Michelle McKinney Hammond is a multitalented best-selling author, singer, TV host, actress, speaker, and certified relationship coach. As a true nomad, Michelle was born in London, England, but she spent most of her childhood in Barbados and Muskegon, Michigan. She eventually relocated to Chicago where she spent 15 years doing advertising work by launching award-winning campaigns for notable companies such as Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Ford Motor Company. As a current Ghana resident, she uses her music ministry Relevance to take the message of God directly to the masses.
She has not only authored over 40 books, but she is also an Emmy Award-winning talk show cohost, a talented vocalist who leads her music ministry, and an actress who has graced numerous African movies. Michelle also launched her own African-influenced clothing collection line titled Me, Myself & Him (MMH), on top of being the president of MMH Tours for those seeking to vacation in Ghana.
Despite her multifaceted character, Michelle is best known for her women’s empowerment work that encourages women to connect with God to experience true love. Her mission is to address the spiritual and emotional needs of women from all walks of life. As a happily single woman, Michelle uses the spiritual principles that helped her overcome loneliness to coach other women through their relationship with God. One of her most notable books, The Diva Principle, highlights influential women figures from the Bible and offers scriptural principles that allow women to tap into divine inspiration to achieve a victorious attitude on life. We interviewed Michelle to better understand the driving force behind her overall success as well as the inspiration for the book The Diva Principle.
JNL: What was your experience the first time you stepped foot in the motherland?
M: I was struck by the smell of the earth and the sweetness of the people. I wept all the way back to America. I felt as if I had come face to face with my real self, and I left her there when I got on the plane. To be reunited with the family I had been separated from for so long gave me a sense of self. I finally understood who I was. It grounded me and made me more intentional about how I carried myself. It changed and broadened my perspective on life.
JNL: What cultural differences have you experienced living in Ghana vs the United States?
M: Wow! Great question! You caused me to have to reflect on this. In retrospect, there aren’t a lot of cultural differences between Africans and African Americans; it’s more about perspective and the value being placed on different aspects of our culture. Our commonalities are our ability to rise under pressure, excel in whatever we focus on, and be forgiving, resilient, resourceful, creative, and absolutely brilliant. The differences that are more pronounced to me are the passion Africans have for preserving their culture and traditions, family values as in hierarchy and respect for elders, social interaction, entrepreneurship, and their focus on spiritual things. Their faith is deeply significant to them, almost cultural. Still, I’m here to say Africans can pray the house down, raise the roof on worship, and expect the supernatural on a whole other level from what I ever saw in America. They are deeply principled people who sometimes value relationships over transactions. No relationship, no transaction.
JNL: What initially drew you towards pursuing music and how has your music ministry Relevance shifted your life?
M: I have always loved music. I was in the choir in school and went on to musical theatre. Music plays in my head continuously. I hear a song in every conversation. I am a worshipper at heart, so it was inevitable that I would finally put a frame around what was such a part of me. When I met Umar Jawfu, my musical director, it all gelled for me. Writing songs with him is effortless. He gets it and is so gifted. This is where I find my joy. Expressing my heart toward God and inspiring others through what we sing and play has got to be one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done. I’m passionate about drawing others into a deeper relationship with God and music is a powerful tool for doing that. I feel honored to be used that way.
JNL: Based on your experience launching the MMH Collections, what are the best ways Black people in the diaspora can embrace African-influenced fabrics in their clothing?
M: It was a major departure from my personal norm. My palette coming from Chicago and traveling all the time was black, brown, and navy with a touch of white. Easy to mix and match when on the road. All of a sudden, I was surrounded by a world of vibrant colors and patterns that blew my mind! No one can coordinate colors and patterns like African people. They are masters at it. African fabric became my obsession. I would encourage Black people in the diaspora to take pride in more African fashions. It is unique and something European designers are imitating and utilizing at a high price. So why not dare to be more unconventional in your attire? It’s the only way I dress now no matter what continent I’m on. I always turn heads and garner compliments because it is different and makes a statement. I have embraced that I am an African woman and I enjoy dressing effortlessly. That is why my first collection was called “Unconstructed”. So, start with a touch here and there, layer, and get bolder as you start to turn heads.
JNL: As the president of MMH Tours, what are some of the highlights you’ve experienced with tourists visiting the motherland?
M: For me, it’s watching people being transformed as the trip continues. It is life-changing. I think every person of color should visit Africa. Of course, I’m going to say Ghana especially. The rich history we have as a people does something that instills pride and purpose in everyone who visits. They are never the same. This satisfies me deeply. I’ve been privileged to host special groups, youth, and celebrities. The results are the same. They leave changed. That’s what it’s all about for me. I love customizing the journey based on visitors’ interests. Watching them experience things they didn’t expect while expanding their knowledge of who they are as a people is everything! Recently Stevie Wonder came and received citizenship on his birthday. My band played for his birthday party, and I was the MC of his welcome dinner. Hosting a special industry reception for Emmy Winner, Sheryl Lee Ralph was another highlight among many. Producing a documentary of Roland Martins’ visit was an unforgettable adventure. I’ve got stories!
JNL: In your book The Diva Principle, you describe the definition of diva as divine, what awakened your path towards divinity?
