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

Michelle , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

I worked as a manufacturers rep in an industry that created networking events for architects and interior designers. One specific event was to showcase their own personal talents which could have been anything art related from jewelry to sculptures.. Their work would be displayed and judged at a beautiful venue which was my favorite event of the year.

One year the event opened up to vendors who could participate. A friend of mine was on the planning committee and suggested I show my art which I immediately said “No Way!”

The thought of showing my art to the public especially peers was a scary thought and something I couldn’t do.

Somehow my friend reached out to my husband who was more than willing to help her figure this out and without my permission she picked up a few of my pieces to showcase. Well….needless to say, I didn’t even know until we showed up that night as guests.
I immediately had several industry friends running up to me saying how much they loved my work and never even knew I painted! I was shocked and couldn’t believe I was seeing my art on display after saying no. I wanted to die and strangle the collaborators!
Several minutes later someone who didn’t know me wanted an introduction. She asked me if I did commissioned work and if I’m being honest I didn’t even know what that meant. My husband said yes she does as I stood there like a deer in the headlights.
She said she had a client who might love my style and couldn’t find anything he loved. He was open to ideas but was very specific on the coloring of the subject and how accurate it needed to be.

A few days later I received a call from her giving me details about the client (which was epic) and the process began which was a first for me.

She asked me to propose details of what I could do and gave me the budget.

After reviewing many known artists work the client was intrigued with my idea and selected me based off a very juvenile pencil sketch which I still have in my sketch book.

To this day my art hangs in his private office which is seen by many people. It’s even been recognized now by his guests as I’ve grown as an artist.

I’m beyond grateful for my husband and friend not listening to me because that one night changed my life.

Michelle , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have a passion for all things fabulous. From interior design to art. I provide design consultation services and create one of a kind fun whimsical art pieces for all kinds of spaces from from residential to hospitality.

My design work is timeless and functional and my art adds that flare which makes a space memorable.

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

I met a gallery owner once who wanted to include my art for a Valentines Day event. She saw my work and loved it but was pretty specific on what she thought her clients wanted to see, I left wondering if it was the right fit for me. but I agreed. I’m a bit edgy and she was not lol and wanted me to “tone it down”. I ended up creating a couple pieces for the event but brought one edgy piece anyway. Turned out that was the piece that made the biggest impact,

Needless to say the boring pieces never sold’ In fact, another gallery owner told me to always be true to myself and my vision because that’s what the people want.

What goes on a canvas are the thoughts in my crazy head and if it’s not for you that’s ok. My social media says “relax darling it’s only art” and often times I even write that on my pieces!

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

Not everyone is going to love your work, You could get turned down by every gallery for whatever reason then one day your luck changes. Staying true to yourself and your vision is important. Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life they say. Everyone’s a critic…listen to your gut.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.themishuproject.com
• Instagram: @themishuproject
• Twitter: @mishuinc