The Day I Got Fired and Built My Dream Business w/ Michelle Thames

Michelle Thames went to work one day in 2016 and walked out fired from her healthcare compliance job. What felt like an ending became the pivot that changed everything.In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Michelle shares how she leaned on the blog she’d been building since 2009, taught herself marketing through real-world reps, and turned a career curveball into a thriving path as a marketing strategist, community builder, and boutique agency owner. We talk about what it really takes to build trust online, why relationship-based marketing still wins, and how intentional community building (especially through in-person events) can accelerate your visibility, confidence, and client growth faster than social media alone.You’ll also hear Michelle’s honest take on early business setbacks, boundaries with social media, and what it means to create a truly “magnetic” brand—one that attracts the right-fit people and opportunities. Plus, she shares details on her book, From Fired to Featured, a practical guide to personal branding with purpose.Episode Highlights:Michelle’s 2016 firing that sparked her entrepreneurial pivotFrom blogger to brand-builder: learning marketing through real experienceBehind the scenes of scaling fast in 2020 and choosing a boutique modelWhat “magnetic” means: attracting the right-fit people and protecting the roomWhy in-person community and intentional invitations sell out events fasterChapters:00:01 — Meet Michelle Thames + community-building vibe00:50 — 2016 layoff story: healthcare compliance to pivot02:55 — Falling back on her blog + landing MyAlle Organics04:51 — Starting the agency + shifting into community + events18:23 — Early setbacks: scaling in 2020, hiring, going boutique23:14 — “Magnetic” branding + curating the right room39:42 — Her book From Fired to Featured + closing + where to connectConnect with Michelle Thames:Website - http://www.michellethames.com/Upcoming Events:Chicago Retreat - July 14-16, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/iid9wbr2ycNapa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.