The Michelle Hickey Design Blog

In this post, I reveal my master list of 20 tools for creative business owners, who blog, sell products, and share services online. These helpful resources will help increase productivity + profits, while freeing up time so you can focus on the big picture. Be sure to grab the 3-page business expense and financial success planner […]

Running your own business comes with the perk of taking personal time when you need it, but the challenge is learning to manage it. When you know that your work will be interrupted (as mine will be quite often in the next few months), it becomes more important than ever to use that time intentionally. […]

They say taking the first step is the hardest, but it’s the one that propels you to keep moving forward. I say, the power in that initial movement largely depends on what you’ve decided to step in. Deciding where to focus your energy is just as important as starting your project. I’m learning that it’s the perfect storm of prioritization and […]

I have struggled with learning to push past doubts since I was very young. As a “rule follower” and  “people pleaser” I hate the thought of making people feel uncomfortable, which I’ve mercilessly avoided, often at my own expense. The business world swallows up people like me, which is why I’ve been working hard to […]

I believe that exploration is an underrated and often untapped resource. I’ve seen the benefits and felt the effects, which is why whenever the opportunity to travel presents itself, I jump on it. While it was a conference my husband was attending that prompted this particular adventure; I turned the week into a fruitful trip […]

In preparation for upcoming travel plans, I pushed myself to “work ahead” this week— a concept that’s practically foreign to me. The effects were almost infectious, with my tasks becoming easier and more enjoyable with each passing day. While it meant putting some of those big picture goals on the back burner, I know that […]

Do you ever wonder what your fellow creative entrepreneurs are up to? In between the big wins, product launches, and collaborations are the small steps (some forward, some backward) that lead to those turning points. Here’s a transparent account of a week in the life of a gal in passionate pursuit of business growth, personal […]

Many people have a creative spirit, but not everyone lets it out. Rachel Allene is someone who couldn’t quiet her passion. After pursuing a degree in health science, she almost immediately ditched her first job and jumped into entrepreneurship, head first. Her story teaches us that just getting started is the most important step. Learning […]

Is blogging actually worth it? Spoiler alert: yes. This article explores how to maximize the impact of your blog posts, reach a bigger audience, create opportunities, and put more money in your pocket.  I spent the early years of my business blogging without purpose. Like many newlywed gals, I thought Style Me Pretty was the […]