Micaela L. Thomas is a wife and mother. Co-captain of a large, blended family, she parents 6 biological children, 4 stepchildren and 1 bonus child with Husband, Kendrick. Born in March 1987, she grew up in East Cleveland, OH to a single mother and loving family village. Micaela has always had a knack for writing. Whether it was poetry, plays, songs, books or short stories, she was always able to utilize her imagination to keep her centered from the internal turmoil that brewed within. Eventually relocating to Columbus, OH., this is where she began discovering her various talents. The story of Micaela’s life has been kept secret for the majority of her 33-years of existence. She has now decided to share her journey for the encouragement and betterment of others who may be suffering in silence. It is her hope to assist in being an advocate for the intentional healing of others through her own journey of self-awareness and manifestation.
What does success look like to you?
What success looks like to me is freedom and having a full heart. It’s being able to let go of the small stuff and handle the larger things effortlessly. Success is knowing that you are selflessly making an impact in the lives of others and paying forward every bit of positivity that I have ever gained or received from other people and/or the world.
What kind of impact do you want to have on the world?
The kind of impact I want to have on the world can’t really be measured. As long as I know I have touched hearts, encouraged others to heal and inspired people to live life unapologetically, there’s not much more that I can ask for.
Have you authored a book? What is the title and synopsis for your book? What do you want readers to gain from your book?
Yes. The name of my book is STRIPPED TO MY TRUTH: UNPACKING THE EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE. I would like readers to gain the knowledge of self, from my book. For readers to know that no matter how far they think they’ve gone off track that they can always find their way back. I would like for readers to know that no matter the trauma, harm or detriment they’ve been through (whether self-inflicted or by others) that they are perfectly capable and able to heal. Regardless of how deep their wounds are.
What is the name of your business? What type of business is it?
Stripped to my Truth is not only the name of my book, but also my coaching business. I “coach”, encourage and inspire others to enable their own healing. Along with assisting them in finding their own light in the dark.
What made you choose this type of business?
I love helping people. I love being able to assist others that have been or are going down the same path(s) that I have also traveled. I was once that girl/woman who was lost and wasn’t sure how to go about finding my way back to me. Because of that, I almost gave up because I didn’t have the guidance I needed. There are plenty of others who are the same and there’s no greater feeling than being able to be that guidance for them.
What hurdles did you personally face in getting ready to open your business and how did you overcome them?
Fear was definitely the most prominent hurdle. Fear of not knowing, of uncertainty, of failure. Fear led to a lot of other hurdles such as procrastination and self-doubt. I would second guess myself and stress myself worrying about what people to say or think. I overcame that with prayer, affirmations and by looking myself in the mirror every day and giving myself more reasons to do what I wanted to do, what I needed to do and what I knew was best to do versus the reasons I gave myself NOT to do it. In turn, I stopped caring what other people said or thought about me and my business. It has since served me well.
Does your company help the community where it is located?
My company will help the community. I am currently in the works of planning quite a few things that will definitely give back to the community.
Why did you choose entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship chose me. I was never created to punch a time clock or follow the “algorithm” of an employer. I am purposed for so much more. I like to be the boss more than being bossed and entrepreneurship allows me to be so creative in various ways. My creativity and the ideas that I have are endless.
What would you say is your most driving motivation to keep doing what you to do?
My most driving motivation is my family. In the previous generation before me, there was always planning and lists of things that they wanted to do, but for some reason or another, it was never fulfilled or completed. I am the person in my family who is going to change that. My driving motivation is not only them, but also my children and every woman and mother who desires a different life than what they are currently living. To show them and teach them that it is never too late. That their goals and dreams are attainable. Their only hinderance is them.
Have you ever turned down a client?
No, I have never turned down a client.
What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your business? What are the goals that you hold personally?
The goals I most want to accomplish is my business is definitely growth. I hold that personally because everyone has a story to tell. However, my story is unique because it’s MY story and in order to share my story with others and inspire and encourage them for better and change, I have to grow. Not just in business and financially, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually as well. It’s not just business. This growth is personal.
Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.
Absolutely! The biggest one for me is Tyler Perry. A man who literally lived by faith. He risked it all. From living in his car to living in a box and continuing to be so faithful and humble throughout the process. He has gone on to achieve so much because he not only had faith, but he believed in his talents, his gifts and his purpose. On a more personal level, my grandmother has definitely deeply influenced who I am, what I believe in and what I’m committed to in my work and in my life. She’s influenced me as a woman, a mother, a healer and an entrepreneur. She gave up a lot of her desires in life for me, for us, her children and grandchildren. Instilled in us the faith that we need to fulfill our goals and dreams. Her strength and influence are incomparable.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
My advice would be to just start. Perfection will not happen…especially in the beginning and it doesn’t have to be perfect. But to just start and begin the process is the best thing I can tell you. Get rid of the “shoulda, coulda, wouldas” and step into that dangerous level of not caring what anyone else thinks.
What’s next for you in your business/brand? What can readers look forward to from you?
Well…I am currently working on a documentary as a visual for my book. I will also be releasing my 2nd book in July 2021. I don’t want to give away all the tea, but I am definitely working on some pretty great things in 2021.
