Michelle Fetsch is a visionary leader in the women’s wellness space, with over a decade of experience driving early-stage growth across eCommerce, DTC, and mission-driven brands. As the first employee of Rosebud Woman, she helped scale the brand from concept to over $10 million in lifetime sales, launched a national healthcare practitioner program that reached thousands, and secured key retail partnerships to validate the intimate wellness category.
She has a proven track record of launching and commercializing products in highly regulated, founder-led environments, with deep expertise in go-to-market strategy, customer acquisition, and brand partnerships. Michelle also led a viral global media campaign in 2015 and served as a producer for the inaugural TEDxWomen event.
Rooted in a commitment to equity, healing, and embodiment, her work blends entrepreneurial strategy with trauma-informed advocacy, building communities at the intersection of health, ritual, and empowerment, and driving impact across consumer, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors.
FWM: What does being “sovereign in all seasons” mean to you right now?
MF: Being sovereign, in this season, means putting myself back at the center of my life. I’m putting me at the center of my life.
For years, I organized everything around work—when I ate, moved, used and made personal appointments. My time was dictated by the schedules of others, especially those of my bosses or clients. And when your life is built around everyone else, it doesn’t take much for things to fall apart.
I moved out at 15 and learned early how to survive. Work became a way to feel in control—something I could pour myself into, where I could prove my worth. But somewhere along the way, I stopped checking in with what I needed. I’d feel frustrated when people skipped meetings to take care of themselves, because I hadn’t given myself that same permission. I was showing up for everyone but me.
Sovereignty, for me, looks like caring for myself first, not last, and letting rest, trust, and ease matter as much as action.
Now, as a recovering workaholic, I’m learning that I don’t have to exhaust myself to be valuable. This season is asking me to slow down, be honest, and rebuild from a place of alignment instead of overextending myself.
Sovereignty, for me, looks like caring for myself first, not last, and letting rest, trust, and ease matter as much as action. And honestly, nature has been a lifeline. Being outside clears my head, brings me back into my body, and reminds me of what matters. It’s not extra. It’s essential.
I’m learning to create from a place that feels full, not burned out. And to build a life that supports ME, not just the work I do. care, and shared purpose. I believe leadership means ensuring that others’ voices, perspectives, and talents are not only heard but respected, valued, and included.
In many ways, I sought to free myself by helping free others. It has always been about elevating the collective. Whether in advocacy, brand building, or systems change, I’ve remained committed to bringing others in at every step.
And I still believe, deeply, that we each have the opportunity to create what’s needed, to share power, and to bring as many people with us as possible.
FWM: What are you currently building or leading that you’re most excited about?
MF: I’m in a season of exploration, considering where my experience, voice, and gifts can have impact next. My commitment to advocating for women remains unchanged, as does my belief in community as a powerful force for change. I continue to volunteer locally and recently joined my first board, supporting CPG founders through education, mentorship, and entrepreneurial growth.
After years of building, scaling, and leading in both brand and advocacy spaces, I’m feeling called to step into work that allows for continued integration, bringing together business strategy, social impact, and storytelling in ways that serve the collective good. I’m listening closely, staying open, and trusting that the next chapter will be one where purpose and possibility meet.
The most powerful thing I can do is focus on what’s within my circle of control.
FWM: What is a confidence or mindset shift that has helped you sustain your vision?
MF: My word of the year has been “LOCAL.” After navigating a season of health uncertainty, I’ve come to realize that the most powerful thing I can do is focus on what’s within my circle of control. Not the future, not the systems, not what others might do—but what can I do? How can I take care of myself, show up for my community, and make a difference right here, where my feet are?
“Local” has become a mindset. It’s reminded me that tending to what’s close—in my body, my relationships, my neighborhood—is not small work. It’s sacred. And it’s often the foundation for broader impact. When we root in presence and care, we become steadier stewards of whatever comes next.
FWM: What encouragement would you give to another woman navigating transition or uncertainty?
MF: Your life is worth your pursuit. Even when things feel uncertain, out of reach, or like you’ve somehow missed your moment, you are still worthy of love, of possibility, of care.
There’s a song I’ve always loved by Frou Frou. The lyrics say: “Let go, get go, ’cause there’s beauty in the breakdown.” And it’s true. Sometimes the moments that feel the most disorienting are the ones that crack us open in the best way. They invite us to listen more closely, to soften, to realign.
Even when you feel too old, too tired, or too late, you are still becoming. It is a privilege to age. A privilege to evolve. A privilege to keep going.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just stay close to what nourishes you, honor your timing, and remember—you don’t have to do it alone.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellefetsch
