Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Williams.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started A Girl From TX right after I graduated from UT Austin and moved up to Dallas. I realized that so many people my age, just graduating from college and in our 20s, were so focused on traveling outside that we forgot to explore our own backyards. I had tons of friends visiting from out of town and always struggled with where to actually take them. So, I started A Girl From TX. I wanted to highlight the best parts of Austin, Dallas, and Houston and focus on the places just around the corner that we didn’t even realize were there! Turns out, I wasn’t the only one! I now have over 6,000 Texans following and exploring their own cities more, asking for recommendations, and it makes my heart so happy to see everyone finding new things!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It absolutely has not been smooth! It never is when starting a business, even a blogging one. My biggest obstacle has been sharing it with those around me. When you use yourself as a brand, you become so self-conscious of what your friends and family think. I was worried people would think I was self-absorbed or that it was silly, and I was hiding it from people I knew. However, I was so wrong. Once I let it out and started telling people, almost everyone was supportive and excited for me! I had so many friends offering to help and wanting to explore with me, I wish I had opened up about it sooner! My biggest advice is to stop being so afraid of what people think!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about A Girl From TX – what should we know?
Most of what I do involves exploring new local places: coffee shops, restaurants, parks, events, museums, murals, and so much more. I’ll experience them for myself, take a crazy amount of photos, and then share what I think! It’s a mix of being a photographer, promoter, and service is how I look at it. The finished product would be a recommendation. People will ask where to get their nails done, what to do with someone from out of town, where to have a birthday dinner, and I always want to have an answer. My feed is filled with fun spots people didn’t know about before, and every time someone saves a photo or asks for a recommendation, I call it a success!
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
As much as I hate to admit it, I think the biggest barrier is fear of being judged. We are constantly afraid of what people will think and say, that we limit ourselves and forget to push boundaries. Outward appearance matters, yes, but sometimes we place too high a value on it where our male counterparts do not. For women, confidence is viewed as a “problem” and that is absolutely ridiculous to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.agirlfromtx.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/agirlfromtx
- Facebook: facebook.com/agirlfromtx
- Twitter: twitter.com/agirlfromtx
- Other: pinterest.com/agirlfromtxx
Image Credit:
Michelle Williams of @agirlfromtx
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