Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Miles.
Michelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
This all began as an Instagram account where I showed how my tiny family experienced Fort Worth. I didn’t think there was much to it at first and actually refused to show my face originally because my goal was to show people ways in which they could experience our city of Fort Worth without feeling like they had to fit a certain criterion (age, race, sex, marital status, etc). I just wanted to show what and how we loved our city! Within a week I had 100 local followers and it has continued to grow ever since (now upwards of 14.5k followers just on Instagram alone)!
I feature where I eat, visit, shop, and attend events in Fort Worth but I also show the real-life experience of it all. This has developed the account into a genuine native marketing tool that is used to benefit local businesses and non-profits.
My goal and personality are to be genuine and real. I refuse to lose that as the account grows in popularity. When my kids are having a hard day, I tell you. When I witness a good deed in our city, I shout it from the rooftops. When I’m tired and a glass of wine from a certain restaurant lifts my spirits (pun intended), I share it. My life is not perfect, my family is not perfect, but we sure are happy all together in this city!
This truly is a family affair. My daughter (3) and son (5 months) are my muses. They are in many of my photos because that is my life. They are how I experience the city and I find it important to show that beyond a pretty drink, you can incorporate your family in your adventures. My husband is my reluctant photographer most of the time and I truly appreciate his support in all of this! We are both astounded daily by the results of this social media outlet and website. My dad is my encourager, inspiration, and manager of my website.
About a year ago I began featuring women once a month. The woman I feature is considered THE Fort Worth Woman for that month. I write up about who they are, where they’ve been, and what they love about our city. These posts explode on all avenues as women featuring women is rare! Typically women are in such conflict with each other but in Fort Worth, there is truly a movement of support instead of jealousy. The ladies featured are women who have been nominated or who I have met along the way who are making a difference in our community.
These are mothers, entrepreneurs, non-profit board members, ceiling breakers, movement makers, and hard workers who shine despite whatever hardships may lay in their path. They are so incredibly inspiring and are probably some of my favorite posts I have! I now have my Instagram account, Facebook account, and website that includes my Women in Business Directory. The business directory focuses on highlighting the talents and businesses of Fort Worth women.
I still feature where we are day to day but my schedule fills monthly with both long-term and one-time only clients who love the native marketing approach via the Fort Worth Woman outlets. I truly believe that our city of Fort Worth is different and special-I’m honored to show you how!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
You know, it’s been a fairly smooth road full of lots of learning curves! I am a teacher/counselor by trade and the world of business and marketing is a whole other ball game for me! The world of social media is always changing as well so I feel I constantly have to be on my toes and stay genuine. If I am overly staged in my photos/delivery, I lose my audience but I’ve learned that if I show the ‘realness’ of a situation, people respond. And they respond well.
My goal is that if I am to have this big of an influence, I want it to be for good. I hope to honor our city, the incredible people that work here, the women who inspire us all, and show that happiness is not about perfection! We live in the moment, love where we live, and can’t imagine being anywhere else!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Fort Worth Woman – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Fort Worth Woman is my baby (well, work baby). I am honored and astounded daily regarding the ‘influence’ I have and how many locals are following to see how my family interacts with our city.
People have started hugging us and saying hi when we are out and every time my heart jumps out of my chest! I don’t have this account of fame, recognition, or instant gratification. I created this to show others that they too can fall in love with our city as much as we have. I feel so lucky to live here and be surrounded by some of the greatest people I’ve ever met! This conscious act of being genuine makes a real impact.
I am most proud of the way this account has grown and adapted. Locals have provided ideas, restaurant recommendations, events, connections, encouragement, photos, giveaways, talents, and new ideas that are all being incorporated as time moves forward. This is Fort Worth’s account, I’m just the lucky gal who gets to share it all!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My focus is shifting to my website. I’d like for my website to contain everything that is seen on my social media and more. The Women in Business Directory is growing rapidly and is the place to support, congratulate, and honor local women in all categories who are doing what they do best Each woman receives a personal landing page as well as a business landing page that focuses on directing traffic back to their area of business.
I also want to continue to see how Fort Worth Woman is used for good. My personal motto is to “go into the world and do well, but more importantly, do good”. I want my business to be used to feature the incredible people, businesses, events, and acts of kindness that make Fort Worth what it is home.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fortworthwoman.com
- Email: michelle@fortworthwoman.com
- Instagram: @fortworthwoman
- Facebook: @fortworthwoman
- Twitter: @fortworthwoman
Image Credit:
Brian Hutson Photography, Beth McElhannon Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
