From Coffee to Community: How Chicago French Press Is Brewing Impact & Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

From Coffee to Community: How Chicago French Press Is Brewing Impact & Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

Author: Michelle Thames October 9, 2025 Duration: 17:55
In this inspiring episode, host Michelle Thames sits down with Kris Christian, founder of Chicago French Press — a woman-owned coffee brand that’s revolutionizing the way we sip, connect, and give back. Kris shares how she went from Wall Street to launching a coffee company that fuels communities, supports scholarships, and empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Ever feel like the rules of social media are written in a language you don't quite speak? Social Media Decoded translates the noise into a clear plan. Michelle Thames, a marketing expert who understands the grind of building something from scratch, hosts these conversations. She moves past theory to focus on the practical moves that actually change things-how a piece of content can attract a dream client, or how to tweak a profile so it starts working for you. Each episode feels like a focused workshop, whether she's dissecting a platform's algorithm, walking through a content marketing funnel, or sharing a story from an entrepreneur who turned followers into a sustainable business. This isn't about viral moments; it's about building a visible and viable operation online. You'll find a direct, no-fluff approach here, designed for anyone ready to move from being just a user of these platforms to becoming a strategic builder on them. For actionable steps on monetization, audience growth, and crafting a brand that resonates, this podcast serves as an essential guide.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Social Media Decoded
Podcast Episodes
Let’s Talk Ragebait: Is It Smart Marketing or Lazy Content? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:51
In this episode, Michelle Thames explores whether ragebait is a smart marketing tactic or a lazy content shortcut. She breaks down why it works, when it damages trust, and how to build visibility and authority without sa…
Social Media Manager vs Strategist: Which One Do You Actually Need? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:17
In this episode, Michelle Thames breaks down the real difference between a social media manager and a strategist, and why posting without a plan often leads to wasted time and money. She explains how strategy-first think…
When You’re Forced to Slow Down, Pay Attention [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:49
In this episode, Michelle shares a real-time reflection after hosting her Elevate & Align retreat and being forced to slow down, revealing how pauses can bring clarity, alignment, and stronger leadership. It’s a reminder…
Building Community at Scale: Live with Eventbrite CEO Julia Hartz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:07
In this live episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames sits down with Julia Hartz, CEO of Eventbrite, to explore how real-world events and community are shaping the future of visibility, connection, and growth in…