Chasing Dreams Interview with Michelle Lewis: Visibility Expert for Female Entrepreneurs
/People dream of being in show business in Los Angeles, but this entrepreneur knew she was made for more. Michelle Lewis took her video and acting experience from working on shows like Pretty Little Liars and Chuck and transformed it into a business helping aspiring entrepreneurs get visible.
Find out the #1 focus she recommends for new entrepreneurs, how she handles criticism when being so visible, and so much more.
Let’s dig in!
At what point did you know you wanted to follow this career path? How did you know this was the right direction?
I don't honestly think there was a specific moment, but a gradually steering towards this incredible world of online entrepreneurship. I remember sitting on set, frustrated that I was having to spend all of those hours not being productive - wanting to work on newsletters instead. That's when I knew I was meant to be doing something else. It was then that gradual actions and observations of this industry which led to me eventually finding my perfect niche!
What are the biggest struggles you've faced while trying to achieve your dreams?
Oh my goodness, there are too many to count! I'm sure you can relate to having multiple jobs before this, mine were all over the map. Acting - where roles weren't given. Music - where songs were copied. Writing - where scripts were stolen.
I've definitely had many a dream crushed. But, it's taught me that bravery isn't built - it's forged.
And, as an entrepreneur, we are constantly trying, failing, trying something else and succeeding!
Owning your own business can be tough on the body and mind, between long days, instability and really putting yourself out there to reach your goals. How do you stay healthy? Do you have any rituals that help you stay centered?
I actually built a course all around this called "Life Reboot" because that's where you really need to start if you're going to be building an online business. You have to be extremely strict with yourself and your schedule. Doing a daily routine that sparks your creativity and keeps you learning, then only specific chunks of time dedicated to working on your biz.
Entrepreneurship is the only job that is entirely encircled by YOU and your growth.
Physically: I eat extremely well, focused on Peak foods that boost my organ function {I had to learn this skill after being diagnosed with multiple organ failure and used this knowledge to heal my body}.
Mentally: I focus on meditations and outdoor immersion to constantly improve myself {I highly recommend Joe Dispenza's books and meditations}.
Emotionally: I make sure to schedule a coffee date with a friend at least once a week and also make dates with my amazing Mother to make sure I'm in balance.
Spiritually: I love to sing, so I use that time to connect with God as well as doing a study daily.
Speaking of putting yourself out there, overcoming rejection is a big part of chasing dreams. How do you bounce back?
Allow yourself to have your initial reaction. You're going to feel rejected, or even betrayed at some point in this business. Feel it. It hurts + it sucks. Let your body emotionally release it, mine is always through tears.
Then say these words out loud, "I choose not to let this negatively affect my body. I choose to learn + grow from this + to create my reality. I no longer live in the past, I am actively creating an abundant future. I will not take this personally - I will send that person love + look forward to the next opportunity." It's hard to do this at the time, but giving up isn't worth it + harboring resentment will only hurt you in the end.
Keep moving. There are ALWAYS more opportunities out there.
What do you do when you're having an off day—maybe feeling down, struggling with self-doubt, or just unmotivated?
You mean like once a week? lol. This happens to all of us. I highly recommend starting or becoming a part of a Mastermind Group. That made the biggest difference for me. Because, as much as family can support you, they don't really "get" what being an entrepreneur is like.
So, when I wake up to this kind of day, I go right to my mastermind group and let them know. Their reassurance, love, and support make such a big difference! And I do the same in return for them.
Ultimately, you're going to have days where you wonder what on earth you're doing, if it will ever be successful, or you will have zero creative energy. The best part? You can give yourself permission to have that day. Sit in your sweats, go to the coffee shop and read, go for a hike!
Don't force your mind and body to do something it's not willing to do. It may be releasing old baggage or ruminating a new creative idea you're not even aware of yet!
What is one misconception people have about you and/or your profession?
That I'm such a natural on camera and that it's always been that way. My biggest struggle was my own visibility. So I support others with that same fear BECAUSE I've been there, lived there and been mayor of that town.
What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned along the way?
That nothing else matters. Your gift. That one thing God placed in your heart to do in this world? That's the gold. That's the REASON. That's the only focus we should have.
Everything else - the bullies, the self-doubt, the insecurities - are all just garbage trying to keep us from our mission.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow a path similar to what you have?
If you want to be an entrepreneur or online business owner - focus on self-work.
Read "Broken Children, Grown Up Pain" by Paul Hegstrom, "Breaking The Habit Of Being Yourself" by Joe Dispenza and get yourself in balance.
Otherwise, your career path in this business will stumble around until you get to the core of what you're truly here to do.
When do you feel the most inspired, alive and the most like YOU?
I feel the most like myself when I'm on a horse. I don't know how else to describe it, but that's my total happy place.
What people, books, music, etc. inspire you?
Ah, so many!! People in entrepreneurship would have to be Mariah Coz, Megan Minns and Melissa Pharr. I talk about them all the time!
Books are just...endless! I love the Anastasia book series right now + am reading Essentialism at the moment which is great!
Describe your favorite moment or accomplishment in your career so far.
There have been some cool moments - like interviewing my heroes on my podcast. But, so far, it had to have been going to the Ascend Live event with Melissa Pharr in New York last October. I sat there in the room thinking, "holy crap. I'm really an entrepreneur!" It was pretty cool!
What’s the most exciting thing going on in your life right now?
Ah!!! I am so thrilled to be collaborating more + really knowing where I'm going this year + what I'm offering. It's a great feeling + has led to a ton of action!
About Visibility Expert Michelle Lewis
Michelle Lewis is a visibility expert and podcast host who specializes in giving gorgeous videos, powerful live streams and epic courses to launching ladypreneurs. Michelle helps her clients set up chic systems, brand themselves like a badass and absolutely rock their videos through her online courses and Facebook Group “Visibility Vixens”.
Michelle has a film/tv background, working both in front of and behind the camera on shows like “Paycheck”, “Pretty Little Liars” and “Chuck.” She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and protective pug {Olliver}. In her spare time, she visits coffee shops, rides horses and writes music. Chat with her more at VisibilityVixen.com™
Website // Instagram // Twitter // Facebook Group // Podcast
This interview is part of the Chasing Dreams interview series. I’ve interviewed a variety of entrepreneurs and small business owners who have chosen a different path in life in order to go after his or her dream career. Have an entrepreneur in mind you’d like to learn more about? Let me know!
