Meet Trailblazer Mica Filien

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mica (pronounced Mee-sha) Filien.

Mica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a child growing up in New York, it only made sense for me to take a liking to fashion. Throughout my elementary school years, my mom would always dress me in different designers or brands such as (Calvin Klein, the Gap, the Children’s place, Tommy Hilfiger, you name it, for each school year. Being older that is the coolest thing and makes so much sense now as to why I have this great respect for fashion and style!

I graduated from Clark Atlanta University 13′ where I majored in Fashion Merchandising, While in school, my dream was to become a buyer for a high-end retailer such as Bloomingdale’s or Saks Fifth Avenue. Upon graduating, there were other plans the universe had in store for me that has prepared me for the years to come.

Fast forward to a few years outside of college around 2017, when I started to find my passion to work with clothing again and figured out what would make me stand out. I always had been a fashion-forward person and had to figure out where I can stand out as a brand and also pour my heart into something I enjoy doing and where others can see the desire I inhibited in whatever I created or whatever I wore.

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?
It has not been a smooth road on this journey of creating something you are passionate about. The struggles along the way is that not many people could see the vision I saw, which now it does not matter but when beginning something you care so deeply about, criticism can feel like an attack. No support could feel like you aren’t enough. This is a big struggle I overcame and the way I did was to realize what was bruising my ego and what was helping my self-esteem. I had to separate the two and know that criticism is needed, I appreciate honest voices. Another struggle is not financially being able to carry a brand in the way you imagine. As a creative, we must know that all we need to do is make the art or whatever it is we are so attached to and know that the money will fall into place when it is our time. We must trust the process, put the work in and know as the great Nipsey Hussle said “its a marathon not a race”

The advice that I would give to other young women who are starting their journey is to be passionate and driven about what it is they are doing. Be so confident along the process that it is infectious and people have no choice but to want to be apart of your journey. Do what you love and love what you do and everything else will happen as the universe sees you putting the work in. Be consistent and never give up!

What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I don’t like to limit myself to just one thing I see myself as a creator, an artist, a stylist, and a designer. The Painted Coat is my baby lol. TPC is an up-cycled jacket brand that is inspired by street-wear. I specialize in taking a basic denim jacket, leather jacket, raincoats you name it and adding paint to make the trendiest statement coats.

I am most known for my style. I mostly dress how I am feeling for the day so my style can be described as colorful and vibrant, trendy and fun, sexy and chic or cozy for the colder months.

The Painted Coat (TPC) is most known for the construction theme behind my brand. I have always had a weird obsession with construction sites, street signs, anything that we as regular people shouldn’t have access too, lol.

As a brand, I am most proud of the progress I have made within these past 2 years from when I began to start my jacket line until today. I am also most proud that everything I do within TPC is all done by me, myself and I. I am not opposed to working with others, I just feel that when birthing a brand you should be 100% hands-on so that when the opportunity to build a team presents itself I know exactly what kind of individuals to add.

What sets me apart from others is that yes it may be common for artists to create on clothing via paint, it is rare there is a consistent theme for the brand. I consistently use construction as my story for TPC. I know that when people learn about The Painted Coat they will start to think of me when they see construction sites and that is what makes me feel great about my brand. I love that there is something connected to the everyday world and people can always envision a TPC jacket posted somewhere on that site!

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I am currently seeking a mentor however, my advice is to find someone who is dedicated to an interest you have a liking to. Sometimes, you may get shot down but continue to do your research and a yes from the right mentor will appear. So, if anyone is reading this and share the same passions, let’s connect!!!!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: thepaintedcoat
• Twitter: pursuitofchic

Image Credit:
photos done by Tiffany Maddox @artclass404

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