We recently connected with Michelle Taylor WIllis and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
It took a lot of hard work and risk taking to get to where I am today. I always wanted to be my own boss because it was ingrained in me. I come from a family full of entrepreneurs. I knew that I had a passion for being an entrepreneur and I enjoyed meeting and talking to people from all walks of life. So, I chose a sales career where I can demonstrate my strengths. After I obtained essential business-to-business experience in Corporate America, I built my skillset to create something of my own. I left the corporate world to focus on my first Human Resources/medical consulting firm and that success allowed me to acquire South Fulton Lifestyle Magazine, which was my entrance into the publishing and media industries.
I saw a need to share all of the wonderful things happening in and out of South Fulton County, Georgia and eventually trademarked “SoFu,” which refers to the eight cities that make up the county. South Fulton Lifestyle Magazine is now referred to as the award-winning SoFu Lifestyle Magazine. It is flourishing and I’m happy to highlight all of the movers and shakers in the region.
From there, I converted my publishing company to a media company, Gagnant Media. We create our own content and wholly or partially the mediums, which allows us to do advertising and business at affordable rates. This move allowed me to create and host the According to Michelle radio and television show and I’m having fun during the process.
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?
I started my professional career in sales after graduating from the University of Florida. I have always been great with meeting and talking to people from all walks of life, so sales was a career where I could demonstrate my strengths. As far as being an entrepreneur, I was destined to be my own boss because I watched numerous family members, including my grandparents, succeed on their own terms. So after I obtained essential business-to-business experience in Corporate America, I knew I had the tools to create something that was uniquely my own. Acquiring South Fulton Lifestyle Magazine gave me an entrance into the publishing and media industries.
I converted my publishing company to a media company, Gagnant Media™, where we sell advertising across magazine, television, radio, and billboards. We create our own content and own wholly or partially the mediums, which allows us to offer advertising to small businesses at more affordable rates. Today, I am an award-winning media executive, tv host, author, speaker, and master strategist.I have recently launched my first book, “Raising Significance: A Guide to Well-Rounded, Independent, and Confident Kids.” I am the host of the “According to Michelle ” television show, which is featured weekly via VTV Network. Several episodes of the television show have surpassed several million views and can be viewed through Gagnant Media’s YouTube Channel. I have the pleasure to broadcast on “Over the Top,” on Real 1100 AM and the Heart radio network. Additionally,I am also the brainchild of the Moms All In® Conference, a conference centered on instructing entrepreneurial and executive-level women on how to build businesses without sacrificing themselves and their families in the process. My work in SoFu recently earned me a city proclamation declaring February 18th as Michelle Taylor Willis Day, and her entrepreneurial, volunteerism and advocacy efforts got November 18, 2021 as Michelle Taylor Willis Day at the Capitol in Georgia.
My work with corporations, small businesses and non-profits enables me to be a valued resource in the business community. Gratefully, I have been recognized as one of the “Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Atlanta,” “Top 25 Most Extraordinary Atlantans,” and has made several “Top 100” lists in the greater Atlanta area. In addition, I have received countless Outstanding Business/Businessperson of the Year awards by various organizations. My publication, SoFu Lifestyle (formerly South Fulton Lifestyle), has been awarded “Publication of the Year” three times in a row.
I am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and affiliated with the Black Triathlete Association, Inc. My commitment to my community is evident through partnerships with nonprofits in Atlanta. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the South Fulton Chamber of Commerce (Vice President of Film and Entertainment). Additionally she serves as Board Chair of Theatre du Reve Inc., the only French-speaking theater company in North America. I am also a champion for children, I am the Chair of the Advisory Board for the United Way of Greater Atlanta, a board member for Atlanta Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and is the Secretary for the Morris Brown College Foundation board of directors. I am honored to have been appointed to the Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance board of directors. Along with being apart of the Advisory Council for The National Society of Leadership and Success, Morehouse College Chapter, and serves on the Advisory Boards for the International Career and Business Exchange, Level 42 AI, Inc., and We Solar.
Have you ever had to pivot?
There have been many times I’ve had to pivot due to being a Mompreneur (mom and entrepreneur). Not only am I a successful entrepreneur. I am a mother raising four boys with significance. In gaining success as a entrepreneurs I’ve experienced struggles with building team and consistently growing my brand and businesses on a more national level.
When I first started my business, I tried to wear so many hats. I would have to say this has been the biggest mistake I’ve made along the way. I also struggled with hiring the right people at the right time, and devaluing myself by working with no salary. I’ve learned that even if you allow yourself a small amount, you are the most important asset of your business, so it’s mandatory that you get paid. Since starting my businesses I have made lots of money, and I’ve lost money. Thankfully, I’ve made more money than I’ve lost. There are days where I wonder “Is this gonna work?!”. My husband, family, team, and community remind me daily of why I constantly show up.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
One important thing that I believe has allowed me to build my reputation within my market is learning that significance is the goal, not success. From watching and living with my family, friends, neighbors and colleagues, I’ve seen how closely we are connected. In order to grow, thrive, and be significant, we must be intentional in our communication and interaction with each other. In order to be significant, I have to remind myself constantly for whom I’m playing, and what my legacy will be. I empower people to empower people,
There are so many successful people in today’s world, but many forget about their significance. They have their two and a half kids, white picket fence, $300,000 house, good jobs, and they come home, open their garage, park and close the garage, and go into their house and that’s it. And, that’s okay, but it’s not why we’re here. We’re not here to go into our garage, close the door and not come out until the next morning. We were made to pull our cars into the garage and stand outside and talk to our neighbors to discover how we’re going to help them get where they need to be. That’s significance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michelletaylorwillis.com/
- Instagram: https://tr.ee/3mRy4CzzzX
- Facebook: https://tr.ee/rDQkwxOz2X
- Linkedin: https://tr.ee/WXb0310CtJ
- Twitter: https://tr.ee/1NN5Od_Wxy
- Youtube: https://tr.ee/VG9vUikT36
- Other: https://tr.ee/Xk9Opb5905
Image Credits
Aric Thompson of Dream Multimedia Group