Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Pound
Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been deeply fascinated by people—what brings them together, what drives them apart, and what makes relationships thrive. From an early age, I found myself observing the delicate dance of human connection, constantly asking, Why do some couples radiate joy and intimacy while others struggle to stay afloat?
As I dove deeper into this question, I began to notice a pattern. Time and time again, I saw three themes emerging at the core of every relationship: love, sex, and money. These weren’t just “important topics”—they were the topics. They were the forces that could either create unshakable bonds between couples or ignite conflict that tore them apart. I realized that if I could understand how these three pillars worked together, I could help people not only survive in their relationships but truly thrive.
My professional journey began in 2013 when I started working as a health coach. I loved helping people set goals and achieve breakthroughs in their personal well-being. But even then, I could see that physical health was only part of the equation. I’d often find that my clients’ biggest challenges weren’t about their diet or exercise routine—they were rooted in the emotional dynamics of their relationships, the stress of money, or their sense of fulfillment in love and intimacy.
This sparked a new chapter for me. I started transitioning into high-performance coaching, where I worked with ambitious individuals on achieving their highest potential in all areas of life. But again, the same themes kept emerging. Whether I was coaching someone on their career, their personal growth, or their relationships, the questions always circled back to love, money, and intimacy.
It became clear to me that my real passion—and my true calling—was in relationships. The more I worked with people, the more I saw how unspoken issues around sex, money, and love were holding them back from experiencing the kind of connection and joy they deserved. I wanted to go beyond surface-level advice and help people dive deep into these areas, break through their blocks, and create lives and partnerships that felt rich, meaningful, and pleasurable.
Over time, my work evolved into what I do today: guiding couples to transform their relationships from the inside out. Whether they’re looking to reignite intimacy, communicate better about money, or find a deeper sense of connection and alignment, I give them the tools to do it.
Today, I specialize in helping couples master the three pillars that I believe shape every relationship: love, money, and intimacy. These aren’t just separate areas—they’re deeply interconnected. How we communicate about money reflects how much trust we have in our partnership. How we approach intimacy shapes the way we feel about ourselves and each other. How we express love becomes the foundation for everything else.
My process is about aligning these three elements so they work together instead of pulling couples apart. I help my clients not only deepen their connection with each other but also with themselves. Because at the heart of every great relationship is self-awareness, a sense of purpose, and the courage to show up fully and vulnerably.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I first started my coaching journey, things felt almost effortless. I began my work by speaking and teaching on topics like meditation, mindset, manifestation, and high performance—areas that felt natural to people, inspiring even. These subjects were widely accepted, and I found it easy to connect with audiences who were ready to learn how to expand their minds and reach for bigger goals.
But as I evolved in my work, I began to feel a pull toward something deeper. I realized that the most powerful transformations weren’t happening on the surface level of positive thinking or productivity—they were happening in the areas we often avoid talking about: sacred sexuality, intimacy, and money.
These topics go straight to the heart of who we are. They’re layered with shame, fear, and years of unspoken beliefs passed down through families and society. And because of that, they’re also deeply misunderstood. I knew these were the areas where people needed the most guidance. Yet, the more I leaned into them, the more resistance I faced.
As I began speaking about sacred sexuality—helping people reconnect to pleasure, their bodies, and deeper intimacy in their relationships—I noticed something shift. What had once been easy and smooth was suddenly more challenging. People would squirm, deflect, or even outright push back. I started getting questions like, “Why are you talking about sex? Isn’t this supposed to be about self-improvement?” or “Aren’t money and love supposed to stay separate?”
I quickly realized that these reactions weren’t really about me or my work—they were about the shame and repression so many people carry around these topics. Society teaches us that money is taboo, sex is private, and intimacy is something we’re supposed to figure out on our own. As a result, people often feel uncomfortable—even defensive—when faced with ideas that challenge those norms.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
On the surface, I might seem like someone who wears many hats, but at the core of everything I do is a single thread: transformation. I guide people to unlock deeper levels of connection, power, and self-expression in every area of their lives.
As a love and money oracle for high achievers and an intimacy guide for couples, I specialize in helping my clients dissolve blocks around love, intimacy, and abundance. My work is rooted in energetics and the subconscious mind, which allows me to go straight to the core of an issue and help my clients release it for good. Whether it’s a couple reigniting their connection or an individual stepping into their full power, I provide a path for people to experience transformation on every level.
But my work extends beyond coaching—I also express my passion for beauty, creativity, and healing through design and art.
I’ve always been in love with beauty and self-expression, which led me to start my own clothing label, Iconic Souls, two years ago. Every piece I create is a one-of-a-kind design made with intention, where the fabrics and patterns are “coded” with high frequencies. These garments aren’t just clothing—they’re tools for transformation.
When you put on an Iconic Souls piece, you don’t just look incredible; you feel it. Many clients say they feel like they have superpowers—radiating confidence, strength, and magnetism. For me, fashion is much more than style—it’s a way to embody the most powerful version of yourself.
In addition to my coaching and design work, I’m also a shibari artist. Shibari, the ancient Japanese art of rope bondage, is an incredibly powerful tool for creating closeness, healing, and empowerment.
I use shibari in several ways with my clients. For couples, I often guide male partners in learning to tie their wives or partners, helping them explore power dynamics and build trust in profound ways. For individuals, I use shibari as a form of somatic healing, helping them release trauma stored in the body and reconnect with themselves on a deep, physical level.
I also perform shibari as an art form. These performances are mesmerizing to watch—beautiful and deeply symbolic, they reflect themes of surrender, trust, and empowerment.
Whether I’m helping a couple transform their intimacy, designing high-frequency fashion, or creating art through shibari, my mission is the same: to help people step into their most powerful, connected, and aligned selves. My work combines creativity, deep energetic awareness, and a love of beauty to guide clients toward lives filled with love, abundance, and self-expression.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Austin is the incredible sense of community. The people here are truly special—creative, driven, and doing amazing things. From the lakes and boat culture to the vibrant community of entrepreneurs, it’s a place that inspires me every day. Even the driving, which some might find frustrating, is something I enjoy. It gives me the space to clear my mind and reflect, which is invaluable to me. Austin feels like a place where possibility and creativity thrive, and I’m so grateful to call it home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michellepound.com
- Instagram: @michellepound @madamepound
- Twitter: @michellepound
Image Credits
photos by @doedeer and @juliaseye
