We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Donald recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

The hardest thing I learned in the fashion industry that its going to be outsiders that support your business more than family/friends do that’s a very hard pill to swallow especially when you wanted to make those people proud and show them that even though most people don’t make it far in this industry you beat the odds and actually succeed.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I first started sewing at the tender age of 10 my grandmother taught me and she gave me my first sewing machine. I Found my business Chelle Donald llc originally in 2017, but didn’t get established until 2021. My business is based out of Columbus, Ga and everything that I sew is from scratch. I specialize In custom garments and accessories for people of all sizes. I solve the problem that most boutiques or brand stores can’t solve by catering to all sizes and each. custom garment or accessories I make are one of a kind and there are no replicates of the outfits made everything is one of one therefore everybody won’t be wearing the same design or style. I am proud that as a black female fashion designer I have been published twice in two magazines across the world and the fact that people actually get to see my brand & how uniquely diverse it is. The main thing I want my potential clients, followers, fan, etc. to know about my brand is that clothing is your statement in the world and the world is your runway to showcase who you truly are there is no such thing as a size limit or style to fashion be you and be unique! I strive to go above and beyond to show the world that I will forever curve the lines of fashion and break barriers no one has ever broken before in the fashion world.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

My initial way of funding my business was through another job that I worked 7 days out of the week. When the pandemic started it caused me to take a leap of faith and rely on business to bring income into the house. Which it did I profited more than 7,000 in orders for all the custom face masks and bonnets that I created. It wasn’t easy due to not having any credit for my business let alone being able to open up a bank account or be able to get a business phone or credit card, etc.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I say the hardest lesson I had to unlearn was charging my worth and not faltering on my prices. For 3 to 4 months straight I kept taking clients on that wanted me to chop my prices for them or either they wanted it for dirt cheap which I didn’t agree with. I cried because it took me hours and money that I came out of pocket spending just to create the masterpiece and for clients to either argue with me or want a refund because they felt my prices weren’t worth it or they felt like they could’ve went elsewhere and shop. Honestly that’s the best lesson I’ve had to learn that my brand and talent isn’t for everybody and all mine isn’t good and everybody is not your dream client you have the right to refuse services if potential clients want to negotiate or cause issues that could result in bigger issues for you and your brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chelledonald.myshopify.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/chelledonaldllc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/chelledonaldllc
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/chelledonald
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/chelledonadllc