UNIQUE DESIGNS

Michelle Steele and Her Colorful, One-Of-A-Kind Accessories and Clothing.

Michelle Steele is a fashion designer who has her own small business called Stardom. She makes all kinds of jewelry, accessories, and clothing, and specializes in unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. She launched Stardom when she was just 18 years old, and before that, she had already been designing clothing, something she began doing at the age of 12.

Michelle created a winter line of ponchos, as well as summer looks. This fashion line was called Cover Me Wear. She additionally started an Asian collection, with Japanese- and Chinese-inspired dresses in 2016, since she loves Asian culture. She enjoys creating jewelry and accessories in Lolita or harajuku styles.

In 2020, the designer started a new line titled Butterfly Revival. She did this when covid hit. At the time, she had all different types of fabrics she’d acquired in previous years but never used.

“Butterfly Revival to me doesn’t only mean butterflies, but also uplifting others, starting a new journey, freedom, and things that are beautifully made. I worked on all different types of styles: hoodies, businesswear for women, vests, and more,” Michelle explains.

Her signature look includes ribbons and flower petals, which she has always used in her fashion lines. Everything is colorful, beautiful, and unique for women of all ages.

“I thank God for giving me creativity. I know this is my calling in life that He has given me. I’d also like to thank my family and friends for their support, always. My dad, Pastor Jim, has always told me that I will be a successful designer and knows that God has called me to do this. I’d also like to thank my sister Shawna, who is a successful businesswoman herself. She always tells me to follow my dreams in fashion and acting,” says Michelle. “Last but not least, my aunt Ester always says the right thing to say to me in regard to my work in fashion and has always supported my business. She and my uncle own a show called The Hollywood Show; celebrities and others go there and sign autographs. I always enjoy going to the show and selling my jewelry and accessories, and also meeting different celebrities there. Someday I would love to act and be a part of the film industry. Becoming an actress is a dream of mine and I’m thankful to Heart Of Hollywood Magazine for telling my story.”

Why did you choose fashion design as a career?

I had always wanted to be a fashion designer since I was a kid. I had a mentor named Marisa Stein, a well-known fashion designer who sold her clothes at Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s when she was a young adult. She helped me sew and crochet clothing. I was inspired by her; she was very special to me and a dear friend. Her fashion line was all hand-crocheted and very unique. She called her line Twisted Sisters. I will miss her dearly, now that she has moved on and went to heaven two years ago.

My mom, Trish Steele, is the founder of Safe Passage, her charity that helps abused women and children in need of help. My mom is my role model. She helps me to sew and was very supportive when I started my own fashion line. She has always been there for me. She helps everyone, such as other women who have been victims of domestic violence.

When she was a young adult, she wanted to be a fashion designer, but that led her to modeling and to the Hollywood industry as a makeup artist for celebrities. Then when she became older, she wanted to help women and children in need, those who have experienced domestic violence and depression. So she started Safe Passage. I have always looked up to her. I took on her passion from the past and became a fashion designer and I volunteer for her charity. I have always loved to do anything that involves creativity and helping others.

I created my own fashion line called Cover Me Wear, and that became popular two years later. I sold many clothes I created and was so happy that people really liked them. It inspired me and I knew I could become a fashion designer.

For four years, I put that on pause and focused on my schoolwork to graduate. I had a fashion show at my high school with different young fashion designers. It was a great opportunity for all students to show off their fashion lines. I am grateful for having been a part of my school.

After graduation, I started my own business, Stardom. I offer handmade jewelry, accessories, and clothing. Each thing I make is unique, different, cute, beautiful, and colorful. I love what I create. Each piece is art to me, it’s very special. People come up to me because they are inspired by what I make. It makes them happy.

What important lessons have you learned?

If you want to inspire others, become who you really are. Never give up on your dreams, shine bright, be you, be unique, and be different.

There’s so much pressure for designers to come out with wonderful collections season after season. What advice would you give to young designers just starting out and hoping to make it in the industry?

All I can say is that when you become a successful fashion designer it doesn’t happen overnight. You need to push yourself a little and never give up what you want to accomplish in your company and as a fashion designer. I have to put my heart and soul into it. I took many fashion classes. I learned how to become a fashion designer, no matter how many mistakes I made. Mistakes are part of the learning process and build up the true artist and fashion designer you are.

This is what I wanted to become. When I was in high school, I had complaints and backstabbing from some people who were jealous and told me I was not good enough. I took that in, and thought the same way. Later, I realized that I didn’t care about what they thought of me any longer. I took a step forward, never looking back at the past, and moved on, stepping right into my fashion career. I know what I can do. My business is called Stardom, which to me means one should shine bright and never give up on your dreams. You can accomplish anything in life. This is my calling. God gave me the gift to do this.

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE

ETSY: www.Etsy.com/STARDOMSHOP

FB: www.Facebook.com/stardom17

IG: @Stardom.By.M.S

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-steele

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