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

Michelle, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

There was a moment when logic told me to play it safe, but my gut told me to leap. I had a steady job, a predictable paycheck, and the comfort of knowing exactly what each day would bring. But deep down, I knew I needed to build something of my own that would be my legacy.

The decision wasn’t easy. I wrestled with doubt for years, the fear of failure creeping in at every turn. But one day, I stopped overanalyzing and at the start of 2024 I just decided to go for it. I went all in on launching my own business. I went all in on putting myself out there. There was no safety net, just a vision and a determination to make it work.

That same gut feeling came back to me in the middle of one of the biggest moments of my entrepreneurial journey so far—the product launch of my 8 week mentorship program called Take It From The Top. I was in Bali, meant to be wrapping up my trip and heading home to oversee everything. Logic told me I needed to be at my desk, fully in control. But something inside me said otherwise. I had built this business to create freedom, not just another set of rigid rules. So I listened to my gut. I extended my trip, trusted my team, and let go of the idea that success had to come from stress and overwork. I felt that my gut was telling me there was more to my journey that needed to be explored and Bali was the right setting to do just that.

That choice changed everything. Letting go of the idea that hustle equals success opened my mind to a way of life I didn’t even know existed. I found a rhythm that allowed me to build a thriving business without sacrificing my health or peace of mind. Learning to trust my gut—whether in taking the leap or embracing balance—led me to a life of freedom and fulfillment. I wouldn’t change a thing.

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?

My journey began by helping an artist friend in Nashville organize her album release show, which ended up selling out. That led to more artists seeking my help, eventually catching the attention of a management company that hired me full-time before I graduated. I quickly found myself managing major projects on the road, learning to balance creativity and business.

After over 15 years on the artist management and label side of the business, I launched *Mishi Records* to empower independent artists with the resources and strategies they need for sustainable success in today’s music industry. We offer project management, distribution, and artist development, all with a focus on creativity, mindset and well-being. Over time, I saw how limiting beliefs impacted artists’ careers. This inspired me to earn a Master’s in Therapy, allowing me to integrate proven wellness strategies into my work to help artists overcome mental blocks and unlock their potential.

Spinning off of the success at *Mishi Records*, and as a response to an overwhelming demand for release strategy support, I teamed up with digital expert Sophie Steele to launch Take It From The Top, an 8-week mentorship master program that teaches artists how to build their business, release music, and incorporate digital brand strategy all in a proven repeatable system that works.

It makes me feel incredibly fulfilled to help artists build careers that honor both their creativity and peace of mind. What sets me apart from others in this business is my holistic approach—success doesn’t require burnout. I’m proud to see my artists grow and thrive while staying true to themselves. Through strategy, mindset, and support, I’m here to help turn passion into lasting success.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Referrals. Most of my artists and B2B clients come through word of mouth referrals. My referral business is strong because I believe in investing in people not businesses. I have strong relationships with my community in the music industry and we take care of each other. I am grateful for my community who refers business my way because it is a direct reflection of their trust and belief in me and I won’t let them down.

How’d you meet your business partner?

She slid into my DM’s and the rest is history.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mishirecords.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heymichellegarramone/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellegarramone/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michellegarramone

Image Credits

All photos taken by Nova Pratama and Lolo McCluskey.