M: Pain! That is what pushes most of us into the arms of God and causes us to go on a search for the divine. The essence of the book focuses on the original meaning of the word which was “divine” and used to describe women of excellence. It took a turn as women of the opera who were excellent were also temperamental and difficult. So, the word evolved. But I was reminded from scripture that we are called to be partakers of the divine nature of God. The book focuses on giving women a road map to navigate through all the issues of life they may face while maintaining godly character.
JNL: You also define a diva as someone spiritual. Given the current state of the world, some find it difficult to connect with spirituality. What is your advice for those struggling to form a relationship with God?
M: First, take stock of where living life on your own terms has gotten you. Despite material gains how is your heart? Your spirit? Then determine what it would cost you to be open to a relationship with God. What would you lose and what could you gain? Ultimately what do you really want? Peace is high on everyone’s list. The kind of peace you’re looking for can only be found in a relationship with God. So, get quiet. Be open. Take the time to read the Bible. It’s alive. Something in there is going to hit you and meet you where you are. That’s where it begins. Yes, faith is involved but so is your intellect. You make a decision to connect with God and He accepts the invitation and makes Himself real to you.
Desperation diminishes discernment. Focus on being whole and living intentionally in purpose. Let your life be the party that others want to attend. That’s when you become a love magnet.
JNL: In your “Diva Do’s and Don’ts,” you caution that sense is not common. How do you differentiate between extending grace to people who are unaware versus coddling people’s emotions?
M: This is why godly discernment is needed. It’s hard to tell sometimes if someone has a real need or if they are being a manipulator. In both cases, boundaries have to be set. If you are going to resent helping the person don’t do it. When we coddle people’s emotions we become the hindrance to their growth. Sometimes the word “no” seems cruel, but in some cases, your “no” causes them to grow! You should never embrace the Savior complex that deceives you into thinking that person can’t survive without you. You can be loving, empathetic and gracious without rescuing others. This is a healthier stance for both of you.
JNL: In the book, you mention the importance of vulnerability as a diva, how has the act of vulnerability transformed your life?
M: Vulnerability is not surrendering your power. It is trusting God to protect what is valuable to you. This frees you to be authentic with others regardless of what that may look like. Your vulnerability makes you more approachable and gives others significance because it gives them the opportunity to be a blessing to you. Both submission and vulnerability put you in the position to be blessed in ways you wouldn’t expect because it is so counter to the present culture. And yet both are attractive because they disarm people. After all, they don’t feel threatened. It took me a long time to realize this. But when I did it transformed the way I dealt with people and changed the way they treated me. Believe it or not, it’s easier to be vulnerable than to keep the mask of false strength and bravado in place.
JNL: What are some of the highlights you cherish based on your experience acting in African movies?
M: Being given the freedom to interpret the character I’m playing is so much fun! I still laugh about the time I was in a movie and didn’t realize I had a starring role. I just thought I was working more days than usual. But it just goes to show you what a community is formed among the actors on set. No one is given preferential treatment. The focus is the art and the story and how to make it good, so all egos are left in the driveway. I’ve been privileged to work with an uber-talented director, Shirley Frimpong- Manso. I call her “Shuvernay.” A cross between Shonda Rhimes and Ava Duvernay. She always gives me the best characters to play. I’ve been able to expand my repertoire and broaden my range. Being able to go from comedy to high drama stretches you, and it’s all good.
JNL: When producing your first screenplay “First Love,” what were the challenges you faced as a writer, actor, and producer? How did you navigate them?
M: Wearing all the hats can be stressful. Even though I enjoy the creative process I must admit, I probably prefer just showing up on set and doing my lines. However, there are too many important stories to be told to surrender all the other roles I’m capable of doing. Of course, staying within budget, being aware of time, and planning well were critical. I learned several things the hard way, not to be repeated. My background is in advertising. I worked with big budgets and art directed, wrote, and produced some big commercials for McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Ford Motor Company, and other big chip clients. It was very different working on my own production where I was paying for everything. The pressure to get it right was intense. We were on a tight schedule and ended up pulling some all-nighters to complete the project on time. Once again, creating a sense of family on set helped us do what we needed to do to get it done.
JNL: As a happily single woman, what is your advice for women who have never experienced romantic love and crave to be in a relationship despite their connection with God?
M: Love begins with you. Start seeing where it is available to you right now. Don’t insist on love coming from sources you can’t control. Be a vessel of love. The more you pour out the more you receive. I’ve come to realize the hole in my heart is not a person-sized hole. It is a God-sized hole. And God always reveals your purpose, which will ultimately be greater than a romantic relationship. After others have come and gone purpose will remain. And will always fulfill. So, shift your focus. Get busy living your life and being a blessing to others. Allow love to find you. Don’t allow that one relationship to become an idol. Take it off your to-do list. That is a setup for picking the wrong person. Desperation diminishes discernment. Focus on being whole and living intentionally in purpose. Let your life be the party that others want to attend. That’s when you become a love magnet. Then choose wisely.
JNL: Considering how multifaceted and multitalented you are, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
M: That is still a work in progress. My relationships keep me in balance. Relationships are important and should never be taken for granted. I believe God uses them to make us refocus on what really matters. At the end of the day, that is all we have. What we do and what we have will change, but relationships will always be the benchmark in our lives. How we make others feel is all we will be remembered for.
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