Exploring Life & Business with Michelle Renee of VERB Media Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Renee. She shared her story with us below:

A teen runaway who escaped a violent, traumatic childhood, Michelle beat the odds when she rose up from being a part-time bank teller to a respected Regional Sales Manager, Vice President, and Branch Manager in her 13-year career. 

A violent home invasion kidnapping, hostage, and bank robbery carried out against Michelle and her daughter ended her career. After retreating to Alaska to heal and prepare to endure the criminal trials of their attackers, as depicted in her new memoir Nine Days, Michelle earned a degree in Mass Media Communication. She founded VERB Media Group, Inc. in 2014, a video, photo, and podcast production agency focused on compelling event and video podcast content. 

Michelle is a published author, producer, and writer on the film based on her first book, a true crime titled Held Hostage, and her second book, a memoir titled NINE DAYS: Living With My Soul Wide Open After Violent Trauma (June 2023). Nine Days picks up where Held Hostage left off and chronicles a single mother’s 4,200-mile solo road trip into the rugged terrain of the Yukon Territory and, ultimately, the Alaskan wilderness. Surviving on little money or food, Michelle braves the elements and confronts her dark, turbulent past on her way to return to her daughter and prepare to come face to face with one of their kidnappers… again. 

NINE DAYS is a story of raw grit and determination that depicts the torment and triumph of forging ahead and defying all odds on the road that terrifies, challenges, and ultimately sets her free. 

She has spoken on multiple stages and has been featured on numerous podcasts and television shows, including a recent episode of 48 Hours on CBS and Paramount Plus. She has been a contributor to Huffington Post and earned her Trauma Informed Certification for Coaches from the Centre For Healing in 2023. 

She has been recognized for her non-violence advocacy and trauma survivor outreach efforts by the State of California, the City of San Diego, the City of Chicago, and The White House, to name a few. Michelle is available for speaking engagements and as a podcast guest. Contact hello@verbmediagroup.com for more information. 

Michelle resides in San Diego, CA. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an entrepreneur and a single mother was not easy, yet it was also my driving force. Creating a life that would allow me to be available and present with and for my daughter in the aftermath of violent trauma was of utmost importance. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
VERB was created after my 13-year career ended after a violent home invasion, kidnapping, and bank robbery ordeal my daughter and I survived. Going back to banking was not an option, and needing a certain kind of freedom that allowed me to be there for her through our entire healing process led me into studying videography and photography. Today VERB is known for our slogan, BE EVERYWHERE, and it is a compliment we hear often. When we cover an event, we are everywhere, capturing the story of your event, your brand. We specialize in behind-the-scenes event videography and photography, including testimonials, interviews, aerial, and more for results-focused event promotional content, personal brand and lifestyle content, podcast content, and all created to be shareable on social. 

I am most proud of our core values and how we truly live up to them while keeping our culture at VERB fun and energetic. 

We are proud to serve the San Diego community, our home, and our clients nationally. 

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
The Four Agreements was a game changer for me. I really like the simplicity of the teachings and yet how profound it is at the same time. One of my go-to podcasts is The School of Self-Image with our client, Tonya Leigh. Her deep dive and vulnerability about all things self-image is incredibly insightful and inspiring. 

Contact Info:

• Website: Verbmediagroup.com
• Instagram: _michellerenee_

Image Credits
Sarah Morgan Photography