When Michelle Byrd looks back on her journey, she sees a story of overcoming. As a mother of two daughters, she’s faced challenges that could have easily held her back. But instead of giving up, Michelle kept moving forward with determination and faith.
Today, she and her two daughters are thriving.
With a bachelor’s degree in music education with an emphasis in choral conducting from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Michelle works as the IN UNISON Chorus programs manager for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Along the way, Michelle also turned her long-time side passion for braiding hair into a growing business, Tender Love and Tresses.
Michelle credits Beyond Housing’s Biz Smart Start program with giving her the confidence and practical tools to see herself as a business owner. Designed for people exploring entrepreneurship for the first time, the program covered topics like licensing, banking, and marketing. For Michelle, it was more than a class—it was the spark that showed her she could build something of her own.
In a new “Dear Lou” video, Michelle shares how she’s overcome obstacles to build stability and hope for her family. Her story is a reminder that when one family succeeds, we all grow stronger together.
Watch Michelle’s video and be inspired by her determination to keep good going.
