Meet This Month's Inspiring Arab American Woman: Lydia Michael

We're thrilled to spotlight Lydia Michael as our August's Inspiring Arab American Woman Feature. She is the driving force behind her business, Blended Collective , an award-winning multicultural marketing and brand consultancy, and has dedicated her career to bridging gaps between diverse audiences. Her recently published book, "Brand Love: Building Strong Consumer-Brand Connections," is a testament to her innovative approach to creating resonant and meaningful brand relationships and offers insights on how to build these strong connections. Lydia graciously took time from her busy schedule to sit down with us at AAWBC and discuss her journey, her book, and what inspires, empowers, and connects her to reach her goals as an Arab American woman.?

aawbc: Hi Lydia! In a sentence or phrase, what does it mean to you to be an Arab American woman?

Lydia: Being an Arab American woman means embodying a unique blend of cultural heritage, strength, resilience, and determination while breaking barriers and inspiring change in the pursuit of success.

How has your identity as an Arab American woman grounded your experience in your career?

My identity as an Arab American woman has grounded my career experience by providing a rich cultural lens through which I navigate and contribute to my professional endeavors. It has shaped my perspective, values, and approach to business, enabling me to bring a unique blend of cultural heritage, resilience, and inclusivity to my work. Embracing my identity has empowered me to create my own path, break barriers, and make meaningful contributions that reflect the strength and diversity of Arab American women in the business world.

If you were speaking to a group of young Arab American women, what's the best piece of advice you would give them??

If I were speaking to a group of young Arab American women, my best advice would be to have an unwavering belief in themselves. Embrace your cultural heritage, let it be a source of strength, and use it to fuel your aspirations. Trust your abilities, set ambitious goals, and fearlessly pursue your dreams. Remember that your voice matters and your unique perspective can make a significant impact. Stay resilient, overcome challenges, and support each other on this remarkable journey by opening doors for one another. Together, we can redefine success and inspire future generations of Arab American women to reach new heights.

What is your favorite book/podcast/show you are reading/listening/watching right now??

My favorite podcast is "How I Built This" by Guy Raz. I am always captivated by the stories of how businesses started in their early days before achieving remarkable success. Hearing about the challenges and struggles they overcame to reach their current position is truly inspiring and always leaves me with ideas to apply in my day-to-day work with Blended Collective. As for the book I just started reading, it is "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" by music producer Rick Rubin. This book explores the origins of creativity and delves into our connection with the world. I find it fascinating to explore the depths of where creativity originates and how it shapes our experiences and interactions. I definitely listen to more music than I watch shows, but whenever I do turn on the TV or Netflix, I gravitate toward home interior design shows. All of this content offers valuable insights into the journeys of creators and entrepreneurs, reminding us of the resilience, determination, and innovative thinking required to bring remarkable ideas to life.

What value(s) do you live and lead by?

The value that I live and lead by is the belief that we have the power to create our own path and shape the life we aspire to achieve. I firmly believe that by leveraging the tools and resources we have been given, we have the ability to craft the life we desire. It is up to us to take charge, embrace opportunities, and work towards our goals with determination and resilience. I am inspired by the notion that our actions and choices can shape our destiny, and I strive to empower others, especially women, to embrace this value and their passion and create the life they truly want.

What resources, advice, tips, and tricks would you like to leave to our AAWBC network?

Here are three top tips for our AAWBC network:

1. Cultivate a growth mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, learn from failures, and stay adaptable in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

2. Seek mentorship and continue learning: Connect with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support. Never stop expanding your knowledge through workshops, webinars, and engaging with thought leaders.

3. Prioritize self-care: Take care of your well-being to avoid burnout. Set boundaries, delegate tasks, and make time for rest and rejuvenation.

Remember, taking care of yourself is essential for sustained success and happiness. By embodying these three tips, you can empower yourself as an Arab American woman entrepreneur, drive personal and professional growth, and contribute to the success of the AAWBC network.

You can purchase Lydia's book, "Brand Love: Building Strong Consumer-Brand Connections," on Amazon and any place books are sold.