Story & Lesson Highlights with Sarah Michals of near Iron Mountain, MI

We recently had the chance to connect with Sarah Michals and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently, I was photographing an event of women off-roading. Fueled by strong, independent women supporting other women, this annual event focuses on empowering ladies to get outside and explore.

I realized at that event that simply sharing my story and my passion for photography has helped others see that they can become whatever they want in life.

My role at this event was to photograph the off-road portion of the event, showcasing these ladies and their rigs on the trail. Feedback was that, so often these ladies do not have photos of themselves, so having professional images taken of them in the driver’s seat, and crushing it, meant a lot. In my mind, I was just taking awesome photos, without the realization of what these images meant to them. The more we see ourselves doing hard things, I think, helps us continue to push ourselves to do more.

I am so proud to be a part of amazing events like this one. Knowing that the art that I am creating through my lens makes a difference in how we see each other and the world around us is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my small business.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a freelance photographer and web designer. I work with small to mid-sized businesses that are passionate about the outdoors, helping them grow their brands through digital marketing and content creation.

I also offer prints of my landscape photography collection, taken along various destinations throughout the world, on my website, sarahmichalsphotography.com, and on Etsy, etsy.com/shop/SarahMichalsPhoto

My business is truly a reflection of who I am: a creative storyteller who uses technology to connect with others.

Before I embarked on my solopreneur journey, I spent over 20 years in corporate America as a digital marketer for a variety of brands, building the digital footprint for some of the world’s largest manufacturers. From content strategy and web design and development to managing successful digital marketing teams and coaching organizations through their digital transformation, my corporate background offers a diverse perspective for my clients.

Today, I choose to support brands that are passionate about the outdoors, because we need voices to support and defend this planet more than ever. Working with like-minded clients who share this passion is what it’s all about.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents both showed me the value of hard work and commitment. My dad was always working. At one point, I recall that he had two jobs and was attending school at night to pursue his Associate’s degree. My mom also worked numerous part-time jobs. My parents taught me that you work for what you want and save to attain that goal. I think their example played a big part in my life, and I am grateful for that.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I think one of the worst things a person can go through is divorce. It rips your soul out of your body and stomps all over it a thousand different ways. You lose a part of yourself that loved fiercely at one point in time, and that pain is unlike anything I’ve ever had to endure.

It did show me that at my lowest low, the only one who could help me was myself. I had to decide to make a change and show up consistently for myself. In a society that teaches women to show up for others first, I think that is one of the hardest lessons to learn, yet it is the most necessary one.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I believe that everyone who knows me is aware of my passion for keeping our public lands accessible and available to all. I volunteer at numerous clean-up events throughout Wisconsin and Michigan, and trust me, there is plenty more clean-up that can be done. Respect for these lands starts with education, and I plan to be part of the solution through more volunteer events.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes! Giving your best without praise is the definition of being a solo entrepreneur. All the tasks associated with my business fall on my shoulders. To be a successful solo entrepreneur means you have to learn to praise yourself for the hard work you do to keep moving forward with your goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sarahmichalsphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjmichals/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjmichals/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahmichalsphotography
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/sjmichals

Image Credits
All images by Sarah Michals