Michelle Estrada shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Michelle, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, what brings me the most joy is being a full-time mom and watching my son grow into the intelligent, funny, and brave little boy he’s becoming. Raising him alongside my husband, the best partner and father I could have ever wished for, has been the most rewarding part of my life.
Balancing motherhood with running a business, which has been one of the hardest yet most fulfilling things I’ve ever done, has taught me so much about patience, strength, and love. Raising a little human who relies on you, loves you, and needs you every minute of the day brings a mix of overwhelming joy and vulnerability that I never knew existed.
Some days I feel like I’m doing the best job in the world, and other days I question if I’m doing enough, but through it all, I’m constantly reminded that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. God has truly blessed me with this role, and even on the toughest days, my son is my greatest source of joy and purpose.
I thought my life was good before, but he truly made it complete.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Michelle Estrada, a baker, fitness enthusiast, and the creator behind The Protein Donut- a delicious, high-protein treat made for people who want to enjoy something sweet without sacrificing their health goals. My journey started from a love of baking and a passion for fitness, and it’s grown into a mission to prove that balance between the two really is possible.
For years, I struggled with my own health, trying to find balance between fitness, food, and feeling good in my body. That personal struggle became the catalyst for everything I do today. I know what it’s like to feel lost in extremes… constantly chasing results or restricting joy, and I wanted to create something that helped others find a sustainable middle ground.
The Protein Donut was born from that mission: to show that living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean giving up the foods you love. Every recipe I create is built around balance, using wholesome ingredients that fuel your body and satisfy your cravings.
Alongside building this business, I’m also a full-time mom and wife, which has shaped so much of who I am and why I do what I do. I’m constantly working on new ways to expand the brand, from developing shelf-stable recipes for wholesale to sharing easy, protein-packed creations that families can love together.
At the heart of it all, my goal is simple: to inspire others to live strong, sweet, and balanced lives.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Without a doubt, it was my husband.
When we first met, I was in the middle of one of the most chaotic times in my life. I was pushing almost 200 pounds, unemployed, and honestly didn’t feel like myself anymore. But he saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself.
He believed in me when I didn’t believe in me. He encouraged me to start my own business, cooking for the athletes he trained, and reminded me daily that I was worthy and capable, even when I couldn’t see it. His love and unwavering support gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and rebuild myself, not just physically but mentally.
He was clapping for me long before anyone else was, always reminding me of who I truly was when I felt far from her. To this day, he continues to push me to be my best self and celebrates everything I do- big or small.
He’s not only been my biggest cheerleader, but my best friend and the person who saw my potential long before I did.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that your worth is not determined by the expectations or opinions of others. You are capable of anything you set your mind to, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
For most of my life, I struggled with that… with letting people in, with admitting that I couldn’t do it all on my own. Even during some of the hardest moments of my life, I stayed silent when what I really needed was support.
Looking back, I realize how important it is to create that safety and openness, and that’s something I’m very intentional about with my son. I want him to always feel comfortable coming to me, to know that no dream is too big, and that he will always have a safe space to be fully himself.
Raising children has a way of bringing up the things we never fully healed from as kids, and it gives us a chance to break those patterns. Words have power, they can either build or break a person, and I wish I could go back and remind little me that everything I ever wanted was always within reach. Life is too short not to believe in your own potential.
And if there’s one more thing I’d tell little me, it’s this: always take the chance. The regret of not knowing will eat at you far more than the fear of failing ever will. Life isn’t meant to be lived in hesitation, it’s meant to be felt, experienced, and learned from.
Everything you’ve ever wanted is within reach; you just have to be brave enough to go for it.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is being honest, being present, and leaving people better than I found them. I truly believe in showing up authentically, whether that’s through my words, my work, or my relationships. I value deep, genuine connections and always try to make people feel seen, cared for, and uplifted after being around me.
At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection, it’s about presence, kindness, and making a positive impact wherever I can.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I only had 10 years left, I would stop letting myself be pulled into things that don’t truly matter. I would stop worrying about the noise… the opinions, judgments, and expectations of others that so often distract us from what’s real. Life is far too short to spend energy on things that don’t bring joy, purpose, or meaning.
I would stop overthinking and second-guessing myself, and instead, I would focus on truly living in the moment. I would let go of perfection, and lean fully into the experiences, people, and opportunities that make my heart feel alive. I’d stop letting fear hold me back and trust that the moments I choose to live fully will outweigh any mistakes or uncertainties.
I would pour more energy into what matters most; my family, my passions, my faith, and the memories we create together. I’d be fully present for my son, soaking in every laugh, every question, every stage of his life, because those moments pass faster than we realize. I want him to grow up knowing it’s okay to dream boldly, live courageously, and ignore anything that doesn’t bring value to their life.
Ultimately, I’d stop living in the “what if” and start living in the “right now.” I’d embrace each day without distraction, without regret, and without being swayed by outside noise, because the most meaningful life is the one lived fully present, deeply connected, and fiercely intentional.
To be quite honest, I’m currently living exactly like this at this very moment — because screw 10 years… we don’t know if we’ll be here tomorrow. TODAY IS THE NOW!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Theproteindonut.com
- Instagram: TheProteinDonut // TheBakerBish
