Meet Michelle Parra

We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Parra recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle , so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?

A few years ago, after experiencing several situations that left me feeling helpless and out of control in my career, I decided to take charge of my health. I started exploring ways to better care for my body and began diving deep into research on wellness practices, testing them out for myself. My main focus was to improve my daily energy levels, enhance my concentration, and boost the quality of my sleep. I spent most of my time reading about various supplements and biohacking practices, then implementing them to see if they had a positive effect on me.
Through this process, I discovered that the three most transformative elements for me were:

Sleep Quality
Nutrition
Mind Work

While these are often talked about, we tend to underestimate their importance. This is what I have found to be really helpful for me.

1. Sleep

Hundreds of bodily processes depend on the quality of our sleep, from oxidative stress and aging to blood regulation and digestion. I realized that my sleep quality wasn’t just influenced by what I did right before bed, but by everything I did throughout the day—from the moment I woke up to when I went to sleep. Our circadian rhythm is regulated by factors like early exposure to natural sunlight, the cortisol spikes we experience, the types of foods we eat, when we have our last meal, and how regularly we consume alcohol. Knowing this, I started to make some key changes to improve my sleep:

– Morning sunlight exposure, even on cloudy days or in winter.

– No caffeine after 4–5 pm, to prevent unnecessary cortisol spikes when my body should be winding down.

– Supplementation an hour or two before bed. I take my company’s sleep tincture (which contains Reishi, Valerian Root, and Lemon Balm), along with magnesium glycinate and omega-3.

– Avoiding blue light in the evening, replacing it with dim or red light if possible.

– Mouth taping during sleep—something I was initially skeptical about, but which proved to be a game changer, with many other benefits.

– Room temperature set to a cool 67-69 degrees.

2. Nutrition

I once heard Dr. Mark Hyman say, “If nature made it, eat it—if man made it, leave it.” I’ve followed this principle and found that sticking to whole ingredients (like vegetables and animal products) made me feel lighter, more energized, and more satiated for longer. Nutrition often becomes confusing because we overcomplicate it with restrictive diets that are unsustainable for a busy life, while neglecting the obvious issue—processed foods. The following nutritional principles are sustainable and effective:

– Order matters: I start meals with vegetables, then move to protein and healthy fats (like steak with grass-fed butter), followed by carbohydrates. This optimizes digestion and blood sugar regulation.

– Quality is key: Food either gives you energy or drains it, depending on its quality. Notice how you feel after eating an apple or egg compared to processed crackers.

– Fasting, when done correctly, can be a powerful tool for digestion and mental clarity. I recommend researching how to do it properly.

– Shop the perimeter of grocery stores, where fresh, whole foods are usually found. The middle aisles are often filled with boxed, processed foods that offer little to no nutritional value.

– Vices come in pairs: Late nights and frequent drinking often lead to poor food choices, making you feel worse the next day.

– Become your own best advocate: I know many people who have received diagnoses of food allergies and autoimmune diseases that can feel overwhelming and debilitating. However, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of doing your own research and exploring alternative healing methods. A diagnosis doesn’t have to be a life sentence.

3. Mind Work

I view mindset work as an upgrade to the “software” of our minds. We grow up with certain beliefs about ourselves and the world, and our perception shapes our reality. Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I noticed that what felt like a massive problem to me might not be seen as such a big deal to someone with different beliefs or experiences. The issue was often not the situation itself, but my mindset toward it. Here are some tools I use to continually upgrade my mental software:

– Continuous learning: I read widely on a variety of topics I’m interested in, not just personal development. This promotes neuroplasticity and keeps the brain active, while also making you a more well-rounded individual.

– Meditation: My preferred method of meditation changes depending on what I need at the time. I enjoy brain tapping, breathwork, frequency music, or journaling.

– Hormesis (the concept that “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”): Exposing yourself to discomfort from time to time builds mental resilience. Cold plunges have been a game changer for me—they help me get past temporary discomfort, calm my nervous system, and leave me feeling energized and clear-headed.

Though this list might seem extensive, I truly believe in the power of small daily changes. It takes time to form habits, so it’s important to be patient and implement new, healthier routines at a sustainable pace. At first, these changes may feel excessive or unnecessary because we’ve become accustomed to a certain way of living. However, by caring for both body and mind, you’ll see positive impacts not only on your professional projects but also in the relationship with yourself and those around you.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m originally from Querétaro, Mexico, a city in the heart of the country where I lived until I was 17. In 2016, my family relocated to Dallas, TX, to support my sister’s dream of training at Texas Dreams Gymnastics Center in Coppell. After completing my senior year at Coppell High School, I decided to follow my interest in German culture and moved to a small town in the southern Bayern region called Augsburg. There, I enrolled in classes at the local university, immersing myself in the culture. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Germany, my ultimate goal was to attend law school in the U.S. Realizing that some of the credits I was earning wouldn’t transfer, I decided to return to the U.S and in January 2018, I began my undergraduate studies at Penn State.

