My story!

From pastors wife to widow to the #1 mobile gift wrapping business owner & full time entrepreneur.

In the wake of my husband’s passing, I found myself at a crossroads in life, transitioning from a lengthy career in the non-profit sector at the age of 51. I faced the challenge of providing for my family as a single mother with homeschooling teenagers still under my care. Traditional corporate roles appeared demanding, with inflexible schedules that clashed with my new responsibilities.

It was during this time of reflection that I pondered the possibility of creating a business that offered women the freedom to work on their own terms, harnessing their creative abilities while acquiring new skills as they saw fit. This idea struck a chord with my children, who encouraged me to revisit my earlier venture in the gifting industry from their childhood. I rediscovered my entrepreneurial spirit and fell in love with the creative independence and flexibility that came with owning a business.

I have spent the last 10 years learning about finance, grief, life and becoming the best I can be in my personal growth & professional entrepreneur journey despite many setbacks and personal fear.

I embarked on a journey that led to the birth of Nifty Package Co in 2015. This endeavor has been my way of transforming personal adversity into an opportunity to empower women and foster creativity in a family-friendly environment. It’s been a fulfilling journey, and I’m excited to share it with you.

My journey is rich in knowledge and experience, holding two master’s degrees, one in business and one in counseling. These degrees have equipped me with the discipline to run a business and an understanding of the human spirit, enriched by my Christian faith. I previously owned a successful gift business in the late nineties, later stepping away to homeschool my seven children, operate a non-profit food pantry called “You Are Special,” and serve as a counselor for individuals dealing with addiction. This journey has been a significant blessing, and I’m excited to have you along for the ride.

Dreams do come true!

Having gone through her own life changing event when her husband passed away after battling cancer for two years, experiencing widowhood herself, she now inspires and educates other widows, divorcees, advisors and estate planners about the emotional and financial challenges along with the decisions women face after loss and gain. It was through these life changing events that led her to study and become a Certified Financial Transitionist©️ from the Sudden Money Institute®️, Board Certified Executive Coach, (BCC©️) specializing in Grief, Finance and Life coaching, a DMM®️ (Daily Money Manager) and on the path of becoming a CFP©️

She has several degrees including an MA in Counseling and certifications that she earned while raising seven children. Michelle embraces every challenge with tenacity and determination, exploring effective leadership and helping others develop their passions. She also started and runs Nifty Package Co, a women owned and run corporate gift company, currently frequents the local Old Town Orange events, teaches a skills workshop at the local college and online for widows and divorcees, The Orange Rotary, active in serving her local community, is a finance, grief and life coach and passionate about fitness running about 2 miles per day with a goal of a half marathon year 2020.

Memberships & Affiliations

• Sudden Money® Institute
• Association of Daily Money Managers DMM
• Orange Rotary
• Retail Packaging Association

Education

• BCC Board Certified Executive Coach
• International Association of Coaches, Grief, Life and Finance expertise
• MA in Counseling
• BS in Criminal Justice
• Currently Teach at the local Santiago Community College, Life and Practical Skills for Widows, Divorcees and Widowers.