determined to give back and help individuals grow. Having different branches within RCR!, we can align with various charitable organizations geared towards helping women and children obtain life skills and produce options that add value to their lives. We’re committed to fostering an environment conducive to empowering, uplifting, inspiring, and motivating ALL. Our goal is to positively impact your mind, body, and soul, regardless of age, race, or culture.

Real Chicks Rock!™ has existed for over nine years and branched into media to assist with the forward movement of organizations locally, nationally, and globally, reaching the masses with our Live Radio Show: ‘Real Chicks Rock!™ Presents Real Discussions.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

The fact that the brand is able to bring organizations, communities, and people together to build, grow and change lives might be considered a few ingredients for success.

I am consistent in giving back by hosting events for a cause always to serve the community: i.e., fundraisers for domestic violence, financial and grant writing workshops, back to school – backpack giveback, coat drives during the winter, sneaker and shoe drives for students, youth empowerment conferences, Naturally You Project. I believe being actively involved ensures that my business succeeds but also helps impact those I come in contact with in some way, whether big or small.

Again, it’s about being authentic in every way possible.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

We sell our branded Real Chicks Rock! T-shirts for women & men on the website.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.realchicksrock.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realchicksrock/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RealChicksRock1/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/real-chicks-rock-michelle-dawes-birt-4638b586/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealChicksRock1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/realchicksrock
• Yelp: n/a
• Other: n/a

Image Credits
Real Chicks Rock! T-Shirt K. Le’Claire Photography Black & White Blouse Demetrius Williams The Usual Suspects LLC