My path seemed clear at the time, and so everything I did at Penn State was oriented toward one day becoming a lawyer. I joined the Mock Trial club, took courses in Legal Studies, and networked with professionals in the field, gaining a better understanding of what it would take to make this dream a reality. Upon graduation, I began working as a Business Litigation and Real Estate Legal Assistant at Cooley LLP, one of the most prestigious law firms in the country. During my time there, I learned from some of the best attorneys and paralegals, which only deepened my passion for the profession. Unfortunately, my work permit expired, and I was unable to continue working at my dream job.

This unexpected turn of events prompted me to step back and reevaluate my next steps. I used this time to focus on personal growth, particularly in areas I could control—my mental and physical health. Over the next few months, I immersed myself in research on wellness practices, supplements, and biohacking techniques, implementing what I learned to see firsthand their effects on my well-being. As I became stronger, both physically and mentally, I began sharing these practices with family and friends.

It was during this period of self-reflection that I realized how much effort we invest in our careers while often neglecting the internal work that could make external success feel more effortless. I discovered that I didn’t need five cups of coffee to stay energized throughout the day—natural alternatives like nootropics were just as effective without the anxiety that came from over-relying on caffeine. I also became more mindful of my thoughts, recognizing that many were shaped by inaccurate perceptions formed over the years. I learned that I could shift these negative thought patterns to more positive ones through techniques like meditation and breathwork that promoted brain neuroplasticity and nervous system regulation.

Through this journey of self-examination and continuous study of the latest research in supplementation, I became convinced of the efficacy of functional mushrooms, adaptogens, and nootropics. Interestingly, I first tried Lion’s Mane (a non-psychoactive functional mushroom and adaptogen) in college, but found the coffee powder versions to be mild and short-lived. It wasn’t until 2020, when I began using alcohol-based Lion’s Mane tinctures, that I experienced its full benefits—mental clarity, improved information retention, enhanced long-term memory, better word recall, and a complete reduction in headaches. As I continued researching this curious looking mushroom, I found that Lion’s Mane had significant clinical backing for its benefits in patients with peripheral brain nerve damage and even Alzheimer’s. It also introduced me to a wider range of functional mushrooms and herbal extracts, each offering a wide variety of benefits.

For the next several months, I delved deeper into the world of functional mushrooms and herbal extracts, discovering that these compounds had been used for thousands of years, with roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and other ancient healing traditions. However, I also realized that the modern supplementation market could be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the research on efficacy, bioavailability, and combinations. Additionally, the need to buy multiple supplements for different purposes—focus, sleep, immunity—was costly and unsustainable.

It was then that I connected with a mushroom-growing farm in the Pacific Northwest. Their expertise, high-quality standards, and genuine passion for functional mushrooms and herbal extracts impressed me deeply. I shared my vision of creating simpler, more effective supplements that could help people improve their lives without complicated, expensive routines. Together, we developed three core formulas—one for sleep and relaxation, one for focus and energy, and one for immunity. This collaboration led to the creation of Indigo Tonics in November 2023. I’m proud to say that we’re one of the few companies utilizing a triple extraction process for functional mushrooms and herbal supplements, with all products third-party lab tested for quality and bioavailability.

At Indigo Tonics, we’re committed to sharing with our community how natural ingredients can have powerful effects on nervous system regulation, cognitive enhancement, mood elevation, and anti-inflammatory properties, among others. As we’ve grown, we’ve placed a strong emphasis on connecting with our community through in-person events, ensuring that we listen to their needs and feedback on our products. Over the past couple of years, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with many individuals focused on personal growth, both mentally and physically—and we’re just getting started!
(For anyone who is interested in finding out more about the science behind functional mushrooms and adaptogens, as well as how it can personally benefit you, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll be happy to connect – you can find us on instagram as @indigotonics and/ or our website: indigotonics.com. )

I’m deeply passionate about the future of conscious entrepreneurship in the realms of personal development and functional health. I’ve seen firsthand how investing time in strengthening the connection between body and mind can transform not only individuals, but entire communities.

People often ask me why I made such a significant career change after dedicating so much time and education to pursuing a career in the legal field.While it took some time to articulate my reasons, I ultimately realized that I’m not interested in following a linear career path. We all have interests that don’t always align with our current careers, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t pursue them just because the outcome isn’t immediately clear. I believe that if we follow our genuine passions, even if the dots don’t seem to connect at the time, with the benefit of hindsight and perspective, they eventually will.

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?

1. Resilience

I believe that resilience—the ability to bounce back from moments of doubt, discouragement, or lack of motivation—is essential for entrepreneurship and success in any area of life. Recognizing that some things are within our control while others simply aren’t helps us avoid unnecessary resistance and the need to control everything. Failure, too, is inevitable and not something to fear; rather, it’s an integral part of the growth process.

