Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama is a highly influential individual with many fascinating accomplishments. Once the first lady of the United States, Mrs. Obama is also a lawyer, a prolific writer, and generally one of the most revered figures in the American political establishment.
During her eight-year tenure as the first lady, Michelle Obama spearheaded four key initiatives that marked her as an inspiration for women and a steadfast advocate for various causes. These initiatives focused on promoting healthy families, supporting service members and their families, advocating for higher education, and championing the education of adolescent girls worldwide.
Mrs. Obama has continued to dedicate herself to her philanthropic endeavors since leaving the White House few years ago. She has been actively involved in various non-profit initiatives, striving to create a better and more sustainable world for everyone.
In addition to their involvement in politics and government affairs, both Barack and Michelle are making an impact in the business and entrepreneurship sphere, a testament to their inherent entrepreneurial qualities. In 2018, former President Barack and Michelle Obama signed a multi-year agreement with Netflix. Under this agreement, they will produce a wide range of content for the American streaming platform, including scripted and unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries, and feature films.
In May 2023, Mrs. Obama announced the launch of PLEZi Nutrition, a company focused on providing parents with “healthier, great-tasting products” for their kids. This health food brand offers a range of rejuvenating products, one of which is PLEZi, a fruit juice specifically designed for kids. PLEZi contains 75% less sugar than other leading 100% fruit juices, making it a healthier choice for children.
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At the launch of PLEZi Nutrition, the mother of two said, “I’ve watched with concern over the past several years as the health of our kids moved up and down the government’s list of priorities, depending on which party won the White House. My heart broke when the pandemic struck and we saw all those long lines at food banks. Studies are showing that kids aren’t getting enough nutrients like fiber and potassium, and they’re consuming far too much sugar — with nearly two-thirds of young people consuming sugary drinks on a given day.”
As Michelle Obama persistently invests in social causes to enhance the lives of individuals, she has progressively built businesses and income sources that are firmly grounded in her dedication to promoting social change.
Join Blackstars News as we explore the enterprises wholly and partly owned by Michelle, the former First Lady of America.
PLEZi Nutrition
Michelle co-founded PLEZi Nutrition in 2023 to address the nutrition crisis in America and promote the well-being of future generations. PLEZi Nutrition offers beverages that contain lower sugar and sweetness levels while providing essential nutrients such as fiber and potassium. The primary focus of PLEZi Nutrition is to significantly decrease the sugar content and level of sweetness to help children develop a reduced craving for sweetness. Additionally, the company is dedicated to incorporating more nutrients that are essential for children’s health, ultimately aspiring to become the preferred choice for parents when it comes to nourishing their children. The products are available at Walmart, Target, Sprouts Farmers Market, and select Kroger Banners.
“I’m proud to introduce you to a new company called PLEZi Nutrition. We’re hoping not just to provide healthier and delicious drinks and snacks for kids, but to jumpstart a race to the top that will transform the entire food industry. Because let’s face it, even after everything we accomplished during the White House years, it is still simply too hard for kids to grow up healthy, says Michelle Obama.
Higher Ground Productions
In 2018, Barack and Michelle launched Higher Ground Productions, a media production company dedicated to creating a wide range of original films and series. Their focus encompasses scripted series, documentaries, and features across different genres. The company’s mission is to captivate, motivate, and enlighten audiences of diverse backgrounds while also championing inclusivity and diverse perspectives within the entertainment industry.
To date, Higher Ground Productions has released 17 movies and TV shows, including “American Symphony,” “Leave the World Behind,” “Rustin,” “Working: What We Do All Day,” “The Light We Carry,” “Descendant,” “Waffles + Mochi’s Restaurant,” “Ada Twist, Scientist,” “Fatherhood,” “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution,” “Becoming,” and others.
Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast
Michelle’s podcast series, “The Light Podcast,” takes a deeper dive into the themes explored in her bestselling book, “The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times.” In this exclusive Audible series, Obama engages in intimate conversations with prominent persons such as Ellen DeGeneres, Tyler Perry, Conan O’Brien, and Oprah Winfrey.
Listeners can expect to hear personal stories and insights from Michelle and her guests. The podcast delves into various topics addressed in “The Light We Carry,” including the importance of building positive relationships, tackling issues of race, gender, and visibility, adapting to change, overcoming difficulties, and the power of inspiring others.
With her trademark humor, candor, and empathy, Michelle continues these thought-provoking discussions with more prominent figures like Gayle King, Hoda Kotb, David Letterman, and more. This uplifting Audible Original series offers a unique opportunity to gain further inspiration and wisdom from Michelle Obama and her distinguished guests.
Motivational Speech Tours
Michelle Obama’s speaking engagements hold immense value due to her influence as a prominent public figure and exceptional skills as a fluent and inspiring communicator. Not only are her motivational speech tours financially lucrative, but they also play a crucial role in shaping public discourse on several issues. Through her platforms, she actively drives conversations on significant topics such as empowerment and education, solidifying her reputation as a catalyst for change.
Furthermore, her speaking engagements go beyond financial gains and establish a mutually beneficial relationship with her other endeavors. Each speaking event amplifies her brand, drawing more attention to her business ventures and social initiatives.
In 2023, Obama received a substantial sum of £700,000, equivalent to nearly $750,000, for delivering a one-hour speech on diversity and inclusion at the Bits & Pretzels Founder Festival, a renowned tech fair held in Munich, Germany. The organizers acknowledged her consistent popularity among participants, making her a highly sought-after speaker year after year, thus ensuring her presence at the event.
Authorships
Michelle Obama is not only a prolific writer but also a highly acclaimed one. Her literary works, such as “Becoming,” “American Grown,” “The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times,” “Michelle Obama in her Own Words,” and “Designing History,” have garnered much praise. Through her books, she demonstrates her remarkable ability to connect with readers and convey stories in an inspiring and captivating manner.
One of her most notable works is her memoir, “Becoming,” which has become more than just a book; it has become a cultural phenomenon. This book, which chronicles her journey, deeply resonates with a diverse audience.
Becoming was declared the best-selling book of 2018 by Penguin Random House. Within 15 days of its release on November 13, 2018, Becoming sold over 2 million copies in various formats across the United States and Canada. NBC News even reported that this memoir might become one of the best-selling books in history. Michelle signed a lucrative deal worth over $60 million with Penguin for the publication of the memoir, and by 2019, “Becoming” had sold an impressive 10 million copies. Thomas Rabe, the CEO of Bertelsmann, a division of Penguin Random House, hailed this memoir as the most significant creative success in 2018, contributing to a 2.8% increase in annual revenue for the renowned publishing company.