Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Taylor Willis.
Hi Michelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
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. I left the corporate world to focus on my first HR/medical consulting firm, HR Synergies. The firm’s success led me to acquire South Fulton Lifestyle Magazine, my entrance into the publishing and media industries. I saw a need to share the great stories happening in and out of South Fulton County, Georgia and eventually trademarked “SoFu,” which refers to the eight cities that make up South Fulton County. My magazine blossomed into an award-winning publication that highlights the movers and shakers in the region and spurred my interest in media. I converted my publishing company to a media company, Gagnant Media™, where we sell advertising across magazines, 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. That’s why the shows that I created and host, According to Michelle TV (VTV Network on Roku and Amazon Firestick) and According to Michelle radio show (Mixx106radio.com) exist.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve thankfully chosen a business that I love and fits my personality, but most importantly, my purpose. It makes it easier for me to pivot when I am experiencing different struggles as a business owner. I’ve learned there is more than one way to reach my goals and to monetize my passion! Like most successful entrepreneurs, I’ve learned that struggles come along with the journey. There are days where I wondered, “Is this gonna work?!” due to not always having the right time or resources needed to scale.
When I first started my business, I tried to wear so many hats. Like most business owners. I would 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 business, I have made lots of money, and I’ve lost money. Thankfully, I’ve made more money than I’ve lost.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I sell ads. It’s that simple. Gagnant Media is a media company that makes advertising more affordable for small businesses. This is achieved through print, television, billboard and radio advertising. We are dedicated to assisting small businesses ($350K-$6M gross revenues) with building relationships with the audiences they want to reach. Gagnant Media encompasses SoFu Lifestyle Magazine (formerly South Fulton Lifestyle Magazine), According to Michelle radio show on Mixx106radio.com, According to Michelle television show, which is streaming weekly on VTV Network through Amazon Fire and Roku platforms, and billboards around Atlanta.
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.
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, she has received countless Outstanding Business/Businessperson of the Year awards by various organizations. My publication, SoFu Lifestyle (formerly South Fulton Lifestyle), has also been awarded “Publication of the Year” three times in a row. What sets me apart from others is I work with corporations, small businesses and non-profits, which enables me to be a valued resource within the business community.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My family (husband and kids), my hardworking team, and my community plays a major role in where I am today. My communities allow me to remember my why I do what I do. They allow me to show up daily leading with significance.
Pricing:
- Raising With Significance Book (Hardcover)- $18.99
- Raising With Significance Book (Kindle)- $7.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michelletaylorwillis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelletaylorwillis/
- Facebook: https://tr.ee/rDQkwxOz2X
- Twitter: https://tr.ee/1NN5Od_Wxy
- Youtube: https://tr.ee/VG9vUikT36
- Other: https://www.gagnantmedia.com/
Image Credits
Images courtesy of Dream Multimedia Group
DJN studio and Nick Nelson, The Brandpreneu
