"Keep pressing on. Some days feel great and some feel terrible" with Michelle Keefe

Photo credit: Boston Headshot Branding Photography Adriana Kopinja

Entrepreneurship is old hat for Michelle Keefe – having successfully run and sold her first business, Misha K, before the age of 30. She now leads MomUp in its quest to connect organizations with the amazing resource of mothers. As a stay at home mom, Michelle found herself surrounded by highly educated, skilled, energetic multi-tasking mega stars that were unemployed and looking for new and exciting challenges. She realized that by forging partnerships with progressive companies and connecting them with skilled talent MomUp could make a huge impact.

Can you tell our readers about your background?

My work experience has been varied and you could say I’m a bit of a jack-of-all-trades which is why I love starting new companies. I get to be involved in every aspect of it. Before MomUp, I ran and sold my first business at 28, started my family soon after while working towards my graduate degree from Harvard. The five of us travelled the world for a few months and now we are settled outside of Boston as I build MomUp.  

What inspired you to start your business?

Having stepped away from a career for a few years, I understood the frustrations that many women feel.  We worked hard for years at work and our education and we couldn’t find an entry point back onto our career path. I also found many women wanted to pursue interesting opportunities but maintain some work/life balance which is challenging in our always-on modern world.  On the flip side, my husband and I are both entrepreneurs and recognized how valuable this amazing untapped network could be for small companies and start-ups; resource-constrained and needing high level talent but for flexible and part time work.

Where is your business based?

We are based in Needham, MA (outside Boston)

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

Thankfully, having started a company I knew the logistical how-tos that needed to be done.  Then I spoke with a lot people and finally recruited a couple of friends who really believed in the mission to join me.

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

We have been fortunate to have an extensive and supportive network in the Boston area. That really helped to get the ball rolling and begin the staffing and recruiting process. Of course social media – Instagram and LinkedIn – have helped immensely to get our name out and expand our network.  

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

Imposter syndrome is always a challenge.  It’s easy to feel like everyone else is an expert and we are the newbies on the scene. With that comes great insight and a fresh perspective.    

How do you stay focused?

Ha! That’s not always easy especially these days with the kids at home.  I do two main things: My task list is segmented into the immediate and long term to dos, which helps me prioritize.  I also wake up very early to get a couple of hours of work in before the rest of the gang shows up.  

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

Setting ourselves apart from gig platforms and recruiters is a challenge.  We are very hands-on and truly want to connect businesses with candidates who can grow with their company.  We are the best resource for scalable talent.  There is a deep level of trust and transparency that our network of talent has with us so organizations can feel confident that we are finding the best fit for them.  

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Keep pressing on.  Some days feel great and some feel terrible.  The highs are worth those lows.  Just look at that task list and take on something no matter how small.  

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

I am a podcast addict – I listen to a ton; Tim Ferris, Armchair Expert, How I Built This, and of course GOOP.  Anything that is inspiring and business focused.

I love Brene Brown and highly recommend Daring Greatly. Get vulnerable, take the risk, and get in the arena.   

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

I love gusto for payroll because it takes something so complicated and makes it incredibly simple.

Who is your business role model? Why?

My husband, Harry Schechter.  He’s an amazing entrepreneur and incredible supportive of my own career goals.  He also participates in domestic duty in a very fair way!

How do you balance work and life?

Still figuring this out.  

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

Yoga, Yoga, Yoga. Everyday.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I am bringing coaches into the fold at MomUp to support some of the women who are working out their next steps. 

How can our readers connect with you?

Connect with us on social media @momupco or visit our website www.momup.com