Meet Alexandre Michael | Psychic-Medium-Shaman Novelist and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandre Michael and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandre, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well, I had started working from a very young age with my father and his business, then I went into management. However, after a few years of that, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and could no longer handle the long hours and cover shifts required of that job, so I had to think outside of the box. I first started my own house cleaning business when I lived in Alaska, then I began acting as an extra in films or commercials there. I started a couple of online stores selling my artwork and crafts, then taught myself photography. I started looking into anything to help supplement my income and hold me through the months I was sick. Soon after I started modeling, which was something I hadn’t done since I was a kid. Once I left Alaska, I moved to SoCal and was delighted when I found it much easier to work as an entrepreneur. Owning my own businesses and working for myself was very necessary for my health, but it also fit who I was and what I was capable of, as well as my lifestyle. I continued doing it because I achieved more and when I worked long hours to build a respectable income, the work and hours was going towards myself and my goals, and not some other company or employer. I picked up work very quickly in SoCal, began modeling, working as a photographer and journalist for Festpop.com, then I was able to get my own place. I started renting rooms out of my home to help support with the cost of living, then taking online classes while I worked. I established more online stores, filled my stock, and began working as a life coach, Psychic-Medium-Shaman. (Something I’ve always done but didn’t start a business doing) Then I began taking courses on hypnosis. I’ve written and published two novels and currently half way through a third. I haven’t had anyone in my family back in Lousiana do the jobs or pursue a career that I have, and I’m completely self taught in everything I’ve done. (Minus the life coach and hypnosis training)

I come from a poor family that was very isolated in southern Lousiana, yet, I’ve lived all over the country, started my first successful business at 23 years old, and now have a very respectable home with my children in Southern Cali. I’ve been a single parent, with rough health problems from an early age, and survived three strokes when I was only 28 years old.

Life is what you make it, and how hard your willing to fight for it. The only person in your way is yourself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well, I’m a graphic artist, photographer, painter, sculpture, and dabble in just about every craft. I’m a novelist and journalist, and model. I suppose what sets me apart is that I strive to be unique and genuine. I think outside of the box and really pull from my life and experiences to fuel the creativity. Especially with my life, because it’s been a very unique one.

I’m most proud of the fact that everything I do, I taught myself, and against the bitter negative comments telling me that no one is successful in that, or that I’m reaching for the impossible. Or that my health will prohibit me from everything.
Nothing in great is ever easy, but you don’t give up and take pride in the work your putting in. The more work and research you put into something, the more likely you’ll find success in it.

The lessons I’ve learned is to research as much as you can and as early as you can. Knowledge is power and it can save you a lot of time, years even.
Join groups and make connections in your field as early as you can. Hearing advice from peers as well as people that are ahead of you speaks volumes.

I want the world to read my story in my novels, see my accomplishments and where I’m going, and inspire that everyone can do the same. The sky is the limit and anything is possible as long as you fight for it and believe in yourself.

I came from a cult in the middle of nowhere Lousiana, I was born Intersex in the 80s in a Bible district, with auto immune disorders, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, and many other health problems, then I had two children. I moved all over the country after fleeing abuse, so I could get healthcare and be accepted while trying to manage to keep a roof over my head, support my family, and manage my health; All the while, starting and managing businesses, learning new career fields and education. Anything is possible as long as you see your mind to it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, anyone not from Cali would want to see Los Angeles. There I like to go to Santa Monica, maybe China town, then head to Art galleries and shops in Laguna Beach. Temecula (where I live) has fantastic wineries that are really nice to visit, then San Diego. San Diego has a zoo, many nifty shops and museums. The beach is fantastic, and you can’t beat the weather. Anaheim has the Disney attractions and further north are the Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor parks. All within driving distance and so much in between. Simply too many things to list 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The friends that supported me during some of my life. Eric Fedrowisch and Nik Sharshak. Your words meant the world to me. And to everyone I’ve met or seen that work everyday to support their family despite their hardships or health. And to the LGBT community that continue to fight for their rights and equality. You guys are heroes.

Website: www.Alexandre-Michael.com

Instagram: Alexandremichael03

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/AlexandreMichael03

Other: https://pin.it/ZAhDmKs -Pinterest under Alexandre Michael

Image Credits
My headshot is by Russel McDonald and edited by me.