We recently connected with Michelle Owen anWe recently connected with Michelle Owen and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michelle, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
One of my most important rituals has become my morning exercise routine (specifically kickboxing at the moment!) I’ve always been a fairly active person, but for a while my career over-shadowed any meaningful self-care including trips to the gym. My lack of physical activity absolutely affected my mental health during this period of my life. Making the conscious decision to prioritize exercise in my routine was a major turning point. Beginning my day with a natural release of euphoric chemicals and increasing my energy levels has allowed me to live a much more balanced and harmonious life. Humans are meant to be active beings and I think it’s important to incorporate movement as much as possible, even if it’s something as simple as a walk or a hike in nature (even better!)
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?
I spent the better part of my twenties and career working in the entertainment industry contributing to the empires of those around me. I started at a record label, after that I was a tour manager for a rock and roll band and then I spent the pandemic building an artist development company (745 Music) with another artist. My passion however has always been my own art, I am an author as well as a singer-songwriter. Unfortunately my career path never embraced the pursuit of my own dreams but I’ve found deep meaning and happiness in other avenues along the way. My company (Marszalek House) is an umbrella for my own art projects but the ultimate purpose is merging art and philanthropy. In 2023 I had the opportunity to execute an event with Covenant House that featured art by local youth. After spending so much time in what is quite a toxic industry I learned that I find true joy in pursuits of inclusion and community.
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?
In some ways, I am a very different person than I was ten years ago. I think that’s because my confidence has drastically improved. Like many I struggled with my self-worth throughout my teen years and into my early twenties. However, I’ve always been a very passionate person and I’ve always known what sets my heart on fire versus what I could care less about. I think it’s important to listen to your heart when it comes to doing things that make you truly happy. Even if that source is considered a hobby, it’s important to make time for what makes you feel alive.
I picked up a few powerful lessons along the way, one being that there is a big difference between honest communication and people pleasing. If you cannot communicate a truth without having to adhere to some else’s ego it is not worth the exhaustion. As someone who worked in a male dominated industry, I wasted too much time telling people what they wanted to hear to avoid arguments and preserve my career. Another lesson is energy vampires are real and valuing your energy is one of the most self-respecting things you can do. There are people in this world who will drain you of your time and resources without batting an eyelash. I don’t have regrets because I truly appreciate my journey and love the person I am today, but I do have moments where I get ticked off because I lacked boundaries as a younger woman.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Besides my mother birthing me? (haha) I’m fortunate enough to have parents who worked extremely hard to provide me and my brother with comfort and opportunities that most could never even imagine. My parents understand what it means to struggle and they made sure I never had to… I still rely on them today! I had to move back home two years ago. I’m thankful for the moments I get to spend with them at this stage in my life because the time together is invaluable.
Contact Info:
Website: www.sitting-in-silence.com
Instagram: @michelleannowen
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@MichelleAnnOwenMusic
Image Credits
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Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.d have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michelle, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
One of my most important rituals has become my morning exercise routine (specifically kickboxing at the moment!) I’ve always been a fairly active person, but for a while my career over-shadowed any meaningful self-care including trips to the gym. My lack of physical activity absolutely affected my mental health during this period of my life. Making the conscious decision to prioritize exercise in my routine was a major turning point. Beginning my day with a natural release of euphoric chemicals and increasing my energy levels has allowed me to live a much more balanced and harmonious life. Humans are meant to be active beings and I think it’s important to incorporate movement as much as possible, even if it’s something as simple as a walk or a hike in nature (even better!)
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?
I spent the better part of my twenties and career working in the entertainment industry contributing to the empires of those around me. I started at a record label, after that I was a tour manager for a rock and roll band and then I spent the pandemic building an artist development company (745 Music) with another artist. My passion however has always been my own art, I am an author as well as a singer-songwriter. Unfortunately my career path never embraced the pursuit of my own dreams but I’ve found deep meaning and happiness in other avenues along the way. My company (Marszalek House) is an umbrella for my own art projects but the ultimate purpose is merging art and philanthropy. In 2023 I had the opportunity to execute an event with Covenant House that featured art by local youth. After spending so much time in what is quite a toxic industry I learned that I find true joy in pursuits of inclusion and community.
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?
In some ways, I am a very different person than I was ten years ago. I think that’s because my confidence has drastically improved. Like many I struggled with my self-worth throughout my teen years and into my early twenties. However, I’ve always been a very passionate person and I’ve always known what sets my heart on fire versus what I could care less about. I think it’s important to listen to your heart when it comes to doing things that make you truly happy. Even if that source is considered a hobby, it’s important to make time for what makes you feel alive.
I picked up a few powerful lessons along the way, one being that there is a big difference between honest communication and people pleasing. If you cannot communicate a truth without having to adhere to some else’s ego it is not worth the exhaustion. As someone who worked in a male dominated industry, I wasted too much time telling people what they wanted to hear to avoid arguments and preserve my career. Another lesson is energy vampires are real and valuing your energy is one of the most self-respecting things you can do. There are people in this world who will drain you of your time and resources without batting an eyelash. I don’t have regrets because I truly appreciate my journey and love the person I am today, but I do have moments where I get ticked off because I lacked boundaries as a younger woman.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Besides my mother birthing me? (haha) I’m fortunate enough to have parents who worked extremely hard to provide me and my brother with comfort and opportunities that most could never even imagine. My parents understand what it means to struggle and they made sure I never had to… I still rely on them today! I had to move back home two years ago. I’m thankful for the moments I get to spend with them at this stage in my life because the time together is invaluable.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sitting-in-silence.com
- Instagram: @michelleannowen
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@MichelleAnnOwenMusic
