Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Falco.
Hi michelle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After my own struggles with behavioral health, I became deeply inspired by the simple, beautiful practices that genuinely helped me heal—and I wanted to share them with others. The most practical and transformative tool for me was mindfulness, especially creating small “mindfulness touchpoints” throughout the day.
As I explored mindfulness more, I realized it can be enhanced in ways that feel both grounded and enjoyable—especially through the senses. That discovery led me to create **GemOils**: a blend of aromatherapy and intentional ritual. Scent is powerful because it can anchor us to positive memories and emotional states, helping us shift out of stress and back into calm. That’s why I developed blends like **Calm**, featuring notes such as lavender, cedar, and chamomile—botanicals widely associated with relaxation, grounding, and ease.
Crystals became another natural extension of this sensory approach. I love the physical reminder—the feel of the stone against your skin—and the intention it represents. Crystals have been used for centuries in ancient practices as tools to support alignment, focus, and intention-setting, and for many people they serve as a meaningful reminder to return to themselves.
Words have also played a huge role in my healing. Quotes and affirmations help me reconnect with my truth, especially on the days I feel off track. That’s what inspired our **Loving Kindness Collection**—canvas pouches designed and curated by me, featuring favorite quotes that gently redirect me back to my healthiest self—along with a jewelry line that includes words meant to keep you connected to your inner world.
All of these pieces matter to me because growth isn’t a one-time decision—it’s something we remember and forget, again and again. We need reminders of our values, our goals, and who we’re becoming.
Ultimately, &hale is my platform to help others who are struggling. I also send a monthly newsletter focused on healing, coping skills, and evidence-based tools people can actually use in real life. I’m a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and I earned my graduate degree at Columbia University—so everything I create is rooted in both lived experience and clinical training.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many struggles along the way. I was brand-new to being a business owner, and my husband and I were trying to build something real—creating a brand with a clear mission and a top-quality product behind it.
One of our biggest learning curves was expectation vs. reality. We honestly thought the products would take off immediately, and we were very wrong. Our first year brought only a small amount of sales. Things have improved year over year, but we’re still a small player—and we still haven’t turned a profit. That part has been humbling and, at times, discouraging, but we’ve kept going because the mission matters.
What’s helped us stay grounded is building in community. We’ve partnered with others to offer mindfulness workshops and aligned with nonprofits like Project HEAL, which keeps the work connected to real people and real impact—not just numbers.
I’ve also learned that starting a business has so many moving parts: building the brand, developing products with suppliers, maintaining quality, figuring out advertising and marketing, showing up consistently on social media, and creating genuine connection with customers. It’s a constant learning process.
The most important thing I’ve learned through it all is to stay true to the vision—follow my truth—and let that guide every next step.
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?
My work is centered on healing, growth, and helping people reconnect with themselves. I’m a licensed clinical social worker, and I specialize in behavioral health and practical, evidence-based coping skills—tools that help people regulate their nervous system, build resilience, and create more steady, grounded day-to-day lives.
Through &hale, I bring that same intention into a more accessible, lifestyle-based space. I create mindfulness “touchpoints” people can use throughout the day—small rituals and reminders that support emotional wellness, self-connection, and self-compassion. I’m known for blending real-world mental health tools with an uplifting, sensory approach to mindfulness, and for showing up with genuine energy, enthusiasm, and heart.
What I’m most proud of is that I truly took charge of my mental health and my life. I’ve done the work, learned from my experiences, and stayed committed to growth—and today I’m living a life I’m deeply proud of. Even when things aren’t going well, I work hard to keep a healthy mindset, return to my values, and keep moving forward with intention.
What sets me apart is my openness and love of learning, paired with a strong practice of loving-kindness—toward myself and others. I lead with optimism, curiosity, and compassion, and I’m passionate about helping people believe that change is possible and that they can create a life that feels calm, meaningful, and aligned with who they truly are.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The qualities that have mattered most to my success are agility, openness, and grit. Agility helps me adapt quickly—whether it’s shifting strategies in business or adjusting what I need in my own healing—without losing sight of the bigger vision.
Openness keeps me curious and willing to learn, ask for help, and consider new perspectives. And grit is what carries me through the slow seasons: staying consistent, showing up anyway, and continuing to build even when results take time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.andhale.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andhaleco
