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Meet Michelle Mercier of Create Honesty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Mercier.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story begins on the South Shore growing up in the presence of one of the strongest women I know – my Mom. She worked multiples jobs and was the caretaker, the schedule maker, and many times – the glue that held our family together. My Mom was an incredible role model and taught me the true meaning of resilience and grit. She also empowered me to trust my instincts and follow my passions.

Because of her, I was confident enough to start a career in the arts and humanities. I had the good fortune of working with organizations such as Shakespeare on the Common, Huntington Theater Company, and the Boston Center for the Arts. I also completed my Master’s Degree in Arts Administration at Boston University. This degree allowed me to truly combine my creativity and business acumen. I absolutely loved using both the left and right sides of my brain!

This combination of skills also enabled me to smoothly transition into the corporate sector in 2006. I spent over a decade working with companies and clients such as eBay, PayPal (APAC, EU, and NA), Bed Bath and Beyond, Citizens Bank, American Airlines, and many more. I specialized in marketing, operations, and technology. I also gained valuable experience working internationally and building teams from the ground up.

My first son was born in 2012. Like many moms, I was convinced I could “have it all” and be everything to everyone. I suffered from severe post-partum depression and my coping mechanism was to work harder. I climbed the corporate ladder quickly and worked to the point of exhaustion up until the birth of the second son.

My second son came into the world with a litany of medical issues. We spent the majority of my maternity leave (and his first year of life) working with different specialists to get him medically stable. To make things more emotionally taxing – I was laid off after my maternity leave had ended.

There I was, crying hysterically on my kitchen floor – reeling from many extremely difficult months of mothering and absolute exhaustion – not knowing what my next career move would be. It was in that moment that I decided to take my life back and walk away from corporate life. I thought about a more authentic version of myself. Where had the creative, passionate and resilient girl gone?

I wondered at which point I fell victim to the “shoulds” of the world. You know, the ones that say you “should” have a certain type of job to be considered successful…..you “should” look a certain way to be considered beautiful….and so much more. It was because of this breakthrough (or breakdown!) in my life that I decided to found my company “Create Honesty,” a company dedicated to inspiring and empowering women to create an authentic life.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I spent the first year of my company’s existence juggling a part-time job, managing a chronically ill child, helping my 4 years adjust to all the nuances of having a new sibling, AND navigating the world of building a company.

Every day of my life came with the possibility of a crisis and learned to integrate work and life on the fly. I built my website in between doctors’ appointments. I launched events in between hospital trips. I parented through community projects and part-time work. I attended every networking event I could make in an attempt to build my community. I asked for help from those around me because it truly does take a village!

It definitely wasn’t the easiest way to start a business but I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. I am a BIG proponent of the phrase “grow through what you go through” and I have certainly grown a TON.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Create Honesty – what should we know?
Create Honesty’s mission is to inspire and empower women to create the authentic life they deserve! We want to ensure they are staying true to their personal or professional goals.

We do this by offering:

– Programs: Workshops and community events.
– Products: Inspirational books, prints, cards and more.
– Services: Business and Life Coaching, as well as Motivational Speaking

I believe we’re best known for the honesty we provide. We don’t shy away from the difficult parts of life and just focus on the positives. We talk about real life situations in our workshops and embrace the struggles that come with being a woman. It’s a breath of fresh air to know everyone has challenges AND despite those challenges – you can still sit in the driver’s seat of your life. Whether you’re in a coaching session about your new business or attending a self-care workshop – it all helps you to create the life you want!

I’m most proud of the “aha” moments that we have helped create for women. Sometimes, they can’t even imagine that there is another way of living or thinking until they attend one of our events of having a coaching session!

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’m not sure you have enough room in this article for my list of thank yous!

Professionally, I am SO lucky to be involved with many amazing groups such as the MetroWest Women’s Network, the Polka Dot Powerhouse, Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce and much more. I’ve also met many incredible individuals through my work on the Board of Directors for the MetroWest Conference for Women.

I’d also be remiss if I didn’t give credit to my coach, Marilyn Taylor of Confident Directions. She’s been an invaluable mentor, motivator, sounding board and so much more.

Personally, I have the best girlfriends in the world! Many of them attended and helped with events when I was first starting out. They kept me sane when I was struggling through hospital visits and sick days. They continue to be my grounding force when life starts getting crazy!

Above all – there is one person that I absolutely could not have succeeded without – my husband. He believes in me when I don’t see it and continues to walk beside me through the good and bad times. We are true partners in life and I’m thankful for that every day.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:

Rachael Rubin, Jennifer Perkins D’Amato

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