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Stefanie Michaela: 'Perfection Isn't Realistic'
The VIP Crew: Thank you so much for your time. How are you doing?
Michaela: Im doing really well, thank you for having me. It's been an exciting season.
Releasing new music, connecting with listeners, and sharing more of my story has been
incredibly rewarding. I'm grateful and enjoying the journey.
The VIP Crew: While listening to your music and your interviews, it feels as
though this is the most vulnerable version of yourself you have shared with your
supporters. Why at this stage of your career do you feel it's important to share
this much of yourself?
Michaela: I think authenticity becomes more important as you get older. When I was
younger, I worried more about saying the right thing, looking the right way, and fitting
into expectations. Life has taught me that the moments people connect with most are
the honest ones. I've experienced joy, challenges, self-doubt, growth, and reinvention. If
sharing those experiences helps someone feel less alone, then it's worth being
vulnerable.
The VIP Crew: You took a break from music, you got married and had a family, but
it also feels and sounds like part of that break was unperfecting yourself. You had
to remove the idea of being this perfect artist. Is that an accurate statement and if
so, how were you able to remove that stigma?
Michaela: That's a very accurate statement. Becoming a wife and mother changed my
perspective in so many ways. While raising five kids, I've learned very quickly that
perfection isn''t realistic. Life is messy, beautiful, unpredictable, and that's where the
most meaningful moments happen. Over time, I stopped chasing perfection and started
embracing authenticity. Ironically, when I let go of trying to be perfect, I became a better
artist because I finally allowed myself to be fully human.
The VIP Crew: This brings me to your single, "Let Me See The Real You". It feels
like a motivational anthem for the world to let their guard down and just be
themselves. Was creating this song therapeutic for you?
Michaela: Absolutely. The song started as a message to others, but it became a
reminder to me as well. We spend so much energy trying to present polished versions
of ourselves, especially in today's world. Writing this song was therapeutic because it
reinforced the idea that our imperfections don't make us less valuable - they make us
real. I hope listeners hear it and feel permission to stop hiding and embrace who they
truly are.
The VIP Crew: The title of your last project is, “Turning Pages.” What does the
next page for Stefanie Michaela look like?
Michaela: The next page is about growth, connection, and continuing to tell stories that
matter. I'm excited to release more music, perform more, and keep building meaningful
relationships with listeners. This chapter feels less about proving something and more
about fully embracing who I am as an artist and a person.
The VIP Crew: “Turning Pages” is a very positive and inspirational album. Was
that by intent, just where you are in your life, or a combination of both?
Michaela: Definitely a combination of both. I've always been drawn to music that leaves
people feeling hopeful, but I also think the project naturally reflected where I was in my
life. After taking time away from music, raising a family, and gaining a lot of life
experience, I found myself focusing less on the struggles and more on the lessons,
growth, and possibilities that come from them. As I looked back on the songs that
became “Turning Pages,” I realized the project had turned out to be really uplifting. That
wasn't something I forced - it was simply an honest reflection of where my heart was at
the time. I wanted listeners to walk away feeling encouraged, inspired, and reminded
that every new chapter brings new opportunities.
The VIP Crew: Personally, you have 5 children, which includes 2 sets of twins.
Have you found the balance between wife, parent, musician, performer, or do you
feel that balance will forever be elusive and something you figure out on the fly?
Michaela: I think balance is something I'm constantly figuring out in real time. My
children are still young, and life is very full. Between school schedules, sports, family
responsibilities, and my music career, every day looks a little different. I've learned that
balance isn't about doing everything perfectly - it's about being present where I am in
the moment. Some days my family needs more of me, and other days music takes
center stage. I've become more comfortable giving myself grace and understanding that
I don't have to do it all perfectly to do it well.
The VIP Crew: What was the most difficult part of taking a hiatus from something
you're so passionate about, which is your music?
Michaela: The most difficult part was trying to fill the void that music left in my life.
Music has always been a part of who I am, and when I stepped away from it, there was
a piece of me that felt missing. I kept looking for other things to fill that space, but
nothing really did. It was actually quite sad at times because I missed that creative
outlet and that connection to a part of myself. Looking back, I realize music was never
something I could truly walk away from - it was always going to find its way back into my
life. In many ways, that absence made me appreciate it even more when I returned.
The VIP Crew: Conversely, what was the easiest part about taking a break from
music?
Michaela: The easiest part was being fully present with my family. I'm still in the thick of
raising my family, and being able to focus on my husband and children during that
season was incredibly meaningful. Those years gave me experiences, perspective, and
memories that continue to shape who I am today. While I missed music deeply, I don't
regret that time because it helped me grow not only as a person, but also as a
songwriter.
The VIP Crew: Who does Stefanie Michaela make music for?
Michaela: I make music for anyone who needs encouragement, hope, or a reminder
that they're not alone. My songs are for people navigating life's transitions, facing
challenges, chasing dreams, or trying to rediscover themselves. If someone listens to
one of my songs and feels understood, inspired, or a little less alone, then I've
accomplished what I set out to do.
The VIP Crew: Musically, what else can we expect from you for the remainder of
the year?
Michaela: You can definitely expect more new music. I'm continuing to write and record,
and I'm excited to share some new songs that are currently in the works. The themes of
authenticity, growth, and hope will continue, but listeners may also hear some different
sides of me creatively. Fans can also expect more performances, interviews, and
opportunities to connect. This is a very active and exciting chapter for me, and I'm
looking forward to what's ahead.
The VIP Crew: No features on “Turning Pages,” so I have to ask, is there any
artists out there who you'd really like to work with on a future project?
Michaela: There are so many talented artists I admire. What matters most to me isn't
necessarily fame it's finding artists and songwriters who value authenticity and
meaningful storytelling. I love collaborating with creative people who bring a unique
perspective and share a passion for making music that genuinely connects with
listeners. For me, the right collaboration is always about chemistry and the message
more than anything else.
The VIP Crew: Before I let you go, what would be your message to the world and
is there anyone you would like to thank?
Michaela: My message would be simple: don't be afraid to be yourself. We spend so
much time comparing ourselves to others or trying to fit into expectations, but there's
real freedom in embracing who you are. The things that make you different, imperfect,
or vulnerable are often the things that make you relatable and beautiful. I'd like to thank
my family for their love and support, my incredible co-writers, producers, and
collaborators who have helped bring these songs to life, and everyone who has listened
to my music and supported this journey. Every stream, message, comment, and word of
encouragement means more than you know. I'm truly grateful.
Thank you so much for having me. I really enjoyed our conversation, and I'm grateful for
the opportunity to share my story and my music. I hope “Turning Pages” and “Let Me
See the Real You” continue to encourage people to embrace their own journey and live
authentically. Thank you to everyone who' s been listening and supporting along the
way. It truly means the world to me.
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