Michelle Smith is the Founder of Recovery is the New Black, a certified mental health and addictions counselor, and virtual Recovery Coach. Sober since November 24, 2016, her recovery path is focused on honesty, self-love and forgiveness.
Michelle is passionate about supporting women. She is armed with tools and resources around substance abuse, mental health, bereavement, eating disorders, trauma and codependency. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.
Not only that, Michelle is part of the original group of women that have started up The Sober Mom Squad. This dynamic group is made up of moms who are already sober. Plus, those who are just dipping their toes in exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle and everything in between! They know that motherhood is not easy, sobriety makes it better, and that connection makes it possible.
Looking to join Facebook Groups that focus on women in sobriety?
With nearly 5,000 members in the group at the time of this post, Recovery is the New Black on Facebook is a safe place for women in sobriety and sober curious women to get connected.
With over 1,700 members and climbing at the time of this post, Sober Mom Squad‘s Facebook page was started during the COVID pandemic from an Instagram post by the founder, Emily Lynn Paulson (IG @highlightrealrecovery). Emily asked a simple question on Instagram of how she could be of service to her audience. Quickly, Michelle responded to the call, along with Jen Elizabeth (IG @resurrektion_of_me), Celeste Yvonne (IG @theultimatemomchallenge), and Jessica Landon (IG @Jessicalandon12). And just like that, the Sober Mom Squad was born!
They host a weekly free virtual meeting over zoom, discussing all things motherhood, the trials of suddenly homeschooling, the new dynamics of home life, and doing it all without “mommy juice.”
Sober Spotlight Q & A with Michelle
SC: When do you start Recovery is the New Black?
Michelle: After one year of sobriety
SC: Was it difficult to come out publicly as a recovering alcoholic?
Michelle: I’m normally such a private person, so yes. It became important to me to create a platform and a safe space for women so they know they aren’t alone. Women need to know that they can stop earlier and not wait to hit a rock bottom. It’s important to have safe spaces so that conversations about alcohol use disorder can happen. I want to see women feel whole, families be reunited, and acknowledge that motherhood is hard.
SC: Is there a recovery nonprofit that is near and dear to your heart?
Michelle: Yes! Call to Safety, formerly The Portland Women’s Crisis Line. There are so many amazing organizations out there, but this one is closest to my heart.
SC: What’s your fav #QUITLIT book?
Michelle: This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
SC: Do you have a favorite alcohol-free bevie of choice?
Michelle: I love Gruvi Non-Alcoholic Dry Secco
SC: What shows do you like to binge on TV?
Michelle: The Home Edit, organizing makes me feel better and anything on Netflix on forensics.
SC: What’s on your playlist?
Michelle: I am a die hard country fan. Faith Hill and Tim McGraw are both at the top of my list. We also have a Spotify Sober Mom Squad Playlist!
SC: What’s on your podcast playlist?
Michelle: I listen to This Naked Mind podcast almost every single day. I also enjoy The Life Coach School and a variety of entrepreneur podcasts.
Michelle on her upcoming memoir, Recovery is the New Black, to be released in 2021 Spring/Summer
Obviously starting with the back story, Michelle says the memoir explains the progression of her alcoholism that occurred over the bereavement of losing her mom, her husband going to war, post partum depression after having her kids, and how she was flailing as a new mom in today’s mommy wine culture.
Alcoholism runs in her family and for a long time she thought she had escaped the generational curse, but it sure caught up to her in her 30s. It’s a story of recovery, redemption, treatment, moving on with life, and becoming a recovery coach.
Michelle also has plans to launch a new podcast coming soon and she was recently featured on the Sober Nation podcast. Check out the link below to hear her story in her own words.
Sober Spotlight: Are you next?
This section of our site highlights extraordinary people in recovery. Sober small business owners doin’ their thing gives us all the feels. We also spotlight brands that cater to sober living and give back to recovery.
Who is making a difference in your recovery community? If you know someone we should spotlight please connect with us.
Resources are available
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.