REAL LIFE ROSIE

http://facebook.com/chimerunners

My name is Aymee Michels. My day job consists of helping families with Head Start and National Preschool program that started in 1964 as part of the war on Poverty. I am a Family Wellness Field Advisor. I love what I do very much, but it’s not the only thing I do. I also co-founded a non profit called A Soul in Need: Heartfelt Helpers that coordinates services from small businesses to help people with life threatening disease. I volunteer as a music teacher for the Youth Program at Salvation Army and am on several boards of directors for housing programs such as Habitat for Humanity, IDAHO Inc and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. In the past I have been highly involved in several organizations including a governor appointment with the State Independent Living Council. I hold five college degrees including a bachelor’s in Social Work and a master’s in Business. I own, operate and am the primary artist of my own business called Chime Runners which repairs and repurposes antique pieces into artisan, steampunk and custom pieces.  Currently I have three brick and mortar locations inside of other businesses. I am continuing to expand in the future, and sell online with Facebook.

What inspires you?  I am inspired by kindness.

Do you have a favorite quote? My favorite quote is a poem by Emily Dickinson.

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain. 

What are the most pressing issues facing women today?  As children we are told we can be anything, but as adults we need to reconcile our dreams with what we believe we should be. Women have fought for rights to vote, and to work despite stereotypes, but still are limited by the glass ceiling. In their homes often women are still expected to do all of the domestic duties even though they work as much if not more than the male counterparts, if there is even a counterpart present.

What are the biggest keys to your success?  Taking pride in the things I have accomplished with my life as an example and leader in my community instead of discounting myself for the things I still hope to accomplish. Don’t work on being successful, but instead work towards being significant.

What are the biggest keys to the advancement or success of women?  Be passionate about what you do. Don’t expect perfection. Believe you will be successful.  Know that failure is part of success. Take care of yourself physically. Come to terms with your to-do list never being completed, but work towards it anyway.  Schedule time alone. Make time to foster genuine friendships. Express gratitude.

Where did the inspiration for your business come from?  I kind of tripped over it. I was sitting in my back yard tinkering with a few odds and ends and found that I really enjoyed it.

Where is your product sold? So far:

Inside Rusty Retro Antiques in Nampa, Idaho

Inside Open Soar Culture in Mountain Home, Idaho

Inside Epoch Cigs in Meridian, Idaho

Online at www.facebook.com/chimerunners

What advice do you have for a woman who is considering starting a business?  Network. Make friends with as many other women business owners as possible. Get a lot of information from the Small Business Administration. Make sure you get all your legal pieces in place (business license, etc.)

What are the biggest hurdles you’ve faced in starting or growing your business? How did you overcome these?  Not knowing where to start, or where to grow, what risks to take, general fear. I asked around and put myself in networking situations with people who could encourage and support me. I’m still growing, but I never thought a year ago I would be where I am today.