Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Bylow

Michelle, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I’ve been deeply involved in the arts since childhood. My journey began as a competitive pairs figure skater, where I was able to combine my physical activity with a passion for music and artistic expression. This experience sparked my love for creation and the arts.

After my figure skating career, I attended the University of Toronto to study Philosophy. This period was transformative, as I delved into complex ideas and expanded my intellectual horizons. During this time, I also explored electronic music composition and production, graphic design, and video production, discovering new ways to express myself. Performing at local shows and touring Japan further enriched my artistic journey, where I was profoundly influenced by Japanese fashion and costume design.

This fascination led me to costume making and fashion design, where I found my true passion. I started organizing local music, performance, and fashion events, providing artists with a platform to perform live. This culminated in the creation of my fashion brand, Jojee Apparel, and the opening of Moniker, an art gallery dedicated to supporting local emerging visual artists.

Upon the closure of Moniker Gallery, I was hired by RAW:natural born artists to curate multi-media art events. Initially managing one Canadian city, I expanded to eight over the past decade. Eventually, I purchased RAW Artists Canada, continuing my mission to nurture local art scenes and provide emerging artists with the recognition they deserve.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Life rarely offers a smooth road, and it’s the ups and downs that make it exciting. One major setback for RAW Artists Canada was the pandemic. As an events-based company, we were forced to shut down for almost two years. However, with adversity came opportunity. During this time, we rallied the RAW Artists Canada community to organize a mask-making initiative.

This project resulted in the production and delivery of over 15,000 masks to nursing homes and shelters across the country. We recruited over 400 mask makers and hundreds of volunteer couriers who tirelessly picked up and delivered masks to local facilities. It was an intense and meaningful project, demanding 10-hour workdays for over two months, but it was well worth the effort. This experience not only kept our community engaged but also made a significant impact during a challenging time.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

In addition to being the Executive Director of RAW Artists Canada, I am also a fashion designer with my brand, Jojee Apparel. Jojee Apparel is a gender-neutral, slow fashion brand where each garment is one-of-a-kind and made from upcycled materials. This approach aligns with my personal commitment to sustainability and using only what is necessary from the earth.

I thrive on the creative challenge of using donated materials instead of selecting new fabrics from a store. This constraint fuels my creativity and results in unique designs. For instance, I once created a line of bags from old litter bags, transforming waste into sleek, high-quality products. Each collection tells a story and addresses significant societal issues and injustices.

One of my collections, ONE, featured a logo combining gender symbols and was designed to celebrate and encourage self-expression regardless of gender. Another collection, de.bris, used a runway performance to narrate a journey of conflict, renewal, and ultimately, harmony between humanity and the earth.

For me, fashion design is more than just clothing—it’s a medium to convey profound ideas. I plan to integrate dance and video production into future collections and am beginning to incorporate technological elements into my designs.

What are your plans for the future?

I hope to always have the steady rhythm of supporting local artists and communities while creating my own art. Both have been integral to my identity and will continue to shape my personal life and career choices. The future is hard to plan for, but this foundation will keep me grounded and ensure I stay true to my passions and values.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.jojeeapparel.com , http://www.RAWaritsts.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jojeeapparel , https://www.instagram.com/rawartistscanada/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jojeeapparel , https://www.facebook.com/rawartistscanada