Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Michelle.
Hi Linda Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Yonkers, NY. The YO, as they call it. A town right outside The Bronx, along the Hudson River with a stunning view. Fashion has always inspired me and I went on to study Accessory Design at FIT in NYC. I had many different jobs along the way to get to where I am now as a designer. I have worked in nightlife, cosmetology, costumes, was a model agent/booker and worked in the entertainment industry behind and in front of the camera: the life of a starving artist. All of these helped mold me into the well-rounded person I am today. I’ve had and still have many artistic people around me at all times that always inspire me.
I live in Woodland Hills with my sweet family: my husband Chris and daughter Cosette. We also have our fur babies, Stella the dog and Rosie the cat. I am a still a NY girl at heart but living the Valley girl dream; east coast to west coast and grateful to be able to go back and forth.
As a small business, I take pride in the quality of my accessories. I want my buyers to be able to wear a bag with a luxury feel that is fun to wear and doesn’t break the bank.
The MAAT Bag and LM accessories are affordable and sustainable luxury designs. LM products can transition from season to season. These fine bags and accessories are handmade here in the USA and now also in Colombia. The leather used meets quality, safety and environmental codes. We are part of the sustainable fashion movement. My designs are based around sacred geometry.
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?
Like any business, there have been struggles along the way. I am a full-time Mom and it is a challenge to run a business with a child. I am constantly on the go with my daughter’s schedule. There is just not enough hours in the day to get everything done. I know every Mom out there feels the same. I find It hard to devote the proper time I need for my business and designs. When the pandemic hit, it was a difficult to make bags in Colombia. I lost two years of work and finally just got to a point where production and manufacturing has been smooth. I am not able to travel to Colombia myself, so I am grateful for the fashion representation I have there.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a NY designer that moved here in 2008. I design affordable luxury handbags and accessories. They are manufactured here in DTLA and also in Medellín, Colombia.
I am known for my MAAT bag, a convertible crossbody bag with signature gold-tone hardware. It can be worn as a crossbody or a shoulder bag. Named for the Egyptian Goddess and using the concepts of sacred geometry, the MAAT Bag embodies the concepts she stood for: truth, balance, order and harmony.
LM also has small clutch accessories, wallets and hand made gold-filled earrings with semi-precious stones. Sustainability is important at Linda Michelle.
I am proud of how far I have come living here in Los Angeles. I believe in the quality of fine handbags and accessories, always channeling my Italian roots. XOLM
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
There are many different ways to define success. I believe people succeed in many different ways, It comes from within. Whatever you are striving for, staying positive is key. To get what you want, you have to be brave and take risks. That’s the fun part or it. I have gone though many emotions to reach where I am, I just have to remember to stay happy and always move forward. I take pride in my artistry and designs and making people smile along the way.
Pricing:
- Matt Bag $350
- LM makeup Clutch $85
- Wristlet Wallet $65
- Jewelry $50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lindamichelle.com
- Instagram: @lindamichelleshop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindamichelleshop
Image Credits
@raynefitton @jeffreytkchan
