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

Hi Michelle , thanks for joining us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

The greatest lesson my parents, My Mom specifically, ever taught me is perseverance. Growing up I watched her endure the kinds of hardships, heartache, and grief that would’ve caused anyone else to give up. Yet she continued to press forward. Her can do attitude was something that all of her children inherited. Her willingness to give, even when she had little left to give still resonates with me daily and because of her giving heart she has never gone without.

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 brand is iamMichelleRena.com and I highlight Dope Black Women from all walks of life. My platform is a space where women like myself can find support, be educated, and have space held for freedom and authenticity.

I am most proud of our ability to highlight small business owners, entrepreneurs, and artists in a genuine and truly unapologetic way. Through this platform Black women are able to build a network and appeal to a crowd that otherwise might have been overlooked.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I started my blog a few years ago, I had a plan to travel and capture my experiences in the process. As I was closing in on the concept and making preparation COVID happened. I immediately had to pivot. The concept of my blog had to pivot because I was longer able to travel freely. Little did I know it would be the best thing that ever happened to me. From there, iammichellerena.com was born and I was able to identify a unique niche market that highlights Black female business owners, entrepreneurs, and artists. The pivot allowed me to curate a space where Black women could be seen and heard in a way that they never had before.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My audience has been built through providing a space where transparency and honesty are welcome. On social media we often see people putting on for the cameras and showcasing unrealistic standards of living. What you see with me is what you get…unapologetic and unfiltered. People seem to enjoy it and I welcome those who want to live in authenticity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.iammichellerena.com
• Instagram: iammichellerena
• Facebook: Iammichellerena
• Twitter: michelle4real
• Youtube: Iammichellerena

Image Credits
Lomiekia Messam of Dynamic Duo Photography