There are painters who transform the sun into a yellow spot, but there are others who, with the help of their art and intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun.
— Pablo Picasso

About me?  I could go on and write something super sterile about my career in the fashion industry.... blah, blah boring. Listen, no one wants to hear that- they just want to know if I can do it. Yes. I probably can. Just ask.  

You can stop here and I'll cheat and give my amazing friend,writer and cook a shameless plug as he wrote a piece on me, (yes, me- I know, RIGHT?! I thought it was a eulogy and had to make sure all my parts were intact then reading this- honestly, there are no words to express what that piece meant to me, brought me to tears AND I found out that my friend is actually a REALLY good writer) click here to get the feels and then you can just ignore the rest of this.

I mean... if you want to keep reading,  knock yourself out.

I guess I start my story by saying- "Yes I can". Because I have the experience and the determination. I won't bore you with the details of my 23 plus years in the fashion career and if anyone knows the fashion industry in NYC- well, hang on to your hats because you know the sleepless nights, perilous balancing act on ladders, literal- blood, sweat and tears, SPRINTING down 5th ave with lightbulbs because half the tracks in the showroom just went out and the show starts in 20 min, building the most ridiculous props with zero budget and a ridiculously expensive idea, RUNNING (lots of running was taking place), putting out a literal fire and countless metaphorical ones. Multi tasking at such an alarming rate that your hands aren't even free to eat that burrito- the only thing you've had as sustenance in the last 20 hours so you have to hopefully suck down a veggie shake (hands free eating). Lets all shed a tear for that uneaten burrito-  would not surprise me one bit if it was still in the office freezer of (bllleeeeepppp)... There goes that NDA I signed. 

The fashion industry is exactly what you think it is and how you think it is- The Devil Wears Prada is a true story. (to me) Although I wish Meryl Streep was my boss and not (bbbbllleeeeppppp) again with the NDA. I couldn't even make it though the whole movie without sobbing and having to leave as my eye started to twitch. Hit too close to home. (So did "He's just not that into you" but that story is for another time).

But what I can tell you it did for me was prepare me for EVERYTHING. Problem solving like a mother! Like a literal mother, cause sometimes I would cry like a baby. (and also, I am a mother) Here are a my top ten invaluable lessons that I've learned from my time in this crazy "I-wouln't-change-my-experience-for-the world" industry.

1. The most valuable things in the world you make are your relationships. Friends, family, colleagues, business partners... you get it. Nothing is like the support of your tribe. These may be "ride or die" or just maybe they are just "ride".  But always remember- We are a team. Give credit where credit is due. 

2. You can do anything. Seriously, ANYTHING. No one is stopping you but you. Get out of your own way.

3. Teach. Don't keep what you know to yourself. Share, teach, care. We all collectively become better versions of ourselves through the knowledge of others. 

4. Don't take yourself too seriously.  We aren't saving lives. For those of you that are saving lives- please continue to take yourself seriously. Keep up the great work be as serious as you want to be. Seriously, be ALL the serious.

5. Care. The smallest task, word, feeling may change the outcome of your situation or that of those around you. Put care into everything you do and happiness follows. 

6. All experiences get you to the next level. Good or Evil. Don't care. It is what it is- do yourself a favor and respect the process, use it as a learning and be thankful you've had the experience that puts another notch on that belt of yours. 

7. Take chances.  What's the worst that could happen? Someone says no? Well they didn't bite you- hopefully they didn't because that would technically be worse than them saying no, unless they had small teeth then maybe it wouldn't.... whoa- back on track.... Rejection is only as important as you make it to you. 

8. Dont take things personally.  We are people, with feelings, if you're anything like me- I put my everything into a project. Almost obsessive and when someone critiques my work... "WHAT?! Critique MY work? Nuh-uh, no way, no how- I did it this way because I know better- I'm the CREATOR. This is MY vision".   STOP. Take a deep breath. We are all entitled to our opinion. Respect others opinions even if, even if yours aren't their priority.  Which is a great intro to... 

9. We are all entitled to our own opinions. You know that old adage "Opinions are like assholes, everyones got one"? Well, yes. I think that sums it up quite nicely.  Listen, if you're working for someone else- and they are the ones that are payin', well guess whose butthole (ehem) gets the final say? Not yours. Collaboration is a beautiful thing but sometimes you have to put your personal feelings and opinions aside and do what the client wants, it will be OK. I promise. BUTT (see what I did there?) there will be a time where you call all the shots, and the heavens open up and a beam of light shines upon your glorious creation as angels blow their trumpets in your revery. Which leads me to... queue angel trumpets please

10. Shit or get off the pot. See #2. 

If you've made it this far... Congratulations!! You know a few things about me, probably the most important is that I can go on and on and on and on and on and I once I'm on a roll... good luck stopping that train. Thanks for reading. Please, enjoy my site. Reach out if you want to say hi or have any questions.  I love helping fellow makers and collaborating to problem solve or get a new project going.

Life is too short to just do one thing. Customize your life to fit you. Be happy. You are important.

Oh and in case you were wondering, I can finally watch Devil Wears Prada all the way through with out laying in the corner in a fetal position and yes, I'm happy to report that- he is so into me.

Be creative-

xo Michele 


Shamless plug- please please check out my friend gusbaldwin.com for the most delectable delights. All HAIL THE PASTRYOLGOGIST!!! (I almost wrote pastyologist- which still makes sense)