VMP Covergirl - Michelle Chenn
This week’s VMP Covergirl is…… MICHELLE CHENN!
Let me tell you ladies, Michelle Chenn is a powerhouse! She is founder and CEO of Axiom Advancement Corporation (www.axiompgh.com) which provides lending for minority, women and veteran owned business in the Pittsburgh region. She’s passionate about bridging the gap that exists in this region and believes in investing in small businesses as a way to create thriving sustainable communities.
Did you have any older female role models when you were younger? Who were they and what impact did they have on you? Did they give you any advice that really helped you?
My high school English teacher Ms. Gist. She recognized my gift in writing and nurtured it. She also did everything she could to introduce me to opportunities to hone my craft, helped me secure a full scholarship to college and encouraged me not to settle. She saw more in me and that helped me to see more in myself.
How did you mark turning 50? How did that feel to you?
My children hosted a fancy 50th party for me. It was wonderful. I had a great time. I was completely surrounded by love. My family and friends were there. It was a very beautiful event. I also launched my company around that same time. That was exhilarating. I took a leap of faith and it was the perfect time to do it! I leaned into being an empty nester and decided to really enjoy my life on my own terms. I felt incredibly empowered to be the most un-stifled version of myself. I also had a real sense that if I was going to give God a good return on his investment, I had to begin using all the talents he gave me. That is the quest that I'm on now, to exhaust my potential before I leave this earth.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to honor her intuition and her judgement. I would stress how important self awareness is for her. I would tell her "your deepest fear is that you are powerful beyond measure, gifted in many areas and you must never dummy yourself down, face the fear, kick it in its teeth, conquer it and by whatever means necessary keep going. Quitting is never an option! Resist the urge to people please, make no apologies for anyone's mistreatment of you, let go of toxic people, choose love and peace always, but fight if necessary, don't conform to anyone's definition of you. Be the best version of Michelle, in every area of your life."
Do you feel like you've changed since you've turned 50? Example: have your values or your perception of being attractive changed?
I've changed significantly. I no longer seek approval or permission to be exactly who I know I was created to be. I value people in a far deeper way. I honestly believe I can learn something from everyone. I do look at life in a much different way. I'm less harsh with myself. I honor my body with all of its wobbly bits especially because my stretch marks and tummy area represent the two babies I was blessed to have. I am perfectly imperfect. One of a kind, inside & out. Mixed heritage, mixed culture and I'm still constantly evolving.
What positives have come from being over 50?
Confidence, experience, wisdom. strength, courage, fortitude, patience and strength.
Do you have any goals or projects you're working on? What dreams do you have for the future?
I am currently on my way to being a serial entrepreneur having started 2 businesses with a third on the way. I will be an author/speaker. I would like to also get involved with making/changing polices surrounding the racial wealth gap and economic inequities faced by people of color in America.
What is your best advice for other women who are coming up on turning 50? What do you 'know' now?
Embrace turning 50! It is an accomplishment and you should be proud. Lean into the greater sense of empowerment that comes along with it. Don't count the years you have left, instead make the years you have left, count! (drops mic and exits the stage)
How would you like people to describe you or see you? What do you most want people to remember about you?
I want people to feel that I genuinely care and value you them, just for who they are. I would like to be remembered as a loving mom, grandma, family member, friend and advocate.
Why are beautiful photos important to you right now?
I think its a great way to memorialize where I am in my evolution. 50 is a powerful age for me and I hope that comes through in the photos. (NOTE: They sure did Michelle!)
Congratulations Michelle!
For more information on this series and the 50over50 project, please visit https://www.villamontarti.com/50-over-50
