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

Michelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My company, Michelle Hacunda Consulting, is dedicated to helping health and wellness brands share their stories for a healthier world. This mission is deeply personal to me, as it stems from my own journey towards wellness.

In my 20s, I faced numerous health challenges—from chronic pain and GI issues to overwhelming burnout—that greatly impacted my overall well-being. Seeking solutions, I delved into the realm of health and wellness, immersing myself in research and knowledge acquisition. I devoured information on various dimensions of well-being, including sleep, nutrition, emerging digital health tools, and clean beauty. Concurrently, I was pursuing graduate studies in communication management, exploring emerging trends in storytelling.

Through this journey of self-discovery and healing, I recognized the profound power of storytelling in the health and wellness sphere. Personal narratives of overcoming adversity, resilience, and transformation became guiding lights on my path to wellness. This realization laid the foundation for my company’s mission—to empower health and wellness companies to share their stories for a healthier world. These companies include high-growth startups (medtech, biotech, and digital health) and established personal brands.

I intimately understand the importance of amplifying these narratives—stories of hope, empowerment, and healing—to reach and positively impact others who may require personalized support. Each company we collaborate with has a unique story to tell, and by highlighting these stories, we not only elevate the brand but also contribute to a collective journey towards better health for communities worldwide.

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 Michelle Hacunda, the owner of Michelle Hacunda Consulting, LLC, a boutique health and wellness marketing agency based in Boston, MA. Our marketing agency is focused on marketing strategy, content marketing, and social media management.

My path into this industry wasn’t a straight line—it was more of a winding road filled with diverse experiences. With over a decade of experience in communications and marketing across various sectors, including higher education and life sciences, I’ve honed my skills in storytelling and connecting with audiences.

But why health and wellness? Well, that’s where my personal journey comes into play. Battling my own health challenges, sparked a relentless pursuit of knowledge, driving me to continuously learn.

What sets me apart is my unique blend of experience and expertise. With a Master’s in Communication Management from Emerson College and a track record of teaching social media, digital storytelling, and content strategy at universities across Massachusetts, my curiosity drives my work. Every day I learn something new.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to adapt and innovate. Whether it’s building and defining roles in my previous corporate positions or taking the leap into entrepreneurship, I thrive on challenges and the opportunity to create something meaningful from the ground up. One of the key aspects of my work is meeting clients where they are, both geographically and professionally. Working virtually allows me to connect with clients across different time zones, especially those on the West Coast where many health trends originate. I’m dedicated to collaborating with clients who share my passion for helping people lead healthier lives. My mission is to leverage my expertise to amplify the voices of health and wellness brands, making a difference in the lives of both individuals and communities.

So, whether you’re a potential client or friend of the company, I want you to know that with Michelle Hacunda Consulting, you’re not just getting a service—you’re getting a partner committed to your success. I enjoy learning as much as I can about your products and services. I am driven by finding new ways to bring your story to life so that it resonates with audiences, raises awareness of your brand, and brings you more revenue!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the notion that there’s a predefined path we’re meant to follow, one that we dare not stray from. Entrepreneurship has taught me that the journey is far from linear. In my earlier career, I progressed from specialist to manager, then to assistant director, and eventually to director. If I had stayed on that trajectory, my sights would have remained fixed on climbing the hierarchical ladder, chasing after the next coveted title.

I’ve come to realize that this traditional narrative can lead to disillusionment. True growth isn’t about adhering to a predetermined path; it’s about embracing diverse experiences and constantly evolving. It’s about recognizing that titles and positions are just one aspect of success, and that true fulfillment comes from continuous learning and exploration.

Creating your future means being open to new opportunities and imagining all possibilities. Entrepreneurship has allowed me to embrace a mindset of adaptability. I’m grateful for the chance to forge my own path. Unlearning takes time and I find that surrounding myself with other like-minded thinkers and those who inspire me helps.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media is a journey that requires strategy, consistency, and a deep understanding of your audience. When I embarked on this journey, I approached it with a clear plan in mind.

The first piece of advice I would offer is to start with a solid strategy. Just like when working with a social media client, it’s crucial to define your target audience, identify the platforms they frequent, and establish clear goals. Knowing who you’re speaking to and what you want to achieve will guide your content creation and engagement efforts.

Consistency is key in building and maintaining an audience on social media. It’s not enough to post sporadically and expect results. Creating regular, quality content that resonates with your audience is essential. Map out a posting schedule and stick to it. When you’re disciplined with a steady stream of content, you keep your audience coming back for more.

When it comes to specific platforms, such as LinkedIn, take the time to understand the nuances of the platform and tailor your content accordingly. Think about the key messages you want to convey, address your audience’s pain points and motivations, and experiment with different posting times to maximize reach.

Above all, don’t be afraid to have a voice and share your unique perspective on topics relevant to your industry. Authenticity and originality are what set you apart in a crowded social media landscape. Stay true to your brand and keep refining your approach based on feedback and insights from your audience. Building an audience on social media takes time. With a clear strategy and consistent effort, you can steadily grow and nurture a loyal following.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michellehacunda.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.hacunda/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellehacunda/