Community Highlights: Meet Michelle Bellamore of Ask Charlie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Bellamore.

Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got into the Promotional Products/Branded Merchandise industry in 2011. I was in Health Club Management at the time, feeling uninspired and needing a change. I saw a Project Manager job ad on Craigslist, and even though I had no experience in the industry, I went for it and ultimately got the job.

Over the years, I’ve worked in various roles to maximize learning different aspects of the industry and in 2019 I started my own company – Ask Charlie. Ask Charlie is named after my amazing Papa Charlie who was kind, dependable, and trustworthy; all key qualities your go-to merch company should have. You could always count on him, all you had to do was ask, and that is exactly who I strive to be.

I love offering personalized service, curating the right products for clients, helping brands shine, and overall bringing ideas to life. From coffee mugs to hoodies, I’m grateful every time someone remembers to “Ask Charlie” for their branded merch needs.

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?
If stepping on a bunch of Legos is smooth, then yes haha.

Definitely not. PTSD, panic attacks, OCD, and ADHD have presented challenges. I almost died by suicide in the early 2000s. I’m grateful to still be here and I’ve learned that while these things don’t just go away, they can be managed and they don’t define you or your success. Your road just may be a little different. As Robert Frost said, “I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference”.

I have gone to therapy for a long time and probably will for life, and that is something I am proud of. I want people to know they are not alone if they are struggling and that asking for help is a courageous thing to do, not something to be ashamed of.

There is a great TED Talk called “How to Do Laundry When You’re Depressed” by KC Davis, where she talks about making things work for YOU, and that is something that I’ve really learned to embrace over the last few years. Neurodiversity should be celebrated.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Ask Charlie?
I partner with companies or individuals to increase brand awareness, specifically through company swag or merch. From apparel to water bottles, anything you can put a logo on, you can “Ask Charlie” for.

I’m known for my personal attention and partnership approach. When you go to my website you won’t find a catalog of the literal 1 million+ products available in the promotional products industry. No more endless scrolling – I offer completely personalized service, hand-pick products based on project specs or ideas, and you get a real human to assist every step of the way. I work with clients who are looking for their go-to merch partner.

What are your plans for the future?
My future will always include learning. I’m a lifelong learner who truly finds joy in my brain food. A good book or TED Talk, and I’m happy.

I look forward to the continued “moments of peace” (as my therapist calls them) and living every single moment with my dog.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://justaskcharlie.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bellamore/