Meet Michelle Byrnes | Owner @ Willow -Select Consignment

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Byrnes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want to be one of those people who chooses to “be the change’ you want to see. I want people to remember someone who made them feel good about themself, who felt like I honestly cared about them. I want to be remembered in anything good.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a child, music & beautiful things touched my soul. My dream was to be a singer/songwriter or writer, but my mom had other ideas. Although I was accepted to the School of Performing Arts in NYC, I went to Norman Thomas Business School. I had lots of titles, from Receptionist to Executive Assistant to Event Coordinator. I worked in the Fashion District, Wall Street, & was part of the team building & operating a county trash & recycling facility. I was married & had my son, whom I spent 16 years dedicating my life to (& I would have it no other way!). When he was in high school I decided to get my degree in Nutrition & wellness. I did & started a counseling business in 2019. After a few years of trying to market myself online, I felt dejected, so when an opportunity presented itself to buy a consignment biz, I figured, I love beautiful things… I can still offer sound health advice, & I will be contributing to the betterment of our planet.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In my lil town Ojai there are so many places to get good food & good vibes – Rori’s, Rotie, The Duchess, Exotic Thai, Izakaya, & Casa de Lago in Oak View are some of my favorites. Hiking & meditation are a must in my town. Pratt trail & Ventura River Preserve are my favs. Once the Ojai Playhouse opens, I’m sure that will be on the roster for entertainment! A travel day would be a trip up north to Cambria for a day to enjoy some beaching & walk the lil’ town. I’m a fan of the Hearst Castle tours, so we’d spend an afternoon there too. Another day, a 45 minute drive to The Santa Barbara Museum always offers magnificent exhibits, plus State Street has lots of shopping, eating, & spirits. A fav spot is Savoy Cafe & Deli on Figueroa. AND if the timing were right, a live symphony performance at the Granada Theatre… AMAZING! Finally, Main Street in Ventura, just 30 mins away has a great lil’ movie theatre, fun boutiques & my fav Indian food at Taj (so good!). A nice walk on the sandy beach will give some grounding to my besties

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh man! So many people… those who encouraged me, criticized me, dared me, forbade me & those who didn’t think I had it in me. I thank them! Again, I couldn’t list all the authors I’ve been inspired by, God, Lipton, Redfield, Pinkola Estes, Blavatsky, Quinn, Campbell, Peterson, Sowell, etc.

Website: www.willowojai.com

Instagram: @willow_ojai

Facebook: @willow_ojai

Other: TikTok: willow.ojai.consignment

Image Credits
Brandi Crockett, Jenny Whitsitt