We recently connected with Michelle Gray and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

I had the pleasure of assisting a client who had received an invitation to the esteemed epsy awards. She expressed a desire for a unique dress that would perfectly complement her personal style. Unfortunately, she encountered difficulty in finding a skilled dressmaker who could accommodate her tight timeline. She reached out to me, and I willingly offered my assistance. I dedicated myself to designing and creating a dress that would be ready in time for her red carpet appearance. I was able to meet the deadline, despite the challenges.
Following the epsys, my client graced the red carpet and was subsequently featured in Ebony Magazine as one of the top 33 best-dressed individuals. This unexpected recognition made her excited and I was extremely elated for her. I was very proud to have one my designs featured in such an upstanding magazine. A moment I will never forget.

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 am Michelle Gray, an innovative Fashion Designer. From a young age, I possessed a keen eye for fashion, which led me to experiment with my mother’s clothing and create unique outfits. The vibrant hues of bright colors invigorate me and serve as a source of energy.

In 2018, after accumulating years of experience in the retail industry and receiving numerous requests to style others, I established Gray Area Styling as a personal stylist. Initially, I sought to discover my niche in this field. However, encountering frequent vendor delays while ordering garments for my clients prompted me to take matters into my own hands. Drawing inspiration from my mother’s years of garment-making, I decided to try my hand at creating my own clothes. As I began crafting a few outfits, I unexpectedly received requests for formal dresses to be worn at galas and proms. It was during this time that I discovered my true passion for designing exquisite formal garments. This newfound love for my craft allowed me to continuously nurture my creative abilities. I ensure that every dress made is customized to each client, making them feel like royalty. The long hours of hard work, with needles occasionally pricking my finger, are worth the design. Personal styling remains a mainstay of my business, as it was my humble beginning. In addition, I solve styling issues by providing personal shopping services, offering ease of mind to every client who may lack the time or resources to find something that perfectly fits their unique style. The key to starting and growing your own business lies in never giving up, tunneling through every challenge that may come along. The fashion industry is ever-changing, and paying attention to the growing trends is a must in this industry. My goal is to continue building confidence in each client, one outfit at a time.

Today, I can proudly say that I am the Owner of Gray Area Styling LLC, a testament to my unwavering dedication and expertise in the fashion industry.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In the year 2020, my business encountered some significant challenges when the unexpected pandemic struck. It was really hard and I found myself in the position of needing to seek full-time employment. However, I want to share something with you – my passion for creating beautiful clothing never wavered. Even in the face of adversity, I remained steadfast in my commitment to my craft.

To navigate this difficult situation, I was fortunate enough to team up with a brilliant business strategist who provided invaluable guidance. Together, we created a plan to help me rebuild my business. With their expert advice, I was able to focus my energy on perfecting my designs and honing my skills. It was a time of complete dedication and pouring my heart and soul into creating exquisite evening formalwear.

To showcase my creations, I turned to social media platforms, where I proudly displayed my work. This strategy not only allowed me to reach a wider audience of potential clients, but it also presented an incredible opportunity. Recently, I was featured in the esteemed Launch Your Influence newsletter on LinkedIn! I am truly grateful for the support and encouragement I have received throughout this journey.

It hasn’t been an easy road, but with the help of my business strategist and the unwavering support of those around me, I have been able to overcome the challenges that came my way. I am excited to continue pursuing my passion for creating beautiful clothing and look forward to the future with optimism and gratitude.

Have you ever had to pivot?

During my journey through the world of fashion, I came across a moment that required a significant change in direction. I made the decision to acquire a new skill and began working as a makeup artist for a cosmetics company. This shift allowed me to explore new avenues of creativity and expand my skillset. As a makeup artist, I gained valuable insights into the world of cosmetics and the ability to enhance someone’s natural beauty. This, in turn, deepened my knowledge of the fashion industry as a whole. However, my passion for fashion design and my desire to create beautiful clothing eventually led me to want to design and create even more. The transition from the fashion industry to becoming a makeup artist and then back again has been an exciting journey, one that has provided me with a greater understanding of both fields and has been a wonderful addition to my business. This experience has only reinforced my love for my true calling in the world of fashion.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @grayareastyling
• Facebook: Gray Area Styling
• Linkedin: Michelle Gray

Image Credits
Breauxmoments Ray Givens Michelle Gray