Rising Stars: Meet Emily Abe of Wixom, MI

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Abe.

Hi Emily, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I actually started out as a receptionist at a local medical supply company — I was the one calling candidates to confirm their interviews, greeting them at the door, and doing whatever was needed to keep things moving. I nannied for wonderful families- one family especially that was actually included in our wedding party! From there, I became a receptionist at a local staffing agency, The KPM Group, where I simply answered phones, filled out I-9s and chatted with the candidates in the lobby before their interviews. I started to see how impactful it could be to be someone’s first point of contact — how much people just want to feel seen.

After having our third baby, I stepped more intentionally into recruiting, which quickly grew into a full HR career. Over the years, I worked in different industries and with all kinds of businesses — big corporations, small shops, and everything in between. And what I kept seeing over and over again was this: the businesses that thrived were the ones that invested in their people. When I was given the opportunity to start Thistle HR Consulting, I wanted to bring a more human, thoughtful approach to HR — especially for small business owners who don’t always know where to start.

Now, as a wife, a mom of three, and a business owner myself, I get to support other businesses in building strong foundations, navigating growth, and creating workplaces where people actually want to show up.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a learning experience for me. I never thought that I would be a Business Owner-but I can honestly say that I have loved this experience and am so thankful for the opportunity to both be there for my family and grow as a businesswoman as well. Imposter syndrome is real. I am naturally an introvert, but this job forces me to step out of my comfort zone. I’ve learned to enjoy the ride and get out of my own way and by doing so, I have met so many amazing people.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an HR Consultant, I get to work with so many different industries and companies. I have clients in different states and different industries of all different sizes; specializing in companies that have 1-25 employees. I’m exposed to so many different personalities and needs. I’m constantly doing different things every day- which is what I truly enjoy; no day is the same. Being a SHRM Senior Certified Professional, I am well educated in HR and truly love using creativity to change the perspective of traditional HR. I worked SO hard for that certification. There is a 43% success rate of passing on the first time. When I say I was excited to pass on the first run… that is an understatement.

I don’t want it to be the dreaded “HR” mentality anymore. I’m here to help and that’s what I want employees to know. They can come to me for a solution. I feel like that’s what sets me apart from others. I am not scared of getting into the trenches and finding a creative solution to the problem. I handle a wide range of services from helping a Business Owner hire their first employee and custom handbooks, to performance reviews and continuously monthly support.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Honestly, I think HR is finally heading in the direction it should’ve been going all along. Over the next 5 to 10 years, I see it becoming a lot more human, much more intentional, and much less “check-the-box.” Small businesses especially are starting to realize that HR isn’t just about policies and compliance — it’s about creating a culture where people actually want to work, and where the business can grow without constant chaos.

I think we’ll see more businesses looking for flexible, ongoing support — not just a one-time handbook or policy template, but someone who can grow with them. That’s one of the reasons I love what I do with Thistle HR. It’s not cookie-cutter. Every business is different, and the HR support should reflect that.

And of course, technology is going to keep evolving — we’ll automate more processes, use better platforms for onboarding and time tracking, all that good stuff. But I actually think the people side of HR is going to matter even more. Things like empathy, clear communication, and leadership development — that’s going to be the stuff that sets companies apart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thistlehr.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thistlehr/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thistlehr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thistlehrllc
• Other: https://linktr.ee/thistlehr