We recently connected with Michelle O’kennard and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

In honor of my late mother, who was a creative writer, I launched Thee M.O.gul Mag. in 2023 in her memory. Our mission is to empower minority entrepreneurs and small business owners with earned media opportunities, enabling them to grow and thrive in their respective business industries. As a woman owned and minority owned digital publication, we value the powerful impact of storytelling and amplifying deserving leaders with monthly webinars, small business resources, digital adversing, a community network, and special events.

As a woman of color and experienced business leader, I have experienced the challenges of gaining exposure for my business and understand the need small businesses need with practical resources and media exposure. Prior to launching Thee M.O.gul Mag., I observed the challenges my clients have had over the years and decided there needed to be a safe place for a community of minority business leaders to connect and support each other.

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?

In 2015, I launched into entrepreneurship and started an event planning company. As my client base grew, our services expanded into branding, communications and marketing. Today, I provide expertise in the areas of branding, communications, and marketing as consultant and public speaker. In 2023, I launched a digital publication by the name of Thee M.O.gul Mag. This platform was created to provide earned media opportunities for minority owned businesses and entrepreneurs who may not have otherwise gained the media exposure they truly deserve.

What I am most proud of are the M.O.guls we have the privilege of featuring every month. It never ceases to amaze me the unique stories and journeys each individual has taken on their personal road of success. I am so inspired by our M.O.guls and our readers who work hard to manage and grow their businesses every day.

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

I launched Thee M.O.gul Mag. in 2023 in honor of my late mother who passed in 2021 from Covid. In coping with grief from her passing, it became critical to me to create something of impact from a place of purpose. For me, this grief I was experiencing triggered a birthing process within that brought about a business transformation I did not know was needed.

My mother was a creative writer and had written several short stories and novels over her lifetime, but never published them. To finish what she started and continue her legacy, I felt that starting a publication that amplifies the stories of deserving small businesses and entrepreneurs of color was only right. Acting as an alchemist, this loss catapulted my brand into the spotlight in ways I could never have anticipated. Today, we have more than 26K monthly readers in 20 + countries outside of the United States.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn the limitations I placed on my self and abilities. Sometimes, you don’t always know what you are truly capable of until you are put to the test! Real life experiences reveal our true selves, exposing both strengths and weaknesses. Accepting the challenges of our abilities is proof we can accomplish anything we desire, but first we must remove the limitations we place on ourselves to achieve it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mailchi.mp/306f6567ba0a/about-thee-mogul-mag
• Instagram: @theem.o.gulmag
• Facebook: Facebook Community: Thee M.O.gul Mag.
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleokennard/

Image Credits

Tralane Hanif, Photographer
Belak Photo, Chicago, IL