Meet Miya Michaels | Fashion Designer & Illustrator

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

Hi Miya, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I wanted to pursue a career in fashion due to my passion to be unique. As a designer, I am not afraid to try new things. I deeply appreciate art in different forms, music, paintings, sketches, and sculptures. Art is a way to value the form of movement. I am fond of coming up with new ideas. Innovation is important as well as diversity. My dream is to share designers, models, and artists based on talent. Being diverse is more than what is shown on the exterior.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What you are most proud of or excited about? I’m proud of earning my degree in fashion design. In 2020, I earned my bachelor’s degree in fashion design from the University of Alabama. Also, studying as a fashion major benefited in excelling my knowledge of fashion history and culture.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
Despite minor setbacks, I was able to continue to build my brand while attending college. To elevate my craft, I practice sewing techniques in my free time. Also, I enjoyed sketching to share my creativity. While attending college, I showcased my designs at five fashion events. Recently, I participated in The University of Alabama’s ” Fashion for Life” Fashion show. Although each event intrigued me, I experience the most of this show. This wasn’t an easy ride for me. I had to teach myself how to properly sew and sketch. Every day is a day for me to continue to learn and get better at my craft.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? I’ve learned that time management is the key to success and you shouldn’t compare your art to others.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story? – My name is Miya Michaels. I am an African American fashion designer from Huntsville, Alabama. At the early age of eight, I started to show interest in fashion. I remember viewing magazines and tv shows like America’s Next Top Model and That’s So Raven. I admired the guest designers in America’s next top model as well as the designs Raven Baxter created. To describe my aesthetic is bold, urban, and classic. Fashion is a form of self-expression. To me, fashion is everything. I show admiration for two designers: Betsey Johnson, Stephen burrows, and Zelda Wynn Valdes. Betsey Johnson’s style is bold which delicately symbolizes quirkiness. On the other hand, Stephen burrows show his designs as a work of art. Zelda Wynn Valdes is one of my favorite designers. She created the infamous Playboy bunny costume. Her aesthetic redefined the fashion industry. Her classic yet sultry garments captivated me to try something new. The designers inspire me to accelerate my taste in fashion. I benefit from sharing my love of innovation and diversity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
-My itinerary – Morning- go to my mother’s salon (Malone and Walker) to get a makeover
– Midday- Head over to Connors Steak & Seafood
– Afternoon- A walk downtown in Blue Springs Park and visit the Huntsville Museum of Art
– Night- Go to bridge street and watch a Movie at Monaco Pictures

-Exciting things to check out
Space and Rocket Center
Monte Sano State Park
Huntsville Botanical Garden
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give a shoutout to some important people in my life. My blended family includes my mom, dad, grandmother(s), husband, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, and friends. They are my biggest supporters and always supported me since the beginning. I appreciate the love and support. Without your care, I wouldn’t be able to continue and pursue my dreams.

Website: https://miyamichaelsinfo.wixsite.com/miyamichaelsinfo-com/blank-1

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

Image Credits
Photographers: Jamar Carter (New views media) Instagram: shot Jamar Eric Gray Photography- Instagram: ericgrayphoto Greg Hall Photography- Instagram: hopps21_studio Fredro Starr Photography- Instagram:groovetheory81 InFocus Photography- Instagram: _infocusphotography Danita Harrison Photography: Instagram: danitaharrisonphotography Models: Samantha Nicholson: Instagram: love Sammi Akayshia Estee: Instagram:akayshia_estee Imani Turner : Instagram: imanniturner Karina Loktionova- Instagram: k.and.the.world