We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Rose a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
As the great Maya Angelou once said, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
My journey to finding my purpose began with a deep dive into self-discovery and introspection. For over 20 years, I was part of the corporate world, seemingly living a fulfilling life. But beneath the surface, I felt an emptiness that was hard to ignore.
The turning point came in September 2020, during the height of the pandemic. I found myself grappling with clinical depression and anxiety attacks. It was a challenging time, but it also served as a wake-up call. I realized that I needed to make a change, not just for myself, but for the many women who were silently battling similar struggles.
In November 2020, I took a leap of faith. I left my corporate job and embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship. The following months were dedicated to self-improvement. I invested in coaching, therapy, and self-care – the things I had overlooked for far too long. I was on a mission to become the best version of myself, not just for me, but for the community of women I was destined to serve.
This journey led to the birth of Busy Mom Playdates™. I discovered my purpose was to create a nurturing space for moms of color to play with purpose. A place for them to take a break from motherhood, heal, find joy, connect with like-minded women, decompress, and simply just be.
Finding my purpose meant tuning into my inner voice, acknowledging my struggles, and using my experiences to create a platform that could empower other women. It was about transforming my pain into power, my struggles into strength.
So, how do you find your purpose? Start by looking within. Acknowledge your feelings, your struggles, and your dreams. Listen to your inner voice and let it guide you. Don’t be afraid to make radical changes in your life.
Remember, it’s more than okay to put yourself first, to invest in your personal growth, and to make your needs a priority. The journey to uncovering your purpose may not be a smooth ride, but I assure you, the destination will be worth every bump along the way.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Thank you for having me! I’m Michelle Rose, the CEO and Founder of Busy Mom Playdates™. I have the privilege of helping overwhelmed moms incorporate more play into their lives unapologetically. We curate lifestyle events and dynamic luxury group travel experiences, creating a safe space for moms of color to rediscover joy, connect with like-minded women, and simply be themselves.
Our meticulously planned events, which include empowerment sessions, our signature brunches, and monthly cocktails and conversations, as well as ‘momcations’, are designed for Busy Moms to simply show up and enjoy. Every detail is taken care of, ensuring that women leave feeling special, connected, and restored when they return to their families.
Since our inception in 2021, we’ve hosted over 25 events and 5 international momcations, including trips to Morocco, Costa Rica, and Colombia. And we’re not stopping there! We’re heading to Havana, Cuba for our final experience of 2023.
Looking forward to 2024, we have an exciting lineup of trips planned to Dubai, Costa Rica, Bali, Morocco, and Tanzania, just to name a few.
We attribute our success to the community of moms who show up because they recognize they are worth the investment. At Busy Mom Playdates™, we are not PERFECT moms, we are EVOLVING moms! We are a dope tribe of women, learning how to create and set boundaries, serve from our cup of overflow, and ultimately make ourselves a priority one playdate at a time!
We’re not just a community, we’re a Movement! We’re growing, touching the lives of hundreds of women, and we’re excited about the future. So, if you’re a mom of color, come join us on this journey of unapologetic self-care and joy.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey as the CEO of Busy Mom Playdates™, the three qualities that have been instrumental in shaping my path are resilience, creativity, and leadership skills.
Resilience was a quality I learned during my time at boarding school in Jamaica. Through the challenges and adjustments, it taught me to push through adversity and adapt to new environments. This resilience has been crucial in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Creativity, a skill I nurtured during my time as a licensed cosmetologist, has been a driving force behind the unique experiences I curate for the busy moms in our tribe. It’s this creative spark that allows me to design events and trips that are more than just a break from routine, but a passport to self-discovery and empowerment.
Lastly, my leadership skills, honed through years of managerial roles, have been pivotal in inspiring and empowering others. These skills have allowed me to build a vibrant community of moms, fostering strong bonds and creating an inclusive space that nurtures and uplifts.
For those embarking on their own journeys, my advice is to never stop learning. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, who are doing more than you, and who can offer different perspectives. Find mentors, learn new things and seize every opportunity to grow. Remember, you shouldn’t be the smartest person in the room. By surrounding yourself with people who challenge you, you’ll continue to evolve and improve.
Most importantly, embrace every experience, good or bad. Each experience is a piece of the puzzle that makes up your story and shapes you into the unique person you’re meant to be.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my mom did for me was sending me to boarding school in Jamaica, West Indies when I was 15 years old. As a New Yorker, this was a significant culture shock. But in retrospect, it was one of the best things she ever did for me.
Even though my mom raised my siblings and me in New York, she wanted us to understand our Jamaican roots and heritage, and she valued the education system there. So, she made the bold decision to send me to boarding school in Jamaica.
At first, it was a challenging experience. I was used to the convenience of bodegas, the familiarity of the neighborhood pizza joint, and the fast-paced city life. Suddenly, I found myself in a place where life moved at a different pace, where I could buy sugar cane from the roadside, where jerk chicken was cooked on an open grill, and where the country lifestyle was the norm. I had to adapt to a whole new way of living.
Living in a boarding house with 30 other girls from different places around the world, I learned so much about resilience, adaptability, and the beauty of diverse cultures. It sparked my wanderlust and my passion for connecting with people from all walks of life. But most importantly, it taught me independence and the courage to take risks. I learned how to navigate a new environment, take care of myself, and make decisions on my own. This sense of independence and risk-taking has been invaluable in my journey as an entrepreneur and as a mom.
This experience taught me that sometimes, the most challenging situations can lead to the most profound personal growth. It’s a lesson I carry with me in my work with Busy Mom Playdates, encouraging moms to step out of their comfort zones and experience something new. So, to all the moms out there, remember, you’re stronger than you think, and every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.busymomplaydates.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/busymomplaydates
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/busymomplaydates