True resilience stems from having a clear purpose and understanding that both good and challenging times are temporary. There will be days when everything aligns perfectly, and others when nothing seems to go as planned—but neither lasts forever. Finding joy in the journey, I believe, is the key to sustaining your energy and avoiding burnout.

2. Creativity

The ability to see what others can’t is fundamental to entrepreneurship and personal development. Often, others may not understand or share your vision as clearly as you do, and that’s perfectly okay. This isn’t a reason to feel discouraged—they’ll eventually see it if you remain true to it.

Creativity plays a crucial role here, as it allows us to find unique solutions and perspectives that drive innovation and progress. I believe creativity is often born in moments of presence, where tuning into the small details of our environment prompts us to question, explore, and ultimately view things from a different perspective. This mindset helps us shape our ideas in ways others might overlook, breathing life into visions that are yet to be seen.

3. Intention and Decision

In every biography, personal development, or spirituality book I’ve read, one theme stands out: the power of intention and decision. I believe that creating something meaningful begins with taking an idea from the mind and executing it with a clear vision and unwavering intent. This process transforms a concept into reality, driven by a deep sense of purpose and commitment.

When we act from a place of clear intention and decisive action, we align ourselves with the energy needed to bring our goals to life. This clarity not only guides our steps but also strengthens our resilience, helping us navigate challenges with purpose and focus. A clear vision gives direction, while intention fuels the drive to make things happen, transforming mere thoughts into impactful outcomes.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

In 2023, I set a personal challenge to read 52 books in a year. While I haven’t quite reached the goal of averaging one book per week, the effort has definitely pushed me to make daily reading a habit. People often ask me the challenging question of what my favorite book is, and I always find it nearly impossible to choose just one. So, I’ve decided to highlight three of my favorite self-development books and share five key lessons I’ve taken from them:
1. “Outwitting the Devil” by Napoleon Hill

– Definiteness of Purpose: Success requires a clear, focused goal. Without it, we an be easily swayed by external influences.

– Education and Learning: Continuous learning and self-improvement are vital for personal development and achieving one’s goals.

– Mastery of Self: Observing and acquiring control over one’s thoughts is crucial for achieving success and avoiding negative influences.

– Drifting vs. Non-Drifting: Drifting—living without purpose—leads to failure. Non-drifters, those with clear goals, can overcome challenges. Your daily actions will reflect whether you’re “drifting” through life or whether you are taking control over your circumstances.

– Environment Influence: One of the most important Surrounding oneself with positive, supportive people can foster growth, while negative influences can hinder progress completely.

2. “Leonardo DaVinci” by Walter Isaacson

– Curiosity as a Driving Force: Da Vinci’s relentless curiosity fueled his exploration across multiple disciplines, which goes to show the importance of asking questions and remaining curious about even the most simple things.

– Interconnectedness of Knowledge: Arguable my favorite takeaway from this book. He demonstrated that art and science are deeply interconnected, showing how skills in one area can enhance understanding in another.

– Embrace of Failure: He faced numerous challenges and setbacks, reminding us that failure is a vital part of the creative process and learning. It’s part of the process, not something that should be avoided or feared.

– Lifelong Learning: He exemplified the idea that education is a lifelong journey, inspiring readers to maintain an open mind and continuously seek growth throughout life.

– The Power of Collaboration: Da Vinci thrived on collaboration and learning from others, emphasizing the value of exchanging ideas and building upon the work of predecessors.

3. “The Power of Intention” by Wayne Dyer

– Intention as Energy: Intention is a powerful, creative force that guides individuals towards their true purpose.

– The Power of Belief: The ability to transcend the influx of fear – based thoughts that come up on a daily basis and replace them with a profound belief is a skill that will, without a doubt, enhance one’s potential for success.

– Living with Purpose: A clear sense of purpose attracts positive experiences and opportunities, helping to channel intention effectively.

– Embracing Abundance: Adopting an abundance mindset rather than one of scarcity attracts more positive outcomes and opportunities. I always relate this to the “red car” analogy that says that, if you’re looking for a red car, you’ll only see red cars. If you’re looking for positive opportunities, they will always be there.

– The Importance of Service: Engaging in acts of service and helping others aligns one’s intentions with a greater purpose, creating a ripple effect of positive energy.

I highly encourage anyone seeking inspiration and motivation to explore these books. Reading offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the minds of those who’ve come before us, allowing us to learn from their experiences, perspectives, and wisdom. It’s one of the most powerful ways to nurture personal growth, as it encourages reflection, broadens our understanding, and often sparks ideas that help us on our own journeys.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://indigotonics.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigotonics/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-parra-2863831a2/