Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Fox.
Michaela, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I launched Girls Thriving, a heart-centered business aimed at supporting tween and teen girls, in 2019. Prior to this, I worked as a freelance writer and social media specialist. I had been writing parenting articles for over a decade and felt there was so much information available about parenting babies, toddlers, and young kids, but little around raising tween and teen girls. Having four daughters myself (now aged 7, 11, 13 & 14), I set out to create an online platform with tools, strategies, and resources to help parents and caregivers raise confident, capable, and resilient girls.
Girls Thriving offers parents of daughters insight and guidance on how to raise confident girls – from everyday opportunities for connection to tricky times and girl challenges. Through online support and in-person events, Girls Thriving helps girls navigate the often-turbulent tween and teen years to become confident, calm, and connected adults. We help girls THRIVE.
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 hasn’t been a smooth road. I had so many exciting plans for Girls Thriving, which included in-person workshops and mom/daughter events. A week before my launch event, the pandemic worsened, and the city I was living in at the time (Melbourne) went into lockdown. In fact, we had the longest lockdown in the world, so all my events were canceled, rescheduled, and then canceled again. It was disheartening as my business model at that stage was centered around in-person events. But, like many others, I had to pivot!
I took my events online and offered a range of virtual events that ranged from How to Navigate Healthy Friendships to How to Thrive Online and some fun events like Virtual Bake Offs. I also created affirmation cards for girls as so many young people were struggling with mental health. This is an area I am very passionate about. I called them “Little Pick-Me-Up” cards aimed at boosting resilience, self-esteem, and confidence. They were so popular as parents were looking for tools to give their daughters during such a challenging time.
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 have always been drawn to the not-for-profit sector, seeking roles that are meaningful and impactful. I worked for a youth suicide prevention charity for a number of years and became highly passionate about supporting the mental health and well-being of young people. Girls today face a number of challenges that we didn’t have in our generation. Social media, online bullying, and cyber safety are just a few of the issues that parents raising a new generation of girls are dealing with. I am most proud of the impact my Pick-Me-Up cards have had on so many girls at a critical point in their lives. Every week, I get emails from mothers thanking me for creating a much-needed product that makes a difference.
What matters most to you? Why?
Raising girls to thrive, hence the name of my business, Girls Thriving. I want to help girls realize their potential, make smart choices, maintain healthy friendships, look after their mental health, and importantly, look after others too. Research shows that after the age of 8, a girl’s self-confidence takes a big dive. I want to change that. They need help to nurture and develop a strong sense of self. Positive self-esteem, Resilience, Purpose, and Confidence. These are the qualities we all want our daughters to have.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://girlsthriving.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girls.thriving/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/girlsthriving/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-fox-r1215/
