Michelle Lewis is the founder of Visibility Vixen®, a Visibility Expert who specializes in helping launching entrepreneurs skyrocket their visibility, monetize their success and bring their unique message into the online space. Through her courses, podcast and Facebook group “The Visible Entrepreneur” – she comes alongside each student to show them how to set up their systems, perfect their branding, and get on camera for video and live streaming to grow their business. She has been featured on podcasts like Rich Bitch, BareNaked Bravery, Bold Moves, Self-Made Savvy, and Social Media To Sales. She has also been featured in The Huffington Post, Fast Company, JustLuxe.com, Nav.com and now on LadyBossBlogger.com!
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I was literally so exhausted working 12-14 hours a day as a stand in on TV shows. It was always long hours, not enough pay and never what I really wanted to do. After repeated breakdowns, I knew I couldn’t do it anymore! I wanted more of a purpose to my life, so I didn’t go back to another TV show… I stopped working and started writing an e-book, which led to an e-course, which led to creating Visibility Vixen®!
Tell us about your business.
My business is all about helping entrepreneurs get more visible online. Sometimes, that’s an easy fix like implementing a livestreaming strategy – other times, it’s much deeper work of resolving past wounds to build the confidence to get more visible! I love combining my film/TV background with my health education to bring a unique experience to my students.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Absolutely! Right now I’m really excited about collaborating with press expert Kristin Marquet to bring an actionable, relatable training to entrepreneurs who are just starting out on their publicity journey. We are launching our program (visiblepress.com) in November and couldn’t be more excited!
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
It’s so funny because most of my achievements are spread over a variety of fields!
- DRM of Raphaology Medicine from the Universal College of Indigenous Medicine + College of Raphaology Medicine
- Degree in Interior Design
- BA in Television/Film
- Featured in Huffington Post, JustLuxe.com, Fast Company and Nav.com
Where is your business based?
It’s online but I currently live in Los Angeles, CA.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I wish I knew then what I know now! I honestly had no idea what I was doing so I spent months researching and researching. I ended up setting up my website with SquareSpace and getting started with my first online course, “Life Reboot” using Teachable. That’s where it all started!
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
By far it has been live streaming and running my Facebook group. It’s such a good way to bring people into your world so they can see if you’re a good fit for them and your business. I run challenges regularly and do a live stream in there every week to support my members!
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
I think the biggest challenge is that there is no “one perfect way” to run a business. No one tells you the right steps to take or when it’s the right time to bring on a team member or up level your prices. It all comes down to you, what you feel is right and taking those huge courageous leaps!
How did you overcome these challenges?
I finally stopped comparing and stalking other businesses! I went to the local coffee shop, got out some draft paper and drew out exactly how {in my dream world} I would love to build my business. So much clarity came from that one iced tea that it took off and make Visibility Vixen® what it is.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I analyze my behavior. Am I exhausted, cranky and discouraged? Chances are I’m in high expectation and need to step away for a few days to reorient my perspective. Am I lethargic with a chronic sore throat? My body’s been pushed too hard and I need rest and a ton of healthy foods and teas. I find that by doing these daily check ins, it keeps me from the big spirals. I make those small directional shifts to keep me from burnout and business depression.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I know exactly what it’s like to be invisible. I was told repeatedly by Hollywood that I was too ugly and overweight to ever be an actress. I spent years on camera but not when it was actually recording as a stand in. I know what that horrible feeling is like and that’s what a lot of people feel when they try to get more visible in their business. And you can’t just slap on some strategy to get there – the inner work has to be done as well.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The body follows the mind. It applies to my health, my circumstances, my mindset and most importantly, my future. I try to be very vigilant with my thoughts.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
This is a challenging career path. More so than Hollywood! Know your big why first. How will you change the world with the income you earn? Then build your business strategy from a heart-centered place. You won’t go wrong!
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
Hands-down Clickfunnels. It has changed my entire business because it’s so many things in one.
- Opt in pages
- Sales pages
- Order forms
- Memberships
- Courses, etc.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I’m still slowly working through, “Think And Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. It’s so intense I’ll literally read a page and then spend a few days implementing his strategies. It’s amazing!
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Pinterest.com! I just brought on a Pinterest.com Strategist because, as much as I know I could do it on my own, there’s simply too much on my plate right now. I’m really excited to put that strategy into my business and see what happens!
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goals all have to do with bringing more people to my products. I’ve spent the last year building out everything, so now I’m very focused on marketing!
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @visibilityvixen
Twitter @visibilityvixen
Facebook www.facebook.com/michellelewiscoach
Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/visibleentrepreneur
Website www.visibiltiyvixen.com
Email hello@visibilityvixens.com
Hashtags #visibilityvixen