Life & Work with Michelle Malekan of Sherman Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Malekan.

Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in New York, where my earliest exposure to fashion was both personal and immersive. My father has worked in the garment industry for decades, and some of my most vivid childhood memories are of walking through the fabric houses and showrooms of Manhattan’s garment district with him. I didn’t fully grasp it then, but I was absorbing the art of design, craftsmanship, and storytelling through clothing. My mother, too, played a significant role in shaping my aesthetic lens. While other kids were dressed in commercial, mainstream brands, she always sought out elevated, timeless pieces for me — and that instilled in me an early appreciation for individuality and refined style. After moving to Los Angeles four years ago, I found myself in a Pilates class one day without my grip socks. I purchased a pair from the studio and instantly felt how uninspired and uncomfortable they were. That moment stayed with me — because it made me realize how overlooked this small but essential category of activewear really was.
With my background, creative instinct, and lifelong love of fashion, I saw an opportunity to reimagine the studio staple. That’s how Healing Heels was born: a brand that brings together intentional design, elevated aesthetic, and functional performance — all while honoring the grounding, empowering nature of mindful movement. It’s fashion with purpose, created for those who move with both strength and style.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any entrepreneurial path, it hasn’t been entirely smooth — but I think that’s part of what makes it meaningful. Building Healing Heels from the ground up has required me to wear many hats — creative director, product developer, brand strategist, and relationship builder — often all at once. And while I’ve always embraced that hands-on approach, it’s come with its fair share of growing pains. One of the earliest challenges was finding the right production partners — people who could see that this wasn’t just another sock brand. I was meticulous about every detail: materials, grip placement, silhouette, aesthetic. My standards were high, and rightfully so. Unfortunately, my first experience was a painful one. The production quality was poor, the partnership lacked communication, and I took a financial loss that hit hard. But even in that disappointment, I found clarity: I would never compromise on the vision. Eventually, I found the right team — a production and manufacturing group that understood we were building something elevated and intentional. That shift changed everything. Another challenge has been entering a space where performance is often prioritized over design — especially in wellness. I had to prove there was room for both: that functionality can be beautiful, and that a product as small as a sock can carry the weight of intention, identity, and style. And candidly, as a woman in a creative space, I’ve experienced the quieter challenges — competitors trying to replicate certain designs, or moments where others seem more envious than supportive. That’s difficult, especially when you’re building something from such a personal, authentic place. But I’ve learned to tune out the noise and stay grounded in the ‘why.’ Every obstacle has sharpened my vision and deepened my purpose. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, protect what I’ve built, and never trade originality for speed. The road hasn’t always been smooth — but it’s been entirely worth it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Healing Heels is a design-forward grip sock brand that merges form, function, and storytelling. I create elevated studio essentials — grip socks designed for Pilates, barre, and mindful movement — but with a fashion-first mindset and a deeper emotional intention. Before launching the brand, I spent over a decade in the social media and branding space, helping other businesses shape their voice, their visuals, and their communities. That background gave me the tools to bring Healing Heels to life — not just as a product, but as a brand rooted in experience, aesthetics, and connection. I understood how to build something visually compelling, but also how to create emotional resonance through content and storytelling. What sets Healing Heels apart is the soul behind the design. Every style carries a personal touch, a story stitched into its fabric. Our East/West Coast grip socks embody my own journey—born and raised in the vibrant heart of New York, now rooted in the creative pulse of Los Angeles. Equally close to my heart is our best seller—the Howdy Pilates sock. Embroidered with a graceful horse, it honors the part of my upbringing spent surrounded by these beautiful animals. This design is a nod to my roots, to the freedom and strength they represent, and to the quiet lessons of balance and resilience they’ve taught me.

What distinguishes my collection is the intimacy of these stories. These are not merely socks; they are narratives—personal histories translated into patterns, colors, and textures. In wearing them, you don’t just experience comfort and style—you step into a story, my story.
What I’m most proud of is that Healing Heels isn’t just about socks. It’s about identity, movement, and confidence. It’s a brand that speaks to women who want to feel rooted, empowered, and refined — whether they’re in the studio or out in the world.

What does success mean to you?
Success, to me, isn’t just about scale — it’s about impact, alignment, and authenticity. It’s knowing that what I’ve created resonates deeply with people, and that I’ve built something meaningful without compromising my vision along the way. With Healing Heels, success is when a woman slips on a pair of our grip socks and feels more confident, more grounded, more herself. It’s when a studio reaches out not just because they love the product, but because they feel connected to the brand’s energy. As someone who’s worked in branding and social media for over a decade, I’ve seen how easy it is to chase visibility and lose clarity. So for me, success means staying rooted in intention — growing thoughtfully, leading creatively, and creating something that speaks for itself, quietly but powerfully.It’s also deeply personal. As a woman building something in a competitive space, success is having the courage to lead with originality and the grace to keep going — even when the road isn’t smooth. Success is freedom. It’s alignment. It’s waking up every day proud of what you’re building and why.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Singer22.com
• Instagram: HealingheelsLA

Image Credits
Jonathan Singer