Michelle Barton - WISE WOMEN 2024
“Don’t judge a fish by it’s ability to climb a tree!”
How wise are you? 54 Years Wise
Bio: I’m the founder of MCB Studio Backdrops, established in 2017. I specialise in hand-painted backdrops that bring artistry and individuality to photography & videography. Each backdrop is crafted with passion, offering unique textures that enhance visual storytelling. You can explore more at MCB Studio Backdrops.
Where are you from? New Gisborne, Victoria.
About the quote above: The quote "Don't judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree" resonates deeply, especially as I witnessed my highly intelligent daughter navigate the challenges of an education system that often overlooked her unique strengths. For children with dyslexia, traditional educational metrics can be especially misleading. My daughter possesses a brilliant mind, yet the conventional methods of assessment did not reflect her true capabilities.
As I watched her struggle with reading and writing—tasks that are so straightforward for others—it was heartbreaking. But the essence of this quote serves as a powerful reminder: her intelligence isn't defined by how well she performed in a system that wasn’t designed for her. Instead, it encourages you to focus on her gifts, her creativity, and her problem-solving skills, which often shine through in ways that standardised tests fail to capture.
Ultimately, it’s a beautiful reminder that every child has their own unique path, and true success comes from embracing and nurturing those differences.
What about your life would you like to celebrate most? After dedicating the last 25 years to celebrating my children and nurturing their growth, I find it’s time to turn the spotlight onto myself. I want to honour the woman I have become through this journey—one shaped by love, resilience, and challenges. It's time to embrace my own achievements, my dreams, and the woman I am today—an individual who has weathered storms, learned from setbacks, and emerged stronger.
What 3 words best describe you in this phase of your life? Restorative, Flourishing, Growing.
What do you love about this time of life?: I’m feeling incredibly grateful as I watch my two beautiful, independent daughters navigate life on their own. They’ve grown into strong women, and now, as empty nesters, my husband and I are discovering new ways to enjoy our time together while still pursuing our own adventures.
This year has been a transformative one for me. Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis has its challenges, but I made a bold move by opting for weight loss surgery. It wasn’t about age or weight; it was about reclaiming my health and vitality—something I needed to focus on! Now, I’m on a journey to become a fitter, healthier version of myself, which means my husband and I can dive into so many more activities together.
And speaking of diving in, I’m swim training for the Pier to Pub next year! It’s a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself, get out of my comfort zone, and embrace new experiences. Whether it’s splashing around in the water or posing for fun photoshoots, I’m all in! This phase of life is about breaking free from the ordinary and seizing every moment, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!
I’m thrilled that my business is experiencing ongoing growth! This year, I’ve taken a leap by moving into a factory space, which enhances my production capabilities. Alongside this, I’m opening of a brand-new studio space, where creativity can truly flourish. Balancing all of this while working full-time has been a challenge, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. Each step forward is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a passion for what I do.
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow
up.”
This quote speak to the importance of maintaining that childlike wonder and willingness to take risks as we age. It invites reflection on the importance of nurturing creativity throughout life, whether in the form of artistic endeavours, problem-solving, or innovative thinking in various fields. For me, it’s all about embracing fun—being able to laugh at ourselves and letting loose in whatever way feels right.
