Fashion Forward with Michele Lopez

How was your experience being part of Fashion Week in NY?
My experience at NYFW was amazing! I was beyond honored to be able to introduce my point of view through my designs to the world and it was a pivotal moment in my brands journey that I will forever cherish.

What is it that makes your designs so desirable? 
I design for grown women. Women that embrace their confidence and sensuality. My best selling dress with pockets was designed to minimize the places that women may feel uncomfortable and optimize the areas that make them feel like their best self. My dresses can fit from a size 2-18. I literally spent countless hours figuring out the placement of the pockets while innovating details that still give a classic sophisticated look that adds body illusion in areas that will help women look and feel amazing .

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What inspired you to become a designer?
Women. I am inspired by us.. I have been a celebrity fashion stylist for over a decade and we women are exquisite! Our Bodies. Our curves and straight lines. Our optimism and power. Our stories of resilience. Our willingness to take what's in our hands and create magic no matter what we are faced with. All of this is what inspires me to create and tell these stories through my designs.

Where does your faith fit on this new journey?
I am who I am because of my faith. My faith in God and in my God given ability to show up for myself and make things happen is my superpower. Without God we are ordinary at best , but with God we are extra-ordinary !   

How do you manage the pressure that comes with being an entrepreneur? 
This is such a loaded question. Being an entrepreneur is definitely not for the faint of heart . Instead of working 8 hours a day , I work 14 to 15 hours consistently. I am constantly having to be creative and innovative, There are days that are amazing and everything goes well. Then there are other days that just seem long and hard . Having a supportive team and delegating responsibility to others helps tremendously. But loving what I do, understanding why I do it, and seeing lives changed as a result is priceless . 

What would you tell a young black girl who seeks to become an entrepreneur?
There is no doubt that the journey of an entrepreneur is not an easy one, and definitely not for everyone. You have to be willing to take risks, deal with uncertainty and make tough decisions. Be okay with failure because it is a part of the process. Be willing to learn ,create a plan, and execute that plan. When It seems impossible, and you feel like giving up, focus on the end result. Keep God first and let your faith in him and the vision that he has given you fuel your dream. And even if you have to shift during the process, never let quitting be an option.

What does success look like for you?
Success for me is  finding your purpose, fulfilling it and enjoying the journey.

How can we follow you?
You can follow me at
Web - www.chelzcloset.com 
IG - @themichelelopez 
Fb- @themichelelopez