Inspiration | A Woman, A Vision, & An Escape

Stay Inspired Series: A Woman, A Vision, & An Escape

Hi Verbs!

Last week I shared my Hoodwinked Escape experience I had with my AB — NY Must Do: Hoodwinked Escape.

I wanted to take this time to introduce you to the woman behind the vision — Michele Ware.

The Woman

Michele has this amazing aura about her that makes you feel like you can tackle anything in your life after talking to her. Her journey is one that I believe every millennial can relate to –the desire to get off the beaten path and do something that brings fulfillment. Her journey is not free obstacles, opposition, trials and errors, or sacrifice; but is full of honesty and reflection that has gotten her to a place of success.

Michele and I talked about everything from taking the leap of faith, overcoming mistakes and obstacles; but the most fulfilling part of our conversation was hearing about her quiet place and the 3 generations of her family that make Hoodwinked Escape happen.

Michele has had corporate career, but she always knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur. Check out her interview in Black Enterprise for a little more sight into her jump from corporate world to entrepreneurial freedom — Beware: This Woman Will Trap You in Harlem.

The Vision in a Quiet Place

Great things will happen when you submit to what is happening.

Michele fell in love with the concept for her company after doing a team building exercise with her job at the time, and realized she wanted to created an experience like that in Harlem. When I asked her how she came up with the name she said, “The name came from a quite place. Great things will happen when you submit to what is happening… I forced myself to stay in mediation until the name came.”

The need for a place to be still and quiet is necessary. Michele shared how she would ask people around her what they thought the name of the company should be called, and nothing stuck until she took the time to be still and listen to what came to her. It didn’t take long, and when the name came to her she knew it was right.

An Escape

I have a new-found love for my mother. She really has my back.

Hoodwinked Escape is all about team work. With the right team you can make it out of every crazy situation that is presented in every room, but if the wrong people you might find yourself running out to time and never escaping. This same concept applies to Michele and the 2 ladies that have her back in her business — her mom and daughter.

“My mother is instrumental in my business…and my daughter works their every summer.” 3 generation of strong women is the team behind Hoodwinked Escape, and Michele says she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I have a new-found love for my mother. She really has my back”, according to Michelle, who shared how her mother steps in and supports her in so many ways. She is happy to share this experience with her daughter, with whom she is proud to say has the strength of the 2 generations before her.

It takes a team to escape a room at Hoodwinked Escape, and it would be possible with the vision of Michele and her team that supports her along the way.

If you are in New York, you should definitely check out Hoodwinked Escape in Harlem! Make sure you tell them I sent you. For more information visithttp://hoodwinkedescape.com/.