We’re looking forward to introducing you to Michaella Lee Bloom. Check out our conversation below.
Michaella Lee, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now is wildly different every single day. I’m currently on the plane leaving Marrakech heading to London.
Today I woke up made coffee in my room at the iconic La Mamounia, went shopping for Moroccan tea and beauty products for my friends at the souk, got a massage at one of the most beautiful hotels in the world (Royal Mansour), and said goodbye to my new friends at La Mamounia. I was on my birthday trip!
When traveling I find a balance of working US hours and am online around 4-11PM. I also work on administrative tasks for my business on weekends when traveling (and also when not traveling if I’m being real). I love getting organized on Sunday afternoons. That’s the beauty and the curse of running your own business- you make your own hours. I’m super grateful though my days look different every day and it’s incredibly liberating, expansive, and creatively inspiring.
Some consistents in my days is movement, breathing, and decompressing. I like to move my body whether through going to the gym or long walks getting lost in the souk! I’m a big believer in ending your day with a bath, which apparently is highly unusual because my landlord at my house in LA said no one has ever asked to have the bath working…
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Michaella Lee Bloom. I am a creative entrepreneur that does all the things – consulting, creative direction, curation, painting, designing, and songwriting.
My company CLTR LAB, is a culture-first creative lab. We partner with iconic, global brands that are committed to shaping culture not chasing trends. Our work authentically establishes cultural relevance through creator-led content and global strategy.
Right now, we are Pinterest’s evergreen content house and we are currently leading Young Nails’ consumer launch through cultural and talent strategy.
There are some super exciting projects in motion (that I can’t speak on quite yet!) It is very cool to reflect on how much CLTR LAB is expanding and evolving daily. I am proud of our growing team that embodies our vision and values.
On a personal note, something fun I’m working on is music. I have a body of work I’ve been working on for the past 6 months. I never thought I would release my own music but once I started writing there became no other option. I have taken a few voice lessons and have learned our voices are instruments that need to be exercised and trained. Everyone has the ability to sing and it’s less about raw talent and more about mental trust and training.
So stay tuned for that! It’ll be out in the world when I am ready. It absolutely terrifies and excites me at the same time. It’s the most vulnerable work I have ever done.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My high school art teacher named Mr. Pogany. Rest in power, king. He actually gave me a B- at first and I was an A student. I came to him upset during our review and he looked at me and said “you’re talented but you’re distracted!”
This lit a fire under my @$$. I became motivated and started visiting the art studio every single day, sometimes multiple times a day. I fell in love with charcoal. I would draw intricate black and white drawings of rappers – Snoop Dogg was Mr. Pogany’s favorite. He even hung that drawing in his art show he curated.
I was really depressed at that time. My parents were getting divorced and I felt super alone. Mr Pogany created a safe space where I felt supported, seen, and free to express myself. Forever grateful.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I’ve lost a lot of friends over the last 10 years – some to tragic accidents others to drugs. One of my favorite songs I’ve written is about this feeling. It’s not a feeling I feel all the time but when it hits, it’s fairly surreal.
But then I realize I am alive and I need to live fully and freely for them. It’s what they would want. I actually just went to one of my friend’s favorite cities, Rome, and I know she’d be so happy I finally made it to HER city.
Moments like this make me feel connected to them in such a special way.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
You know what yes. It wasn’t always. Sure the public version is a tiny bit more curated at times – like I am not necessarily posting content of my shirt I spilled a Diet Coke all over in feed but I also would if it felt right.
I’m not hiding who I am publicly or professionally. The moment I realized who I am is why people want to work with me, and I stopped hiding behind fake boxes I was putting myself in, is when I really stepped into my power. Being in your power is how you aligned with the right people professionally and personally.
For a long time, I thought I had to act a certain way to be taken seriously. But it turns out, being YOURSELF is your strongest currency.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am in my body and breathing fully and slowly. Listening to music, candles burning, maybe painting, writing, or sitting in stillness in nature. I used to never like to sit still but now I value stillness so much. Recharging is so important for creativity and your mind, body, and spirit in general.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cltrlab.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaellaleebloom
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaella-lee-bloom-7a391781/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@malfyb
Image Credits
@danalaurengoldstein
