We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Saahene. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.

Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. Often the greatest growth and the biggest wins come right after a defeat. Other times the failure serves as a lesson that’s helpful later in your journey. We’d appreciate if you could open up about a time you’ve failed

One may see this as a failure, I see this as an absolute blessing. I co-founded a non-profit rooted in racial justice. When behind-the-scenes I realized that my business partner was mostly in this for the money and not the racial equity, I began to take steps to have it dissolved after months of trying to reason with the other co-founder. We were successful – speaking engagements at Yale and The United Nations, tv appearances like Red Table Talk and the NBA, features in publications like Forbes and HuffPost. When it was all coming to an end, it was easy for me to see the prior four years as a failure. Little did I know it opened the door for what would truly bring me joy.

Michelle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey in racial equity started in a Philadelphia Starbucks in 2018. I was the only person who witnessed two young Black men racially profiled and then arrested for not buying a coffee. I went on to become the president and cofounder of a non-profit helping people use their own privilege for progress. I made a lot of social impact in those first few years, but the work was not only bringing me joy, it was negatively impacting my mental, emotional, and spiritual health. I’ve decided to combine my true my passions of wellness, community, travel, and luxury, and address racial equity through these avenues. I’ve just started a retreat business with the renowned Jnane Tamsna luxury boutique hotel in Marrakech, founded by the only Black woman hotelier in Morocco. I have another project in the works, but that one you will have to wait and be impressed and surprised.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I found out that my business partner had ulterior motives for the business, I had no choice but to end the relationship immediately and find my own path. When you have a business rooted in radical honesty, moving with integrity was important, even if no one knows. Switching industries entirely was difficult in the beginning not knowing how I would exactly address racial equity in the space, but continuing to not have more fun and adventure in my work was a non-negotiable. Within a year of the initial decision, I have found my lane, and mentor and a business coach. When you stay true to yourself, the Universe provides you with what you need.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

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Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michellesaahene.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellesaahene/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msaahene/

Image Credits
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