Meet Michelle West

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

Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I’m Michelle West, a multifaceted individual with a passion for creativity and entrepreneurship. My journey began after graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University, where I embarked on a path to pursue modeling and acting in Los Angeles. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work extensively in both the Los Angeles and New York modeling scenes, showcasing a diverse range of styles and even exploring fitness modeling, given my dedication to a healthy lifestyle. 

One of the highlights of my career was winning the prestigious title of Miss Louisiana USA, which opened doors to further opportunities in the entertainment industry. While I initially focused on acting, the burgeoning film industry in my hometown of New Orleans beckoned, leading my husband Dean and me back to Louisiana. 

As I continued to pursue acting in the Southeast, I found myself drawn to content creation, particularly in the realms of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. This passion culminated in the launch of my Instagram platform (@themichellewest) and accompanying blog, where I share insights, styling tips, and beauty hacks with my engaged audience. 

Most recently, my husband and I, along with a business partner, co-founded our own brand, Gnarley Charley, introducing our inaugural product, the Gnarley Charley Headband – The Headband That Holds Your Hair Back. It’s designed to effortlessly hold back hair during beauty routines while maintaining comfort and style. This venture represents the intersection of my creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to enhancing everyday experiences for others. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not, but I believe that’s where the true growth happens. Winning Miss Louisiana USA wasn’t an overnight success; it took me three tries to clinch the title. Similarly, my journey in acting has been marked by countless auditions, with only a small fraction resulting in bookings. As a content creator, I’ve faced challenges, and I have brand collaborations in mind that I’m still working to achieve. 

These experiences have undoubtedly given me thick skin and a resilient spirit. Behind every success, there are numerous trials and failures that often go unnoticed. It’s important to recognize the hard work and perseverance that fuel these achievements. 

Working from home presents its own set of challenges, especially as a mom. Balancing the demands of motherhood with a career requires juggling multiple responsibilities and mastering time management. While some may perceive working from home as effortless, it requires dedication, discipline, and a willingness to adapt. 

Overall, my journey has been anything but smooth, but I embrace the obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. 

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?
As a content creator and the driving force behind the Gnarley Charley brand, I’m deeply involved in developing innovative products that enhance people’s lives. When it comes to content creation, my specialty lies in fashion and beauty, which let me to the Gnarley Charley headband. I’m passionate about styling outfits and offering practical tips and tricks to achieve affordable glam. I firmly believe that looking and feeling fabulous shouldn’t come with a hefty price tag. That’s why I love showing women how to maximize their existing wardrobe, creating different looks with what they already own. I often feature “ways to wear” segments, inspiring my audience to get creative with their style. 

Reflecting on my journey, I take immense pride in several achievements. Winning the title of Miss Louisiana USA was a pivotal moment for me, opening doors to exciting opportunities. Additionally, launching the Gnarley Charley brand and introducing our flagship product, the headband, has been a labor of love. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our creation come to life and positively impact our customers’ lives. 

Beyond these milestones, I’m grateful for my loyal and engaging Instagram community. Building meaningful connections with my audience is a cornerstone of my work, and their support fuels my passion every single day. 

Finally, I’m proud of my perseverance in competitive industries. Despite facing challenges along the way, I remain steadfast in my commitment to success and continuous growth. In essence, what sets me apart is my dedication to authenticity, creativity, and making a difference in the lives of others. I’m constantly striving to push boundaries, inspire change, and leave a lasting impact on the world around me. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
Certainly! The onset of the Covid-19 crisis coincided with a significant moment in my life: the birth of my little girl, who was just three months old when the pandemic began. Having recently overcome the challenges of colic, I was eager to venture out and explore with my newborn, only to be met with stay-at-home mandates. 

Navigating motherhood amidst a global pandemic presented its own set of obstacles. The sudden pause in collaborations due to budget constraints added another layer of challenge. However, amidst the uncertainty, my husband, Dean, and I found ourselves gifted with the rare opportunity of an uninterrupted first year with our child. 

This unexpected turn of events taught me invaluable lessons in gratitude and resilience. It underscored the importance of cherishing the present moment and embracing life’s unpredictable twists and turns. Learning to adapt and tackle each obstacle as it arose became a mantra for us. Moreover, the pandemic reinforced the significance of time. While we may have initially anticipated a year filled with work commitments, the circumstances allowed us to witness and celebrate every milestone of our baby’s journey with a newfound appreciation. 

In essence, the Covid-19 crisis served as a poignant reminder to find joy in the simple moments and to approach challenges with a positive mindset, ultimately enriching our experience as parents and strengthening our bond as a family. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.themichellewest.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/themichellewest
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/themichellewestblog
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@MichelleWest