Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Toney.
Michelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started by volunteering for anything fashion related; fashion shows, fashion weeks, assisting on editorial photoshoots! The tasks were different every time. Sometimes I was picking up trash after fashion shows and other times I was sewing hems and helping models get dressed. My goal was to be a sponge and get as much knowledge as I could from those experiences! I reached out to fashion stylist, Harrison Crite and fashion designer, LaToya Knox for advice and they became mentors to me. They gave me a blueprint to start with.
One day I saw a flyer that dancer and model, Maliah Michel was coming to town for a club appearance and I decided to reach out to her. She wanted to use wardrobe for a local designer & Kyre Elaine collection stood out from the designers that we came across. A relationship was built from the designer Jennifer McNeil and I. Anyone she came across who wanted to be styled, she would recommend me and I would use pieces she had or we work together to create looks for clients! We were mentioned on the nationally syndicated radio show, “The Breakfast Club” by rapper, Turk and his wife, rapper, Emani.
In April 2018, I decided to move to Atlanta for a new start. I had little money and no connections but I was determined. I began working at BCBG as a stylist and I was able to make relationships with the different stores and build my clientele throughout Atlanta!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road is not always smooth. When I moved to Atlanta, I did not know many people and everything was far away. I’ve been car less and almost homeless. I will never let anything stop me because impossible basically spells “I’m possible.”
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about BCBG Max Azria – what should we know?
BCBG MaxAzria is a women’s clothing brand that was created in 1969 by designer Max Azria who initially wanted to make a “beautiful dress.” Although the company has had its ups and downs and changes of owners, it is still surviving. I am a wardrobe stylist for the company. I specialize in creating stories and experiences for clients through styling. Everyone has a story to tell whether they just had a baby, getting married, meeting their girlfriend’s parents for the first time, got a new job, going to the Grammy’s, etc. I like creating looks for those moments! I’m proud that the company did not give up after adversity. It has taught me the business side of things and paying attention to the wants of the client! What sets me apart is my passion for what I do and my love for details. I’m definitely a put that ruffle, that stone, lapel pin type of person.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My love of people definitely and I feel like I’m a relatable, genuine person.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 9015501729
- Instagram: @stylish_chelle
Image Credit:
Cover pic, Pink outfit- Robins Runway, Josiah Roberto Photography, Headshot with the hat- @ygluxephotography
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