We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle “XENA” Vestal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle “XENA”, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force for 20 years. For almost all of that time I was the only female pilot in my unit. There just were so few of us that we didn’t overlap. Since I was a trailblazer in my primary career, people have been telling me for decades that I should write a book. The truth is that I am a very multi-faceted person and I have so many stories to tell and so much information to share. When I retired from the USAF I figured it was time to start sharing. It just so happened that I also began collecting designer bags and accessories and that quickly became a passion that overflowed, sparked my YouTube channel, and started the sharing process.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I am most proud of is the creation of a supportive fun-loving community that not only reaches out to me, but to each other. I am excited to have had the opportunity to “meet” people I never would have otherwise crossed paths with and developed lasting friendships from afar. I have been humbled and amazed by the kindness and generosity of my viewers and community and it inspires me to keep creating and interacting and sharing. I look back on my career as a fighter pilot and my 24+ years in the Air Force and am excited to be able to share those stories along with a lifetime of unique experiences. My channel is a glimpse of me, multi-faceted at its core, and packed with resilience and positivity. The majority of my videos are about bags and accessories but there is a ton of life “stuff” along the way. Sometimes the life lessons are shared in the midst of a haul or review, and sometimes they stand alone as their own video or story. It’s great to be able to share diverse topics like USAF, figther pilot, A/OA-10, chronic illness, RV, cruising, travel, journalling, and bags all wrapped up in one place. Everything is come as you are, honest, real world, real ME, off the cuff, unrehearsed and unedited. It is all very simple but it is always 100% REAL!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were here in Tucson I would be sure to take them to Udall park for a little pickle ball. The facilities are top notch and the people are super friendly. We would have to stop at the dog park while we were there so that our pupsters could say hello to their friends. After that we would probably go for a hike, there are so many wonderful places to do that around here! We might go to the Sonoran Desert Museum or Reid Park Zoo then catch a movie at the Roadhouse (my favorite theater EVER). Lastly we would do a sunset drive through Saguaro National Park East and enjoy the desert in all its glory and the most amazing light show (sunset) around!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I couldn’t have become the person that I am without my parents, family, friends and teachers. I am extremely thankful to have had the opportunity to work hard and to reap the benefits and rewards of that work. I’m grateful that I grew up in the place and time I did so that I was legally able to follow my dreams and do the things I have done in my life and career. A very special thank you to all my viewers and subscribers (past, present and future) for your support, encouragement, and participation throughout this amazing adventure.

Instagram: @WarthogPrincess

Facebook: Xena WarthogPrincess

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WarthogPrincess

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