Founder Meredith Dean interviews Stacee Michelle, a fashion correspondent and local published wardrobe stylist, for Empower Hour. Stacee has been routinely tapped by national and local television networks, including Fox 46 Charlotte, Fox 5 DC, BET, and E! News, serving up her opinion on fashion trends, beauty tips, and seasonal must-haves. You'll love her fashion tips and stories about meeting DVF!
1. What’s your story? What makes you unique?
Before I was old enough to buy my own clothes I was into fashion! The youngest of three living in Seattle, Wa, I was often the recipient of hand-me-down ensembles from my older sister. In order to make them look new, I had to be creative. I developed a distinctive personal style of my own, turning worn pieces into one-of-a-kind looks! I was constantly in awe of the creativity and art in fashion magazines. At one point, I covered my entire bedroom wall with fashion editorial clippings not knowing that soon I would be creating editorials of my own!
Since childhood, I have been enamored by the idea of turning my passion into my profession. After graduating from Winston-Salem State University in 2007, I did just that. I quickly went from conducting Q&A’s with local business owners and haberdashers in Queen City to interviewing A-list celebrities in the Big Apple during New York Fashion Week.
What makes me unique? Being ME makes me unique! I own my personality, energy, passion, and smile. I embrace every part of my individuality as a way to stand apart from the rest.
2. What motivates you?
I am motivated by happiness. What makes me happy is to do the things that I love, be around people that I love, and enjoy each day as if it were my last. As long as I wake up and set my mind on doing what I love, work will never feel like work.
3. Who is a hero of yours?
My biggest inspiration in fashion is icon, Diane Von Furstenberg. She has been a trailblazer in the industry, empowering women of all ages to be strong and embrace their individuality. She uses her platform to uplift women who are advocates for change, along with supporting the growth and education of fashion by serving as President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Even though she isn't a stylist or a fashion correspondent, she is a great example of the type of business woman I aspire to be.
4. What's your future plan? Your goals?
Getting that first email from E! News that out of 300+ national submissions I was selected into the Top 15 contestants, then Top 8, and now Top 4 made me realize that my dream could actually become reality! Everyday I am encouraged to work harder and strengthen my craft. In the future, I plan on landing a correspondent opportunity with a network where I will be a full-time fashion insider. Contributing to TV, editorial, and online media about the latest in fashion on a national and international level.
5. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?
Confidence is your best accessory!
6. What is something you feel strongly about (a cause, belief, etc.)?
It is important for me to give back to aspiring fashionistas because I want them to know someone has their support during their fashion journey. I feel strongly about building confidence in women and seeing them reach their full potential. Being able to speak at high schools and universities, hold workshops, or job shadowing opportunities helps give the aspiring fashion enthusiasts direction and inspiration for the future ahead.
7. What's one of the coolest things you've ever done?
One of the coolest things I have did was deciding to take an impromptu trip to Italy by myself. My motto at the time was “If not now, when?”, so I decided it time to stop talking about what I wanted to do and actually do it! I wanted it to fall during Milan Fashion Week (of course!) so I booked a flight and was off on my journey to Europe. The experience was amazing and unforgettable!
8. Anything we haven't asked that you'd like to talk about.
Stay Connected! Instagram @itsStaceeMichelle