Community Highlights: Meet Franceleslia Millien of S.M.I.L.E.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Franceleslia Millien.

Meet Franceleslia Millien, a dynamic force in the world of fashion, events, and brand imaging. Born and raised in the vibrant heart of Harlem, New York, my journey from Harlem to Los Angeles is an inspiring testament to the power of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. This transition has seen me evolve from a budding visionary into a formidable presence in the fashion and events industry.

My career began with an early fascination with the arts, leading me to curate and host events for thousands of guests over time in the bustling metropolis of NYC. I was one of those underground pioneers who helped shape the culture that came out of NY in the early 2000s. My events were a staple in the streets, especially considering I was curating them by myself from scratch. I brought out people from all walks of life. I was known as the girl who brought the goths, corporate heads, skateboarders, gangsters, preppy kids, and anime nerds all under one roof. It was so legendary.

I was always one of those creatives that had a toe dipped in many creative professions because I was a curious gypsy who had a passion for exploration. My lifetime before committing to where I excel at now included stints as a DJ, talent manager, event host, musician, model, and the list goes on!

I went on to work at Alamo Records as the Head of Events & Lifestyle Marketing, where I specialized in brand collaborations, threw album listening parties for their artists, planned their album roll-outs, and cultivated the social aspect of their careers, aligning them with influencers, events & PR looks. This eventually led to me taking on my own clients outside of the label.

As an avid fashion enthusiast, I found myself in the world of Wardrobe Direction as a Senior Assistant to some of the most notorious Key Stylists in the game. This role put me in a position to have a hand in the brand imaging for Cardi B, Victoria Monet, Future, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, and the list goes on. My goal has always been to bring an unparalleled perspective to the art of fashion. My attention to detail, passion for style, and ability to translate creative visions into reality have earned me a revered place in the industry.

My short-lived stint at Alamo ultimately culminated in the evolution of S.M.I.L.E. (Style, Music, Imagination, Lifestyle, and Entertainment). As the CEO and Founder of this experiential event and Creative Marketing powerhouse, I spearhead creative initiatives that amplify the messaging, storytelling, and bigger pictures for companies that want to refine their creative DNA. Under my leadership, S.M.I.L.E. has become synonymous with innovation, elegance, and a commitment to creating unforgettable experiences.

The ultimate goal is to create S.M.I.L.E. Universe, which will be an incubator for creatives who excel in Mathematics, Sciences, and Tech. My career is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and an unwavering commitment to the arts. I aim to continue to inspire and captivate through my multifaceted experiences and many lives.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the most significant challenges I faced happened when I decided to transition into the corporate world. Here I was, a young, insanely talented, and skilled creative taking on productions that it took teams of 50+ people to do. I was running the world, and now I was being asked to do what I do in the world, within the confines of four walls, a ton of rules/protocols, and more. I didn’t have many mentors so I wasn’t taught the nuances of being in a hyper-structured environment. There was no one there to hold my hand so a lot of my lessons were learned through trial and error. I had a tough time assimilating. Back then, people weren’t so forgiving, everyone was extremely competitive, and no one behind a desk was as vivacious as I was. I had colorful hair, piercings, and wild nails. I was expressive and had million-dollar ideas. What ended up happening was people tried to box me in and tell me to “quiet down a bit” so I could fit the mold of what a standard corporate girl was like. At the time, I didn’t realize they were just projecting on me. My imagination and ideas needed to touch the world, and I couldn’t do it in that box. I started to lose my identity, and that’s when I knew I had to take it back to the streets, back to the culture.

As you know, we’re big fans of S.M.I.L.E.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At S.M.I.L.E., we specialize in the art of creating unforgettable moments through experiential events and innovative brand marketing. Our mission is to turn ordinary experiences into extraordinary memories and transform brands into universal stories.

With a team of passionate creators and visionary strategists, we craft immersive events. These events stem from album listenings, product launches, company launches, creative conventions, immersive experiences, and the list goes on. We handle the operations and creative build-out from the preparation phase to on-site and even post event; UGC, vendor/venue sourcing & mgmt, event programming, influencer affiliation, decor, newsletters, and more.

In the realm of brand marketing, we are masters of creativity. We develop unique and compelling strategies that breathe life into your brand, making it a living, breathing entity that resonates with your audience. Our goal is to make your brand not just a product or service but an experience, a lifestyle, and a story worth sharing. We currently work with Cannabis and Fashion companies but are open to clients in the Beauty, Tech & Non-Profit realms as well. We provide Creative Direction and execution for branded shoots, merchandise production, UGC, docu-series production, brand partnerships, and more.

Currently, we have a monthly series going with Soho House & Soho Works where we highlight Fashion industry aficionados who are making noise in the industry beginning with Stylist Assistants and Key Stylists. Eventually, we will highlight the tailors, designers, showroom owners, fashion illustrators, and more who are the key contributors to the execution of some of our beloved celebrities’ looks.

What sets us apart from everyone else is that our main focus is on the creators who don’t necessarily have a platform but are moving mountains every day. Myself alone, I have visibility, notoriety, and nurtured connections to the key holders who can change the livelihood of an entire brand. I have always been a resource well that serves as a liaison between the movers & shakers and the innovators/creatives who need them to connect the dots.

S.M.I.L.E. is big on innovation and global impact, so we align ourselves with brands that have a passion for being shapeshifters. We turn special moments into spectacular memories and innovative ideas into brand legends.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk is my middle name. I am what I like to call a leaper. I’m the free spirit that dives in head first and then figures it out later. Sometimes, it works out in my favor; other times, it’s one hard and extensive life lesson. Either way, I have no regrets. I wholeheartedly believe that not having mentors to guide me through all of the processes put me in a position to have to experience challenges and risks head-on and most times blindly. A majority of my risks involved taking on jobs that required me to perform tasks that I didn’t have expertise in. I wasn’t afraid to make mistakes, but I also had a passion for wanting to be a master at everything, so I took on those challenges and powered forward, learning from my peers & failures along the way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: S.M.I.L.E.HQ

Image Credits
Image 1: Christopher McClees Image 2 & 3: Arturio Fleuristal Image 4: Raymond Hall Image 5: Nour Berro Image 6: No Credit (Friend took this photo)