Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Mueller
Hi Michelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began my journey on Instagram after covid. When covid started, I was working as a preschool teacher and pregnant with my son. My husband and I decided it would be best for me to resign and stay home with the kids. I ended up being their teacher for the remainder of the year and gave birth in Aug. of 2020. This time was very isolating for me as a mom to young kids.
Once things started opening up again after the pandemic, I was eager to get my kids out of the house. I started researching parks and filming our adventures there. I then decided to share them on my personal IG page until I got so many messages and questions about places I had visited it became overwhelming. In March of 2022, I started Play STL!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think with any new journey in life, there are ups and downs. Social Media is a difficult workplace to be since there is so much exposure to everyone around you. Mean comments, comparing myself to other creators, getting upset when I’m not invited to an event are all things I struggle with on this app.
However, I had no idea my page would grow this much. I had a goal of 5,000 followers when I started and now I’m approaching 20k. It brings me so much joy to see my hard work being valued by other families.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have my bachelors in Elementary Education from Webster University. I taught 1st grade in the city schools for 4 years before I moved down to preschool. I now teach preschool in Webster Groves and absolutely love my job.
Being a preschool teacher requires lots of patience. I think I have a gift of being patient with kids and genuinely caring for each and every one of my students. I try to be a teacher that I would want my kids to have and that has really helped me develop a strong passion for teaching the little preschoolers.
Aside from being a preschool teacher, I’m a wife, mom to three and content creator. I love creating content because it has been a healthy creative outlet for me. Being born and raised in St. Louis, I have so much pride and love for my city. I think I bring a unique take to the St. Louis area on my page by being my authentic self. I share real life struggles, our messy (but happy) home, and other things that combat the “picture perfect” life you might otherwise see on social media. I hope to show other families that life isn’t always perfect, and that’s okay. I also try to showcase hidden gems in our area and give my followers a wide range of ideas for activities to do with their kids.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My family has been my biggest support since day 1. Specifically my mom and dad. They always view my stories on Instagram, vote for me when I’m nominated for something, engage in my posts and share my content with people they know.
My mother in law and sister in law are great as well. My MIL shares my page with young moms we might see out in public which really helps.
And of course, my biggest supporter is my husband. It’s funny because he doesn’t use social media, so the only time he gets on Instagram is to support my page. He came with me to the STL Bucket List Awards and filmed me receiving 1st place for mom influencer of the year (2023)
I’m so grateful to everyone in my circle who has cheered me on. My followers are also sooo supportive and kind, I’ve made so many friends on this app and I’m forever grateful for each and every one. It’s truly amazing how social media brought me so many valuable relationships with local moms, and I hope for those relationships to grow.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @play_stl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/S5soD2pAq64HX6rf/?mibextid=K35XfP
Image Credits
@margarethovismedia
