We were lucky to catch up with Roe Michel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Roe, thanks for joining us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

The best thing that my parent(s) did was to just let me be.

I was a very inquisitive child. I love learning and experiencing the new. When there wasn’t anything new, I longed to create something. I listened to every music in ears reach: the Grease soundtrack, LL Cool, Tupac, Teddy Pendergrass, Coupe Cloue, Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles and of course Michael Jackson.

I had a love for Greek mythology at an early age that never left. I started writing poetry at an early age. To be more specific, I started rapping at an early age.
I can’t recalled being bored for too long as a kid. I started altering my clothes around the same time. Something always peaked my interest.

Once I noticed the neighborhood kids hustling, making money and helping their families out, I became a young entrepreneur myself. I was the kid in school selling candy. I convince my mom to start doing the same at our home with frozen cup treats. Then I moved onto selling newspapers on the weekend and full time in the summer. Before long, I was washing car windshields at some of Miami’s busiest intersections.

That entrepreneur spirit never left, I don’t remember a time when I didn’t have atleast 2 jobs or businesses or hustles going.

I was never told to stick to just one thing. I’m not sure I would know how to do so.

Roe, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As cliche as it may sound, I sell hope. I motivate and empower.

My background as far a formal education includes is in Accounting, Consulting, Community Development and Compliance Management. My informal education is in Photography and Fashion Design.

Vintage1804 by Roe Michel is about 3 things: empowerment, fashion and photography. Outside of family these are my passions. Every tshirt that is design is done so with the intent to empower and educate. Every photoshoot or photo event is an opportunity uplift someone’s spirit. Every time I’m invited to speak with an individual or group it’s an opportunity to give back and share financial and life know hows.

One of my proudest moments was a conversation with this Columbian grandmother. After about 5 minutes into the conversation she begin to cry and called her grand children over. Then she asked me to tell them the story of Haiti’s national hero Dessalines as she held one of our shirts in her hand. She interrupted to add her personal feelings about Dessalines. That day was an inspiring and learning moment for me. Honestly speaking, I knew my designs would impact certain people but I was naive for not considering the impact it would have with others.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My incident with the Columbian grandmother taught me to remove any preconceived bias. You never know who or what someone is.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

In many ways the fashion and photography business goes hand and hand. However, during certain seasons, fashion is slow which becomes discouraging. Yet that’s when we receive the most phone calls for portraits and event photography. And as soon as people stop booking photoshoots, our tee shirts start flying off the shelves.

Somethings are not science based. I’ve learned to count my blessings and appreciate good luck.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vintage1804.com
• Instagram: Vintage1804
• Facebook: Vintage1804 by Roe Michel
• Twitter: Vintage1804
• Youtube: Vintage1804
• Other: www.RoeMichel.com

Image Credits
All photos courtesy of the Michel family. Roe Michel, Rochelle Michel and Romi Michel