Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael De Angelo.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a Chicago boy who had a dream of moving to Los Angeles to pursue my dream of being a professional backup dancer. Not ever visiting Los Angeles prior to moving and having very little to no money but having faith that I would figure it out. I did just that. After three months, I signed with a major dance agency. I began to see my dreams of being a dancer come to reality; having worked with Carrie Underwood, Keke Palmer, Pepsi, Sketchers, and TV one and so on. As I continue to grow as a performer and creative artist I rediscovered my love for fashion. I was always the guy that quite didn’t fit in because I would come to high school in a blazer, jeans, a button up and slacks which I would get mistaken for a substitute teacher. I stayed true to myself. I decided one day that I was going to create my own underwear line, having no knowledge of how to do it and physically being able to sew. I said to myself one step at a time. I picked up a second job. I studied. And I worked nonstop to reach my goal. I can stand here today and say I have a fashion line.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was not a smooth road for me. I had a lot things going against me. I didn’t know how to sew. I didn’t have money. No experience on how to run a business. I just had the vision and the drive. I hired a seamstress to physically create the vision I had. After, having a meeting with a potential investor at Warner Bros. and never hearing back from him I decided to pick up a second job to afford the line. I created everything that runs my business from the designs to my website and so on.
Michael De Angelo – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My clothing is a capsule collection which means that we will only make a certain amount of pieces and once those pieces are sold those will be the only ones in the world. My spring collection is underwear for men and women that is currently on sale. My company gives a percentage of each purchase to St. Jude Children Hospital. I would like for my life to be bigger than myself. My ultimate dream is to use my creative arts to give back.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
That’s a hard question. I look at success as a book. For example, this clothing line I fought hard to get it and it took me close to a year and I look back on it and I can say it was a success. But, I’m not done yet. I am just done writing that chapter. I have so much more I want to do and more people to reach. As I continue to create I can only take it chapter by chapter. I am loving this journey I’m on with this clothing line and I can’t wait for it to reach its full potential.
Pricing:
- I kept in mind when creating this line that I wanted to keep it affordable. The prices range from $25 to $50.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mydeangelos.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @mydeangelos
- Facebook: mydeangelos
Image Credit:
Photography By Dajuana Jones
