VMP Covergirl - Michelle Yoder
This week’s VMP Covergirl is……Michelle Yoder🎉
Meet Michelle.
Michelle and I actually go way back. We met through the homeschooling community over 20 years ago, and she was one of the very first moms I photographed when my business was just getting started. Like so many friendships from that season of life, we eventually lost touch as we both got busy raising our families.
Then, a few months ago, one of the women participating in this year's 50 Over 50 project mentioned it to Michelle at a networking event. She reached out, and it felt like we'd picked right back up where we left off, only now our kids are grown, we've both lived a whole lot of life, and we're asking very different questions than we were back then.
After decades spent raising her family, growing a successful business as President of Justifacts (background checks), caring for her father, and pouring herself into everyone around her, Michelle is entering a season of rediscovering herself and what this next chapter will look like. One thing she said during her interview really stayed with me:
"I think you do start to realize in a very real way that this time on Earth is finite and your time to do things is finite."
I love that she chose to celebrate this moment, because it marks the end of one incredible season and the beginning of another. That's exactly what this project is about.
I'm so glad our paths crossed again after all these years. It was such a gift to reconnect with Michelle and to celebrate this remarkable season of her life.
Here's what Michelle had to say about this season of her life...
💎 Did you have any older female role models when you were younger?
I come from a line of strong women. My grandmother, all of my maternal aunts and my mother all owned their own business. My mom was the President of our local school board and my aunt was the mayor of her town. It was ingrained so early on in me that women could do anything. One of my earliest memories is my mom buying a Geraldine Ferraro book at Hills and the cashier (a woman) saying that she didn't think a woman could be a Vice President and I was absolutely shocked someone would say that! I don't think that I was given specific advice, but I certainly understood in clear terms that as women, we work harder and if you know you are right, you don't take no as an answer.
💎 How did you mark turning 50? How did that feel to you?
Well, I went to Disney World, lol! I have never made a deal out of the "Big" birthdays, but I have to say, this one did hit a bit different. I think you do start to realize in a very real way that this time on Earth is finite and your time to do things is finite.
💎 What advice would you give your younger self?
You are worthy.
💎 Do you feel like you've changed since you've turned 50?
It's such a crazy thing, because for the first time, probably since I've been 20 years old, the internal lens has started to shift back to me. I became a stepmom at 20, then had my first child at 22, from there my kids were my total focus. Balancing raising them, schooling them, taking care of the house, and running the business, I didn't know a lot of "me time". So now, I have these beautiful adults that I helped create and I'm so thankful for them, but I am faced with figuring out who I am and what I want for this next phase of life.
💎 What positives have come from being over 50?
So much more freedom. I can be selfish if I want. I can do things just because they make me happy. Also, having a chance to reconnect and grow closer with my husband.
💎 Do you have any goals or projects you're working on? What dreams do you have for the future?
Of course, growing my business. Creating a wonderful place to work and challenging my employees to grow and reach their highest potential. That's very rewarding. Just working as a team and seeing how far we can take this.
Personally, I'm finally getting a chance to travel and see parts of the world, which I never dreamed I would be able to do. I also have gotten back into doing some artistic projects, which I find very therapeutic, but feels very satisfying to be able to do that again after many years.
💎 What is your best advice for other women who are coming up on turning 50? What do you 'know' now?
Don't waste time. If you don't like doing it, it's okay to stop. Spending years of your life hoping something will get better, is a waste of your precious time. Also, it's okay to have fun. Take care of business, but don't always be worried or so very, very serious. Let go of being judgemental about other people and especially about your kids. Love them and also give them room to lead their unique lives. Finally, take the opportunities when they walk in your life. Say yes!
💎 What do you most want people to remember about you?
What I hope people see is just someone who is legitimately trying to do her best in all things, not always getting it right, but always trying. Someone who tried to leave things a little better than when she got there.
💎 Why are beautiful photos important to you right now?
2025 was a really challenging year. A year that felt like it had a lot of goodbyes. My dad began having health issues and severe dementia beginning in Feb. My sister and I shared care giving for him up until his death in October of 2025. I fully took over running our business in April when my mom retired (at 86!). I started going through menopause in May. My youngest son turned 18 shortly after my dad's death. I absolutely had moments where I felt like I was losing my mind. After 30 years of having kids in the house, the bittersweet realization set in, that I raised beautiful, self sufficient kids who really don't need me anymore (in a day to day kind of way).
In a few weeks, my youngest will be graduating homeschool and I feel like I am graduating too. I feel some sadness, but I also want to celebrate what has been accomplished. We've raised four kids who have turned into successful adults. In the middle of all of that, I've managed to keep working and growing the business. Taking these photos is just my chance to pause for a second and acknowledge that and feel proud. Because it has been a big deal in my life. And even though some things are coming to a close and lots of things are changing, there are still good things ahead. I'm not sure how the next few years are going to look, but I know I'm strong, that I can figure this out and there is a new version of me that is emerging. I think it will be meaningful to have these photos to document this exact moment in time for me.
Congratulations Michelle! It’s an honor to help you celebrate YOU, your strength and your journey and I’m so glad we got reconnect in this way! 🎉
NOTE: If you've been enjoying these stories, I'd love for you to join us at the 50 Over 50 Exhibition & Celebration on November 5th, 2026, where you'll be able to experience the portraits and stories of these remarkable women in person.
