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

Michelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I started my clothing line to memorialize two of my friends lost to Chicago gun violence. The name “La’Flare The Label” is dedicated to my friend ‘Von La’Flare” who was an aspiring rapper; and the Snake logo is in memory of my friend Blake “Snake.” I endured homelessness that started in my teens and my friends helped me along the way, so I want to bring them to the top with me, in spirit. Real Estate is something I’ve always had the desire to pursue– stemming from the loss of my family home to foreclosure and then experiencing homelessness, I want to educate others on the importance of creating generational wealth through property ownership. Being able to help others achieve their dreams, in turn allows me to achieve mine. The money I make from real estate gets invested back into my clothing line. Both businesses are truly full circle.

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 am a native Chicagoan currently residing in the North Shore. In my free time I enjoy fashion, art, and classic cars– I have a 1986 I-Roc Z28 Camaro with T-Tops that I am currently upgrading to an LS Motor. Entrepreneurship has been my calling ever since experiencing homelessness at fifteen. I paid my way through community college, sometimes working three jobs at once, but I knew I had to think, dream, and act BIG if I was going to make something from literally nothing. I wanted to find a way to create a life that I love, centered around my passions. I’ve always had a love for fashion and how it allows you to present your best self to the world. My personal style tends to be loud and flashy, but I’ve always been more of a tomboy so I decided that streetwear would be the best way to incorporate the best of both worlds. When I lost two of my friends at a young age to gun violence, I knew it was time to get started and that I had to incorporate them into my brand– they had big dreams that they never got to realize, and figuratively I feel like I am the one who will be able to get them there.
I honestly had no idea how to even begin so I did a lot of research on suppliers and purchased a heat press to do the designs myself. I quickly realized that I wasn’t really good at it, and my passion was designing the merchandise; so I outsourced the actual printing of my designs. Having no real capital, I opened credit cards to fund my new business. My mindset has always been if I can prove I am responsible with credit, in the future I will be able to obtain more funding. In reality this was not sustainable and I had to ask myself what else I can do to fund my dreams.
I knew that I wanted to invest in Real Estate but was lacking cash to do so. I decided the best thing to do is to get my foot in the door and learn the industry by becoming a Realtor. That way I can get the ball rolling towards my dream of becoming a real estate investor while funding my clothing line. Being a Realtor also allows me to “fill my cup” because I am literally helping others achieve their goals and dreams– I cannot think of anything more heartwarming! I have been a licensed Realtor in Illinois for two years now and just became licensed in Florida as of September 2022. I now have a new goal of becoming a travel realtor between Illinois & Florida.
I am proud that I never let my past struggles define me or suppress my dreams. I believe that everyone holds the power to create a life that they love. My deep seated drive and determination overflows into my real estate business when negotiating wins for my clients. Being able to help my clients win then allows me to invest in my vision for my clothing line. When I reflect on how far I’ve come, I get teary eyed– who would’ve thought that I would go from being homeless to helping others buy homes!

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

INSTAGRAM!!! I love how I get to display to the world my natural creativity for both of my businesses. Being consistent online allows my customers & clients to feel like they know and relate to me. People want to do business with people they know and trust!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I listen to recordings of Earl Nightingale on repeat! My friends must think I am crazy because I don’t listen to music in my car–only podcasts of his speeches. Also, I do a lot of reading, in fact it’s so important to me that I write it into my schedule every day. I recommend reading the works of Napoleon Hill and Robert Greene– their guidance has been life-altering for me and I regularly implement their teachings.

Contact Info:

• Website: laflarethelabel.com
• Instagram: ChelleTheRealtor
• Facebook: Michelle Lauren – Baird & Warner

Image Credits
Dee and Bo Photo