In 2015, Michelle Renee found herself starting over. Recently divorced and reimagining her life as a stay-at-home mom, she wasn’t sure what would come next. She knew she was passionate about hands-on education around intimacy and connection, but the path forward wasn’t clear until Cuddlist came along.
“They were offering free training to help get the site off the ground,” she recalls. “I thought it would be temporary until I figured out what I really wanted to do.” What she didn’t expect was how deeply she’d connect with the work or how much healing it would bring to her own life.
Today, Michelle is the Co-Owner and Director of Training for Cuddlist.com, a cuddle therapy training organization and listing platform that supports professionals in offering platonic, consent-based touch services. As a Cuddlist herself, Michelle helps clients develop communication skills, process emotions, and reconnect with their bodies all while experiencing the power of safe, intentional touch.
“I basically get paid to love people to a healthier relationship with themselves and others,” she says with a smile.
Honoring the Introvert Within
Working in such a connection-centered profession might sound counterintuitive for an introvert, but Michelle has learned how to protect her energy and honor her needs.
“In this line of work, I have to take a lot of time for myself to recover and recharge,” she says. “Thankfully, our training actually teaches us to meet our own needs before meeting others’ so I practice that often.” For Michelle, recharging can look like a quiet evening with her dog and some reality TV, giving herself space to rest after deep emotional work.
Her advice to others is to trust your body.
“Our bodies are constantly communicating with us,” she says. But tuning into those signals takes practice. Michelle recommends a simple hourly check-in: set an alarm every hour of the day and ask yourself, What do I need or want right now? Then meet that need. “The more you ask, the more natural it becomes to take care of yourself throughout the day,” she explains.
There’s so much authenticity and vulnerability available when you’re surrounded by others who take care of their own needs and give you space to take care of yours.
Living the Dream
When asked what her dream life would look like, Michelle doesn’t hesitate. “I’m already living it,” she says. With a fulfilling career, a supportive community, and relationships grounded in mutual respect and authenticity, she no longer feels the need to shrink or apologize for taking care of herself.
“People in my world are kind and boundaried,” she says. “There’s so much authenticity and vulnerability available when you’re surrounded by others who take care of their own needs and give you space to take care of yours.”
Michelle Renee’s story is a powerful reminder that healing, growth, and even leadership can happen quietly, but profoundly, when you lead with purpose and stay true to your needs.
To learn more about Michelle and her work, visit her website.
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