Michelle Sandler: Business Growth Strategist, Marketing Expert, and Founder of Shell Creative
Michelle Sandler: Business Growth Strategist, Marketing Expert, and Founder of Shell Creative
Michelle Sandler is a seasoned business growth strategist, web designer, developer, and marketing specialist based in McLean, Virginia. With more than 30 years of hands-on experience in sales, marketing, communications, design, development, and technical implementation, she has established herself as a go-to expert for online entrepreneurs seeking stress-free, high-impact digital solutions. As the founder and owner of Shell Creative, LLC, Michelle specializes in helping coaches, online course creators, membership site owners, and solopreneurs build authentic, effective online presences that drive momentum without overwhelming their lives.
Her philosophy centers on making business growth "easy-breezy"—inspired by the relaxed joy of a day at the beach—allowing clients to reclaim time for family, passions, and what they do best: changing lives through their expertise.
Early Career and Professional History
Michelle's journey into marketing and technology spans over three decades, beginning with roles in sales, communications, and design. By the early 2010s (and likely earlier), she had built a robust foundation through real-world experience in networking, research, testing, and implementation across various platforms and tools.
A pivotal shift occurred as online education and membership platforms gained traction. Michelle recognized the potential of emerging tools like Searchie (a powerful video hosting, course, and membership platform with AI-driven search and automation features). She immersed herself in mastering Searchie, elevating her technical skills and combining them with her sales and marketing background.
Around 2018–2019, Michelle founded Shell Creative, LLC, a boutique agency designed to solve the "messy middle" of online business tech. The name "Shell Creative" draws from her love of beaches and seashells, symbolizing protection, beauty, and ease—while incorporating fun puns like "shell, yes!" for momentum and "shell, no!" for boundaries.
A personal "aha moment" came during a 2017 vacation at Half Moon Bay Beach in Antigua, where watching waves reinforced her desire for a balanced life. This inspired her signature approach: helping entrepreneurs avoid burnout by handling the technical and marketing heavy lifting themselves.
By 2020, in interviews and public appearances, Michelle was already highlighting her 30-year background and positioning Shell Creative as a one-stop solution for course and membership marketing. Over the years, she has collaborated with hundreds of clients (described as "legions" in her own words), earning a reputation for lightning-fast delivery, high-quality results, and an uncanny ability to see both the "thousand-foot strategic view" and the intricate details.
Today, Shell Creative operates as a family-influenced business, client-focused agency, with Michelle occasionally joined by her son Noah Sandler (a tech and automation specialist with an IT degree) for complex projects.
Education and Skill Development
While Michelle does not publicly emphasize formal academic credentials in her branding (focusing instead on practical, real-world mastery), her expertise stems from years of self-directed learning, professional training, and hands-on application. She often shares that she spent "years in school" alongside decades of selling, marketing, designing, developing, networking, researching, testing, and continuous education—investing the time so her clients don't have to.
Her deep proficiency in platforms like Searchie, email marketing tools, automation systems (e.g., Zapier integrations), and web builders (including WordPress, Kajabi alternatives, and custom funnels) comes from rigorous self-study and client-driven innovation. Michelle is widely recognized as a leading Searchie expert, creating resources like free starter kits, tutorials, and custom "Hub Up!" programs to help users launch quickly.
Products and Service Offerings
Shell Creative provides end-to-end "easy-breezy website & IT solutions" tailored for the online knowledge economy. Michelle's services are designed as done-for-you or done-with-you options, eliminating the need for clients learn complex tech themselves.
Key offerings include:
- Custom Website Design & Development — Beautiful, high-converting sites that reflect the client's authentic brand and resonate with their audience.
- Searchie Hub Setup & Optimization — Expert implementation of Searchie for courses, memberships, coaching portals, and video libraries, including AI search features, automations, and user-friendly designs.
- Marketing Strategy & Funnels — Full sales funnels, email sequences, lead magnets, and launch support create charismatic, results-driven marketing.
- Automations & Integrations — Streamlining tools like email marketing (e.g., ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign), payments, and CRM systems save time and reduce manual work.
- VIP Intensives — Hour-long or full-day focused sessions where Michelle knocks out weeks of work in a single burst—ideal for untangling messes, migrating platforms, or launching new offers.
- Voxer Coaching & Support — Ongoing accountability, implementation help, and quick-win strategies via voice messaging.
- Portfolio & Done-For-You Projects — A showcase of captivating websites, membership sites, and course platforms demonstrates her "marketing and design magic in action."
Michelle also offers free resources, such as her newsletter ("It’s Just Like This in Our Business"—story-based tips for stress-free growth), YouTube tutorials (especially Searchie-focused), and consultation calls.
Value Proposition: The "Shell, Yes!" Difference
Michelle's core promise is simple yet powerful: You don't have to sacrifice your life for your business. Entrepreneurs start companies to make a difference—not drown in tech headaches, YouTube tutorials, or endless to-do lists.
Shell Creative delivers:
- Effortless Momentum — Fast, high-quality results that feel like "shell, yes!" wins.
- Authentic & Effective Branding — Charismatic designs and strategies that speak equally to the business owner and their ideal clients.
- Time Freedom — Clients focus on coaching, creating content, or family while Michelle handles the rest.
- No Overwhelm Guarantee — Unlike generic freelancers or agencies, Michelle's broad expertise means no farming out tasks—everything stays in-house for seamless execution.
- Proven Expertise in Niche Tools — As a top Searchie pro, she unlocks the platform's "endless possibilities" for better content delivery, engagement, and sales.
Clients rave about her speed ("She works faster than anyone I've seen!"), empathy, and ability turn chaotic setups into streamlined, profitable systems.
Legacy and Impact
As of 2025, Michelle Sandler continues to empower online entrepreneurs through Shell Creative, her YouTube channel, social media (Facebook, Instagram @searchiesuccess, LinkedIn), and resources. Her work has helped countless coaches and creators transition from "playing small" to scaling with confidence, proving that beautiful, effective marketing isn't just for big businesses—it's accessible to everyone willing say "shell, yes!" to growth.
For entrepreneurs tired of tech overwhelm and ready for beach-inspired ease, Michelle Sandler and Shell Creative remain a trusted partner in building businesses that are as joyful as they are successful.
Contact: michelle@shellcreative.org | 703.328.2367 | www.shellcreative.org Location: McLean, Virginia, USA
