Meet Michelle Rosado of Raging Babe in Biltmore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Rosado.

Michelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Over eight years ago, I made a brave decision to follow my passion. I was a successful project sales engineer in Phoenix, before I traded my hard hat for boxing gloves, and took the boxing industry by storm. I was learning the boxing business on the job and putting my unique blend of boxing knowledge, media and marketing expertise, and relentless work ethic to work. I promoted my first event on April 8, 2011, and it was a sell out! I was dubbed the “Raging Babe” by Phoenix New Times. I helped revitalize boxing in Phoenix, a city that was hungry for the sport after corruption and scandal had slowed the pro game to a halt. Every event that I’ve promoted in Phoenix has been a sell out ever since. I sought out mentorship soon after. I am proud to say that I’m the protege of Hall of Fame Promoter Russell Peltz and I now work with some of the largest promotional outfits in the world.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has been bumpy. Boxing has been the most dysfunctional abusive relationship that I’ve ever been in! In 2011, I was not quite accepted with open arms into the Phoenix boxing community. I was called racial slurs, I was accused of being a groupie, my home was vandalized, a brick thrown through a truck, tickets thrown in my face, shows sabotaged, etc. Many didn’t comprehend or want to accept a Latina from the East Coast successfully promoting boxing events, and promoting sell out shows. I had to dig deep and pray a lot. There were nights when I cried myself to sleep. It is a cut-throat business. There are times when I think I should go back to engineering. My life would be so much more pleasant and stress-free, and I’d have a steady income, vacation days, 401k, and health insurance. But boxing is an addiction. You just can’t kick it. I love the sport too much. I masterfully learned to worry about my own business and focus on my paper.

I launched the Raging Babe Brunch in 2012. Both a celebration of women in a male-dominated industry and a valuable networking event, the Brunch grew from 12 attendees to more than 100 attendees! I like to say that women are the engine that makes the machine GO in boxing.

I don’t punch the clock at the end of the day, and vacations and breaks are largely imposed upon me by my friends and family. Behind the scenes, my passion, ambition, heart, and humility fuel my success.

Tell us more about the business.
Raging Babe provides customized marketing and operational solutions and execution for events, promoters and boxers. From branding and marketing up-and-coming talent to promoting a boxing event from soup to nuts, “RB” combines hustle, experience and knowledge of the ins and outs of boxing to maximize marketing and promotional opportunities. I’ve learned to always do the right thing and be fair, even when it’s not the easiest thing to do. It has taken me far in this business.

I’m proud to carry on the legacy of my father, leveraging my events to contribute to the community, including backpack and school supply giveaways, charity events to benefit childhood cancer and first responders, and visits to local children hospitals. His love for boxing and his ability to connect with people would become the cornerstones of my boxing success. I’m proud of my reputation. I work extremely hard, pay homage and I study. Nothing has been handed to me.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. I believe in working hard. I’m blessed with an undeniable work ethic and passion. I’m still earning my stripes and I pound the pavement hard.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ragingbabe.com
• Phone: 2675750000
• Email: michelle@ragingbabe.com

Image Credit:
Darryl Cobb Jr Some of the other photos were taken by Mikey Williams.

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