We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle DiMuria and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Sharing my story with others. Being a survivor of sexual assault who has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder hasn’t been easy. The highs and lows, that I’ve experienced, provided me with the fuel that I needed to continue to move forward. Continue to use my voice to let others know they’re not alone, and we are in this together. It’s been very therapeutic and healing over the past two years, since creating my foundation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In 2017, I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The trauma that lead to my diagnosis, I was sexually assaulted. After my diagnosis, I began to share my story with others. People started calling me “crazy” and they could no longer be friends with me. It got to the point, I actually contemplated suicide. But my guardian angel saved me, and I began building my roadmap along with my virtual toolbox. Helping me balance life, work, and school while living with PTSD. In 2018, I created the BEE Daring Foundation. We focus on the civilian side of mental health. Our goal is to help you build a roadmap, create a virtual toolbox, that can help you. We are creating an online platform with courses and videos and so much more. Along with a membership subscription where people can access exclusive content. VIP access to upcoming events and more. We also launched our “Bags from Nora!” Campaign. Where we provide healthcare workers with self-care bags. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve grown so much as an entrepreneur. There were times I wanted to throw in the towel. I was so frustrated with myself. All I wanted to do was help people. Then I realized everything takes time, and that’s where my support system came into play. Having my support systems and mentors have helped me in so many ways. Knowing they are there for me, through the good and bad, is one of the best feelings. Knowing I’m not alone on this journey. We are getting ready for our 4th annual, Pave the Way: Mental Health Summit. Something I am quite proud of. I want people to know, they’re not alone. That we are here, ready to help however we can. I’ve come a long way, and I still have a long way to go. My story isn’t done yet.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would definitely go on the Verde Canyon Railroad. It’s absolutely beautiful, and it’s an amazing way to learn a little history along the way. We would grab a bite at their little cafe before we boarded the train. Awesome place to take photos. And the weather is perfect. Then we would head over to Sedona to check out their amazing hiking spots. We’d stay in the village of Oak Creek. And of course, stop by Slide Rock. Grab a jeep tour with one of their guides. And then hop on one of their shuttles and head on up to the Grand Canyon for a day or two, depending on what else we have planned. If we had time, do a little fishing. Enjoy nature and just regroup. Grab some delicious treats at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. I mean who doesn’t love sweets? One day we’ll head on over to Sedona Pizza Company. And of course, we will have to stop at Starbites Coffee Cafe

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible support system (Michelle Faust, Ed Smith, Megan Good, Cerila G., Rande D., Jennifer Feel, Erin Lawler Patterson, Sherri Clarke, Kerri Clarke Felix, and Amy T. They are the reason, I’ve been so successful. They are the ones that I turn to when I’m struggling or just need someone to talk to or bounce ideas off of. I am truly grateful for each and every one of them. It’s been such an honor having them in my life.

Website: www.beedaringfoundation.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beedaringfoundation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeeDaringFoundation/

Image Credits
Photos were taken by me and Steve

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