Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Thomas – Elder
Michelle , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started sewing a little over 8 years ago when a customer at one of the stores i sold my pieces at asked to have me make them a dress. I only use to hot glue trims onto corsets or hand sew. I said yes and I started watching tutorials, had my friend try to teach me and nothing worked. While watching a tutorial one day I realized I was doing something so simple so wrong and then everything clicked. I made the dress and after that I tried sewing something new everyday to get my skills up. About a month later a friend referred me to stylist Enrique Melendez, as a tailor. I worked with him and his client, Naturi Naughton, and it went well. That day has turned into 8 years as his tailor for all his clients and countless other stylists and their clients. I now do red carpet tailoring and alterations for some of Hollywoods biggest stars. I’m also a commercial costume designer, costumer and tailor for tv/ film, small batch clothing manufacturer, costume maker, sewing instructor, a fashion designer and the owner of The Kut Studios Fashion Design Co- Work Studio and Showroom.
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?
The road hasn’t been easy to get here. I’ve had some amazing triumphs and opportunities in the fashion and entertainment industry. However, the road has been long. I had to downsize my studio last year due to the economy downturn and lack of productions in Los Angeles. Work got super slow and I was forced to make the hard decision to drastically downsize my business. Since the beginning, I started this business with no investors or financial support. Every dime I make I put back into it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am probably most known for my celebrity tailoring and alterations. I am a mobile tailor and go out to my clients to get their looks to look custom fitted. Some of my clients include Jenna Ortega, Julia Gardner, Jaylen Barron, and Tyler Perry to name a few.
Secondly, I am known for my custom fashion designs. Some projects I’m proud of are making costumes for Shaquille Oneal for his General Commercials, making dancer’s costumes for Nikki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 tour, and making the catsuit and cat helmet costumes for Ariana Grande’s God Is A Woman music video.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’m am so grateful to my tribe of friends, family, and colleagues that have supported me through my career thus far! My husband Ro’shawn and step daughter Jaelyn are my biggest supporters and cheerleaders along with my parents Michael and Cassandra, my brother Michael, my nieces Adalyn and Jordyn, and my entire family in Houston Texas. My right hand, my assistant Christian Chacon, for holding me and the studio together! My mentor, Costume Designer, Ca’trece Massey started me in tv/ film and I have learned so much from her! My bestfriend, designer and therapist Lady Bevel, started my first fashion design studio with me and has always championed me. My publicist Antoinette Clay, for taking a chance on me. And finally, my core friends Sweets, Micah, Jazmine, Donnetta, Jeannah, Moe and Jasmine for being there to cheer me on through it all with advise, support and wisdom!
Pricing:
- The Ultimate Fashion Sketchbook $42.99
- The Kut Studios Sewing Classes $75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Thekutstudios.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/auntfunkyscloset
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/auntfunkyscloset
- Other: https://Auntfunkyscloset.com
Image Credits
Photographers – Lisa Marie, Aaron Lacy
