Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Micheline Bowman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Micheline , thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
Growing up I witnessed first hand the generosity of my mother. As a young child, there were times when we didn’t have everything we wanted…but she always made certain there was enough of everything we needed. My mother was a true giver. She was the one that stepped in and helped family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and even strangers who were ever in need. As I grew up I realized that was who she truly was, and that became internalized within myself to be a giver. I believe that if you live your life with gratitude and give with that same spirit, generosity will circle back and thank you in abundance!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Who is Micheline? Some days I wake up asking myself. LOL. People love ask, “Where are you from?” My reply…”I’m a Jersey Girl, but a Maryland woman!” At the core of my soul, I truly believe each of us learns more and more about ourselves as we age and from birth the spark was ignited for us to live our life on fire. I look forward to life and aging, so bring on the birthdays so I can LIVE, LIVE, LIVE !
My name alone is different and unique thus that set me up for all sorts of things. I decided that I too would be different and unique. If I were in a room, I brought my positive and infectious energy with me. In grade school through middle school, I was the typical good grades, but in class…she is too social or “she talks too much” is what the teacher would write on my report cards. I knew I was given a talkative spirit for a reason. The task was growing up to figure out why? I was constantly and consistently told to be quiet as a child and that made me want to talk even more. I knew my voice was my purpose. I became the leader of groups, the one to organize the chaos and confusion, the one to take charge of situations when others would standby just waiting and watching.
Fast forward to 1988. I graduated college with a degree in Broadcast/Journalism from Morgan State University and got right into the television industry. I dedicated my all for 27 years at a television station in Washington, D.C, and in 2017 was let go due to “restructuring” that’s what they called it. That low point of life became the highest high for me. I would say to myself and out loud, “Their elimination, is God’s elevation!” That was a scary time, but needed time to push me out of my comfort zone. I pushed aside the fears and focused on the what’s next Micheline? You’re over 50, who would want to hire you? Good question I asked myself, so instantly… I hired myself, started my own Media Relations company, Bowman Media Group, LLC and never looked back. I secure media placements for my clients visibility on television, radio, print and online platforms. My client base is diverse as I’ve worked with authors, athletes, actors, doctors, politicians, make up icons, fashion designers, singers, musicians, chefs and more. My motto…”Are You Ready To Be Seen?” There are many exciting things I do in my business for my clients, but one of the most important things is building relationships and friendships that last.
For me, life is a blessing. I want to continuing being a blessing to others but at 57, I sometimes don’t keep my own life in balance. My goals are just as important and at times I found myself putting me aside to make sure everyone else was happy. It’s okay to give your all, and want it all. I literally speak out to the universe what I want, and allow time to revealed what’s for me…is for me. I’ve worked on major movies, been in popular tv show, been on a billboard in New York City Time Square, been in commercials, had my photos on national daytime talk shows, appeared in reality shows, hosted stellar events and I’m not done yet. I thank the world each day and ask that it stays generous and continues to bless my life.
So what is Micheline up to now? Aside from my love to host and emcee events, I’m honored to be the Tourism Ambassador for Experience Prince George’s, the county where I live in Maryland. I’m a Beauty Ambassador for a skincare line specifically developed for women of color over the age of 50 called IKNOW Skincare. I use it twice a day and when I say this skincare line is amazing…you have to try it . My shameless plug….go to www.iknowskinscare. com and use code IKNOWMicheline20 and get 20% off your order! I’m also the Brand Ambassador for a luxury women’s handbag companycalled Nila Bags. Visit the site at www.nilabags.com use my code 1111 for a special discount. Gorgeous handmade, hand stitched and hand dyed bags.
And, I’m hosting for the10th straight year, the annual Ubiquitious Women’s Expo in September as we celebrate 10 years of empowerment and wellness. Visit www.ubiquitousexpo.com and come join me for an unforgettable time.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I know that communication, appreciation and acceptance have been key factors in my journey. #1 No matter what you do in life, if you don’t communicate it to others and have that passion for what you want, why should other people care about your goals and dreams if you don’t? #2 Learn to appreciate the small WINS and trust and believe the BIG wins are coming. And lastly #3, You have to accept that your life was created for a purpose, now what are you going to do with this one chance, this one shot to live? I believe you have to have a talk with yourself and have a truth moment. When you are grounded and have an unshakable faith…the world can’t wait to show you it’s love!
I want people to know that it doesn’t matter how far you are in your journey of greatness. The fact that you started, and even if you started and stopped several times along the way, you started. A dear friend of mine says, “The win doesn’t happen until the fourth quarter!” So keep going, keep learning and never give up. You wake up for “yourself” each morning, look at “yourself”in the mirror, set your mind on making that day magic and go for it!
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
For me I’m a giver and doer, and want to make everyone around me happy. The blessing and the curse as they say. There are some people that can automatically tell people no without hesitation. I say my NO is my YES! I’m still getting comfortable telling people no and not feeling bad about it! I’m more direct when saying, “Sorry I have to decline” “I’m not available to take on this project at this time” or simply telling them “When you’re ready to invest in your brand lets see what we can do!” That along with respecting my time and not spending it all on others. I really work on having balance and making myself a priority, and not to feel bad about it. People think for some reason you can “make” time. If someone has that magic wand to make it…share it with me. Remember there is only one YOU. Chose to greet the day with open arms and expect that greatness is yours. Be the gift you are and LIVE! – Micheline Bowman
Follow me @MichelineBowman
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bowmanmediagroup.com
- Instagram: MichelineBowman
- Facebook: Micheline Bowman
- Linkedin: Micheline Bowman
Image Credits
Picture with Lamman Rucker- Credit: Kevin Flowers/Eclipse Images
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