Social Media Decoded – "Still on a High: Elevate & Empower LIVE 2025 Recap"
Host: Michelle Thames
Date: November 3, 2025
Episode Overview
This vibrant episode of Social Media Decoded captures host Michelle Thames’ effusive recap of her signature event, Elevate & Empower Live 2025. Michelle shares behind-the-scenes stories, key moments, and the spirit of transformation that defined the conference. The focus: how intentional gatherings build legacy, foster collaboration, and empower women entrepreneurs to claim their visibility and unlock business growth.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Vision and Purpose of the Event
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Michelle’s Motivation:
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Created Elevate & Empower Live as the space she wished existed at the start of her journey.
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Targets “ambitious, multi-passionate women” seeking more than just inspiration—real results and momentum.
“Not just notes, not just motivation, but momentum. This year’s theme was intention, because we’re not moving frantic anymore. We’re moving with grace and clarity.” – Michelle Thames [02:37]
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Theme:
- Intention over hustle. Building businesses that “feel good and pay well.”
- Designed to end hiding/shrinking and promote visibility.
VIP Dinner & Friday Night Vibes
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Setting the Scene:
- Elegant dinner with 16 women, “candles, laughter, and energy that you could feel.”
- Guests included women from Florida adjusting to Chicago’s cold.
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Emcee & Guest Speaker:
- Coco, “the voice architect,” emceed and championed stepping into your “Elevate Era.”
- Sponsors like Shine Pages, I ChooseMe Movement, and legacy sponsor American Family Insurance were in attendance.
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Key Moments:
- “We broke bread, we masterminded, and we set intentions. Women were sharing dreams, their struggles, and their next level visions. Over dinner, you could literally feel the breakthroughs happening at the table.” – Michelle Thames [04:55]
Saturday: Energy, Programming, and Impact
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Morning Kickoff:
- Coffee by Chicago French Press; beautiful decor by Tina of QCookies.
- Icebreaker: “Visibility bingo” to foster fast connections.
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Michelle’s Keynote:
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Title: “Build the Brand, Get the Bag”
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Visibility is essential, not optional
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Expanding reach through event strategies, collaborations, podcasts, and moving beyond follower-counts.
“Followers are cute, but strategy is what pays.” – Michelle Thames [06:35]
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Partner & Speaker Highlights:
- Shine Pages: Shared digital legacy strategies and Michelle announced moving her business ecosystem to Shine Pages.
- WDB Marketing: Encouragement to invest in visual branding.
- Candice Janae: Tactics on crafting content that converts, prompting a flurry of note-taking.
- Taylor Smith (PowerTable Live): “Community is the new currency.”
- Jordan Gill: How intentional collaborations propel brands.
The Aftermath — Transformation & Community
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Post-event, the sense of community persisted:
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DMs and group chats brimming with gratitude, excitement, and actionable feedback.
“Michelle, I’m so full. I got exactly what I didn’t know I needed.” [08:26]
“Such an elevated event. I’m leaving with new ideas, goals and friends. You did your thing.” [08:48]
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Transformation Over Event Planning:
- The true goal: witnessing women move “from self-doubt to full confidence right there in real time.”
Special Thanks and Acknowledgments
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Recognition of her content, photography, and volunteer team (Amber Renee, Bria).
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Heartfelt gratitude for sponsors, family, and every collaborator—seen as integral to the event’s excellence.
“Every brand and person involved poured in with excellence and I thank you.” [10:35]
Memorable Quotes & Moments
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On Building Momentum:
“We’re building businesses that feel good and pay well. So from the VIP dinner to the Saturday sessions, everything about this weekend was designed to make women stop hiding, stop shrinking, and start owning our visibility.” – Michelle Thames [03:23]
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On the Power of Gathering:
“When I looked around that room, 40 powerful women entrepreneurs, all with different stories, gifts, and goals, but the same mission. To be seen, to be heard, and to leave a legacy.” – Michelle Thames [03:47]
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On Actionable Impact:
“It’s not about hosting an event. It’s about creating transformation. It’s about watching women go from self-doubt to full confidence right there in real time.” – Michelle Thames [09:13]
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Call to Action:
“Your visibility is your responsibility. The world needs what you have. So don’t wait for permission. Keep showing up, keep shining and keep building your legacy.” – Michelle Thames [11:15]
Key Timestamps and Segments
- [01:48] – Michelle opens with post-event reflections, conference vision, and the meaning behind the theme of “intention.”
- [04:20] – Recap of the VIP dinner: energy, first breakthroughs.
- [05:30] – Saturday’s programming: coffee, icebreakers, Michelle’s keynote, the value of visibility.
- [06:45] – Highlights from speaker partners: Shine Pages, WDB Marketing, Candice Janae, Taylor Smith, and Jordan Gill.
- [08:20] – Community feedback and ongoing post-event connection (“I’m so full. I got exactly what I didn’t know I needed.”)
- [09:10] – Focus on transformation and confidence-building.
- [09:50] – Acknowledgements: photographers, volunteers, sponsors, family.
- [10:50] – Announcement of the upcoming January Elevate and Align Retreat in Chicago; next steps for the movement.
- [11:10] – Michelle’s final message: Own your visibility and keep building your legacy.
What’s Next?
- Upcoming Event:
- Elevate and Align Retreat (Chicago, January, MLK Weekend)
- Limited spots available; contact via Instagram and email list for details.
Tone and Takeaway
This episode radiates gratitude, pride, and empowerment. Michelle’s storytelling is energetic, personal, and laden with actionable encouragement. The event recap doubles as a rallying cry: for women to invest in community, visibility, and sustainable growth—together and with intention.
Final Words:
“Until next time, stay visible, stay confident and keep shining. I’ll talk to you in the next episode.” – Michelle Thames [11:19]