Michelle THAMES

As a young child, growing up as the eldest in my family in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi, I found myself drawn to the enchanting world of creativity. My earliest memories revolve around my grandmother, Lula Mae Thames, and her original Singer sewing machine with its pedal, a piece of machinery that seemed like magic to my young eyes. However, my fascination often landed me in trouble as I couldn’t resist tinkering with the presser foot, fully aware of the dangers it held.

At the age of six, my family embarked on a journey westward to California, specifically to South Gate. This was where my education in the arts of crafting and expression truly blossomed. It was here that I was introduced to the vibrant and diverse world of Hispanic culture during the Cinco de Mayo Celebration, where my Hispanic teacher guided me in the intricate art of creating paper flowers, bows, and even dancing.

By the time I reached the age of ten, my creative spirit had taken a particular affinity for paper Barbies. Even though I couldn’t afford the actual Barbie dolls, my mother’s resourcefulness and my aunt Ersie’s kindness ensured that I received my very first Barbie for Christmas. To clothe her, I ingeniously repurposed my socks, cutting and sewing them into miniature garments that made my Barbie the envy of doll fashionistas everywhere. My passion for fashion and the desire to give my Barbies a distinctive style had taken root.

In my middle school years at Walton Middle School in Compton, California, I had the opportunity to explore my creative abilities further. Home economics classes taught me valuable skills like baking and hand-sewing different stitches. We even crafted our own pillows and handbags, igniting a love for sewing that would stay with me.

An important influence during this time was my close friend’s mother, who introduced me to the art of twisting silk bows in a row. Her work in creating Samoan children’s clothing provided me with the chance to lend a hand, and together, we would meticulously craft these beautiful bows.
Upon entering Dominguez Senior High School in Compton during the tenth grade, my passion for sewing continued to flourish as I enrolled in sewing classes I & II. It was during this time that my mother gifted me my very first sewing machine. A pivotal moment came when I visited Mrs. Tammie Burnes, who introduced me to patterns from McCall’s and other renowned makers. She assured me that all I needed to do was read the instructions. With newfound confidence, I began creating my own clothing, but a painful incident involving a sharp needle temporarily halted my sewing adventures.

My high school journey concluded at Quartz Hill High School in Quartz Hill, California, where I received my diploma in 1995 along with a certification in A.S.B. (Leadership Class). This led me to Page Beauty College, where I graduated with a diploma in Cosmetology in 1997, embarking on a journey to make people feel beautiful.

As a mother of three, my desire to create continued, especially with the birth of my daughter at the age of 23. She became my new muse, and I returned to school at AVC in 2002, determined to become a fashion designer. It was also in 2002 that I established my own business, Anointed Fashions & Designs, which has thrived for over two decades. In 2004, I proudly received my Certification of Fashion Design from Antelope Valley College and even had the honor of being featured in the Antelope Valley Press newspaper for my contributions to the fashion world.
In September 2012, tragedy struck as my sister passed away before the age of 30. To channel my grief and honor her memory, I created a clothing line for plus-size women. Inspired by her struggle to find trendy clothing, I introduced the Mia J Plus Size Collection in 2014, pioneering a movement for plus-size recognition in the fashion industry.

By early 2019, I felt the need to perfect my craft even further, yearning for enhanced skills and techniques to create custom creations. This drive led me to Beverly Hills Design Institute in July 2019, where I learned techniques from Paris, pattern making skills of haute couture, and the art of digitizing. In 2021, I proudly graduated with an Associates of Arts in Pattern Design with Magna Cum Laude honors.

Currently, I’ve been working at Lululemon Beverly Hills for over a year and two months as a hemmer for their luxury activewear brand. My educational journey continues at BHDI, where I’m on the path to earning my Bachelor of Science in Pattern Design in just three more months, fueled by hard work and determination.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working on diverse projects, from creating patterns for drag queens to crafting costumes for beauty pageants and adding historical techniques with modern flair to ballroom attire. I’ve designed clothing for various cultures, developed clothing lines for private brands, and crafted custom bridal gowns. Notably, I’ve had the honor of contributing to Lululemon’s active wear luxury brand.

Incorporating all my skills—leadership, beauty, fashion, engineering—I’ve created a unique identity in the world of design. My mission extends to the global stage of the entertainment industry, where I envision collaborating with costume designers, fashion designers, movie wardrobe teams, and more. Together, we will breathe life into characters, dress performers, and create unforgettable experiences, all while embracing beauty and adding magical touches to bring out the best in everyone we encounter.

In summary, my journey from a curious child in Mississippi to a skilled and passionate fashion designer has been marked by creativity, determination, and a commitment to making the world a more beautiful place, one stitch at a time.