Michelle Rae
My writing is rooted in reflection — both a mirror and a movement. It invites readers to see themselves honestly: the patterns they have repeated, the silence they have carried, and the ways they may have compromised their own needs. From that awareness comes the possibility of change — a return to self with greater clarity and intention.
I write to create space for that return. I believe healing begins the moment you stop shrinking to be accepted and start honoring what you need in real time.
At the heart of my work is the belief that your voice matters, your healing matters, and choosing yourself is not selfish — it is necessary. Much of what we search for already lives within us. The answers we chase often sit quietly beneath the noise, waiting for us to trust what we feel.
My work is shaped by the conviction that real change begins with accountability — naming what you have carried, owning the choices that shaped you, and recognizing where you may have set yourself aside. I encourage readers to approach these truths with courage and compassion, understanding that returning to themselves is an act of strength.
• Franklin University- M.B.A.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God, to my mother, and to the life experiences that shaped the woman I am today.
My faith has always been my foundation, and my mother nurtured that faith long before I understood its power. She strengthened my belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
Life has also been one of my greatest teachers. Experience has taught me humility, perspective, and compassion. I’ve learned to extend grace rather than judgment, knowing that people’s choices are often shaped by circumstances we may never see.
These influences shape how I show up today—with intention, empathy, and perspective—guided by faith, grounded in truth, and committed to growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to choose work you believe in and commit to it fully. That guidance continues to shape how I approach my writing—with intention, discipline, and a commitment to creating work that resonates with readers and supports growth and change.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women to:
1) Always trust that small still voice within you and never wait for permission or validation to pursue what you know you're called to do.
2) Give yourself the grace to make mistakes, to learn, and to grow. Every season will reveal something meaningful about who you are and who you’re becoming.
3) Honor your values and create the space you need to grow without limitations.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the pace. Publishing is more accessible than ever, which is a gift — but it also means the space is saturated with content that moves quickly and doesn’t always invite depth. There’s constant pressure to produce, market, and remain visible.
At the same time, that accessibility creates opportunity. Readers are increasingly drawn to work that feels thoughtful, well‑crafted, and grounded in authenticity. I believe the opportunity lies in choosing depth over urgency — in writing books that linger and continue speaking to readers long after the final page.
For me, the focus isn’t on competing in volume, but on cultivating trust with readers who value substance and lasting impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me — in both my work and my personal life — are emotional honesty, integrity, and personal responsibility. I believe growth begins with telling ourselves the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. The same honesty I ask of my readers is the honesty I require of myself.
Compassion matters deeply to me, but never at the expense of self‑respect. I value showing up with clarity — honoring my faith, my boundaries, and the responsibility I carry in my relationships. Whether in my writing or in my everyday life, I aim to create space for growth that is grounded, intentional, and sustainable.
Locations
Author, Creator of Scarlet Love Notes
Charlotte, NC 28202