Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle McNeil.
Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello I advocate for Mental Health Awareness and for any child or adult who needs therapeutic support. ( I myself need it too because of my childhood and abusive 1st marriage)
My business came about from the second tragedy I had in my life which was my youngest son was murdered at the Roxy bar that was on 75th and Metcalf all because they felt disrespected and thought he was someone else.
When I first started 10 years ago, I was just making fashion Jewelry. And I stopped for a little while, but once I got back into it, I came up with items that help with fidgeting, anxiety.,
My first tragedy was when I was 17. My oldest son was 2.5 months old and had died from SIDS. I actually wrote a self healing book on this tragedy ‘Surviving the unexpected loss of a child.. “ Quiet Rebellion “-Kindle version and the paperback is under “Quiet Rebellion “ (Amazon)
I will also be releasing A Mother’s Love “ Healing Through the FIRE” this book is about my son’s murder and how I healed from it.
If ever you see me out I believe in giving back to Children with nothing but positivity.
Also, when I first started this, it was A Mother’s Love doing business as Mother’s and Father’s Against Gun Violence . We don’t oppose guns just the violence which I still represent (always). M & M Designs (me) came up with my sensory fidget bracelets and magic wands.
I am here to let all grieving parents know that they can make it through. I’ve had a lot of tragedies in my life and I’m still standing to sum it up. I was 17 when I lost my first child. I left home at 16 got married when I was 18 was abused for 16 years partially paralyzed and then my son was murdered 9-16-15.
Never give up
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wanted to give up several times but the Lord said for me to keep going because my message will help so many women to not suffer in silence.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been in customer service for over 30 years. I create out of love and what comes to mind. I say abstract art from an abstract mine. This includes my jewelry my liquid for a painting art and now I’m learning to paint with a brush cause I have a series coming out with red Cardinals.
I am proud of spreading positivity and educating people on grief and how to deal with it when they think they can’t. And I feel like we are all equal so the only thing that was sent me apart from them that I’m an open book and I don’t mind.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m an open book so everybody knows everything about me except for that. I am writing a biography.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Designsbym_n_m
