Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Fuqua.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well, I like to think of myself as a little country girl from Monroe, NC who packed up her bags in August 1986 and moved to Raleigh, NC to attend North Carolina State University. I graduated three years later with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Moved to Miami upon graduation to work my first “high paying” job. Oh, but the rent!
I went on that job without any knowledge of what it takes to make it in the corporate setting. I was so clueless that when my boss tried to give me pointers on how to stand out from the rest, I thought he was speaking another language. Eventually, I learned how to perform my job, but it took longer to master the art of networking and relationship and team building that are so critical to success.
Eventually, I realized that I was working, getting paid, and paying bills but there was something missing in my life. This is where my journey to purpose begins. I looked for that “thing” that would bring me joy without realizing that I first had to get to know myself, my strengths and my worth.
I got married and moved to Atlanta, GA. I worked for several engineering firms related to the energy sector and eventually got a position at the company I wanted to work for after graduating from college. I had 2 sons, experienced multiple miscarriages, the death of my mother, and so many day-to-day issues that drove me to ask, “Is this all there is to life?” I mean, there has to be more than this.
At that time, I begin to seek the Lord for answers. What I found changed my life forever and positioned me to have peace during the storms of life. I begin to write, preach, and serve.
I found several organizations for women that helped me to meet people and get involved. Eventually, I concentrated on church ministry.
I think what is critical about my story is that I have been immersed in male-dominated environments (church and professionally) and have had to learn how to thrive without losing myself.
I founded Living Water Church International in April 2012 and we are rebuilding as we speak.
Now, I strive to help others to find their way in life. To discover or rediscover their authentic self and to love what they find. I give people permission to have a dream that is different than the life they are living. My strength is in helping them to develop a strategic life plan to build that dream life.
My calling is to equip the people of God to live in the presence of man. I do this by preaching, teaching, writing, coaching and mentoring. My latest book, “Ignite Your Purpose: Succeed in Life, Ministry, and Business” is designed to encourage others that it is never too late to pursue your calling. I developed a coaching and mentoring program “The Ignited Life” that is intended to build on the tenants of the book to walk with people through their journey of discovery and action.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a journey of growth, faith, and trust. The greatest obstacle along my journey was myself. I was trapped in an image of myself that was rooted in growing up in a home with poverty, alcoholics and domestic violence. I always felt “less than” and incompetent. This led me to continuously pursue affirmation through achievement. I became a workaholic seeking to be the best at my job. This is where the need for those relationships came in. I was good at doing the work, but I did not have time for relationships. I went back to school and acquired multiple degrees while steadily trying to demonstrate my worth. I felt rejected, overlooked, and marginalized. Once I valued myself as God sees me, other people began to do the same. The problem was me not them. This identity issue caused me to struggle with my emotions, thoughts, and actions. I had to get a grip on it and finally, I did just that.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Eklectos House is an organization that helps individuals to pursue their calling in life. One avenue through which we do this is through publishing. We serve ministers, speakers, entrepreneurs, and artists who want to bring their story from their head into the heart of others. For many, writing is a calling, while for others, it is a mechanism through which they advance their calling.
The other component of Eklectos is helping called and purpose-appointed individuals to visualize and actualize their journey to purpose through speaking, coaching, and mentoring.
We also serve churches and organizations who need help with strategic planning for success.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Living with Purpose by Myles Munroe
The Power of Now by Eckhert Tolle
Why We Can’t Sleep Ada Calhoun
The Power of Favor Joel Olsten
What Got You Hear Won’t Get You There Marshal Goldman
The Chicago Manual of Style
I am currently using three apps: success wiz, vocabulary and I am
Contact Info:
- Website: www.michellewfuqua.com
- Instagram: @michellewfuqua
- Facebook: @michellewfuqua
- Twitter: @michellewfuqua
- Youtube: @michellewfuqua
Image Credits
M3Creative with Michael Muller LA Shots with Leslie Almader
