Meet Malisha Shields | Head Muse In Charge (HMIC)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Malisha Shields and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Malisha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I know this might sound cliché, but the seed of styleMbellished was planted way back in my childhood days. As a little girl, I loved playing with Barbie dolls, and I always wanted mine to be the best-dressed on the block. I’d spend hours poring over fashion magazines, sketching designs (I hope etch-a-sketch counts), and even trying my hand at sewing (with often hilarious results!).

As I grew older, my passion for fashion only intensified. I dreamed of being a model, and I even went to a modeling agency with my grandmother (bless her heart!). In high school, I took a stab at sewing my own clothes, convinced I was destined to be the next big runway designer.

Fast forward some forty years, and that spark of passion is still burning bright. The pandemic gave me the push I needed to finally turn my lifelong dream into reality. I saw a need for a fashion brand that catered specifically to women who looked like me – women of color who were often overlooked by the mainstream industry.

styleMbellished is more than just a clothing boutique; it’s a movement. It’s about giving women a voice, a platform to express themselves through fashion. It’s about celebrating our individuality and our right to take up space in the world.

But it’s also about practicality. I’ve been on the receiving end of too many online shopping disasters, where clothes don’t fit, fall apart after one wash, or are just plain disappointing. That’s why I’m committed to quality at styleMbellished. I hand-measure every item, provide detailed size charts, and personally inspect each piece before it ships. I want my customers, whom I call my “Muses,” to feel confident and beautiful in their clothes.

Quality shouldn’t be a luxury; it should be a given. Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves, no matter their budget. That’s the philosophy behind styleMbellished. We’re not just selling clothes; we’re selling confidence, empowerment, and a sense of belonging.

So come join the styleMbellished movement! Let your style be your story, and let your voice be heard.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
By day, I navigate the intricate world of HR benefits, helping thousands of people secure crucial healthcare, retirement plans, and other life-changing provisions. It’s a career I stumbled upon unexpectedly, but it ignited a passion in me for shaping lives and adding value in a deeply personal way. Seeing someone’s eyes light up as they access the healthcare they need, or the relief on their face after securing a secure retirement plan – these are the moments that fuel my fire.

But beneath the spreadsheets and negotiations, another passion whispers. A passion that speaks in vibrant colors and confident strides, in the transformative magic of fashion. This is the story of styleMbellished.

Just as I empower individuals through benefits, I dream of a world where every woman steps into the world with a radiant symphony of self-expression. I want clothing to be more than fabric; I want it to be a language, a silent roar of confidence, a canvas for untold stories.

For the woman facing challenges, a perfectly fitting outfit can be her armor, a silent declaration of “I’ve got this.” For the artist whose voice may be silenced, a bold print or flowing dress can sing volumes, weaving her story into every vibrant thread. Or for the everyday woman juggling life’s demands, a comfortable yet stylish ensemble can whisper the quiet confidence of “I am enough.”

Fashion is not about trends or vanity; it’s about amplifying voices, celebrating individuality, and writing empowering narratives in every stitch. With styleMbellished, I aspire to be the translator, the curator of confidence-igniting pieces that can help unleash the magic within each woman.

My driving force behind styleMbellished is that every outfit can tell a story and every woman’s voice can be heard, loud and clear.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta has so much to offer. I’ve been a resident (by way of Orlando, FL) for about 17 years now. My hubby and I are total foodies and typically when people visit us we have landmark spots that are a must. Thumbs Up is always the go-to for all things breakfast, hands down! For top-notch dining experiences with the most superb steaks, our fave spot is Kevin Rathbun’s. In general, hanging out would all depend on a person’s taste but some of the spots that most individuals always want to check out are the World of Coke, the Civil Rights Museum (one of my favorites), the King Center, and the GA Aquarium.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Anyone and everyone who knows me knows that I am an avid supporter of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities), and more specifically, my alma mater, Grambling State University! It was at Grambling that I had the opportunity to define my destiny.

The professors at Grambling weren’t just educators; they were mentors, cheerleaders, and sometimes, drill sergeants pushing me beyond my comfort zone. They saw my potential, even when I couldn’t see it myself. Their unwavering belief fueled my late-night study sessions, their tough love nudged me out of my shell, and their infectious passion ignited a fire within me.

The lessons I learned at Grambling transcended the classroom. It’s where I discovered the power of collective action, the importance of giving back, and the unwavering strength that comes from knowing you’re part of something bigger than yourself.

Today, as I stand tall, ready to face the challenges of the world, I carry the spirit of Grambling with me. Every milestone, every challenge overcome, whispers the echoes of those late-night pep talks, those early-morning study sessions, and the unwavering belief that anything is possible with hard work and a little Grambling grit.

Website: https://stylembellished.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stylembellished/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/styleMbellished/

Other: PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/styleMbellished/