April, 2006

Hearing Her Calling
Written by Sandy Larson   

Deaf Web Designer Succeeds in Both Business and Non-Profit Endeavors

Michelle Tjelmeland has been deaf since the age of 22, but that hasn’t stopped her from running a successful web site design business, launching a non-profit foundation to assist families affected by hearing loss, and from being a devoted mom to her two daughters — Lucy, 5, and Ellie, 7, who is also deaf. 

When asked to share the secret to her success, she says it comes down to, “Never settling...ever. I think what is always on my mind is, ‘What is next?’ I guess you could consider me a ‘serial-preneur.’”

Michelle started her business, e-websmart (www.e-websmart.com), in 1999 from her Springfield, Illinois home. Her inspiration for doing so stems from her belief that, “Being a full-time mom is my most important job.” Michelle uses the talents of artists, programmers, and writers who also work from home-based offices.

Michelle has received numerous awards for her extraordinary business achievement and contributions to the community. Most recently, she was named 1st place winner in the national Microsoft® “Start Something Amazing” Campaign. Winning the culture and community category, Michelle was recognized for her creative use of Windows®-based technology to run her business and non-profit foundation. 

"I can't imagine what my life would be like without technology," says Michelle, who can now hear, as can her daughter, thanks to Cochlear implants. "Everything I do involves technology — from communicating with others to using my cell phone with text messages and digital camera on a daily basis — but, more importantly, technology gave me my life back by helping me go from silence to sound."

As part of the award, Michelle received a trip to Seattle to meet Bill Gates, $5,000 in the latest Windows® technology, and a 12-day National Geographic Expedition in Africa. 

This year, Michelle will continue to help clients with their web design needs and stay involved with her Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation (www.ciafonline.org). She also plans to write a children's book and embark on a motivational speaking tour. And, at some point, she will take a well-deserved break and enjoy that safari she just won. HBM

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