The Bite Magazine - Spring 2019 - Issue 24

Elle Michelle bite influencer M eeting the incredibly gorgeous and gra- cious Elle Michelle who has only been living in New York City for two years, and is already making major gains in this whirlwind Empire City, was a huge pleasure. While her work as a fashion and lifestyle influencer via her blog and Instagram account are capturing followers daily, it is through her career as a plus-sized model and as an impressive photographer that is earn- ing her further popularity. After meeting her, I knew I wanted to hear her story on how she is taking on an industry that is quickly becoming overly populated with ‘influencers’ of every kind, not to mention that it’s sadly becoming overly saturated with what sometimes, regrettably, still feels like only one type of beauty norm and ideal… very slim blonde chics with big eyes, lips and boobs. Given everything that’s happened lately from more women coming forward with truly unfortunate stories through the #MeToo movement, to happier things such as ladies becoming reigning CEOs in tech and fighting for equal pay, empowered women are taking more of a stance and finally roaring loud and proud with their voices. But there’s still a long, long way to go for the world to be a sincerely copasetic place. So where does Miss Michelle fit into all of this? Born and raised on the Westside of Compton, California, she grew up playing basketball to keep herself preoc- cupied. “I grew up playing basketball and a number of other sports to keep me from getting into any trouble. Basketball was my first love before I started model- ling, blogging and working with photography,” she said. “I moved to New York on a whim with the strong desire for change and a challenge. That was almost two years ago now!” It was around this time that Michelle began her blog and furthering her career as a model and photogra- pher. “I’m a part-time blogger, and I try to write a piece every month based off what my followers want to hear. However, I feel bad having not posted last month due to an overwhelming amount of bookings photography-wise! But I am totally thankful for it because that’s where my true passion lies.” Favouring portraits and fashion editorial shoots, Michelle’s hopes her work will one day find itself on the glossy pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan to name a few, and/or to also work with top celebs in creative collaborations. As such, Michelle’s blog and Instagram account focus on a variety of topics. Discussing everything from fashion and beauty to travel and fitness, she provides something of interest for everyone, but given her po- sition as a woman, let alone an ethnic woman, she ad- mits it’s been difficult to break through the industry’s pearly gates. “I have wanted my career to be some- thing that allowed me free expression and inspired me to step out of the box when it came to creativeness. As a woman, opportunities do not land at our feet. We have to work 10 times harder to be seen or heard, and that especially applies to ethnic women.” “I do feel as though every industry needs to broaden their scope and become more diverse because there’s more than one demographic out here! There is more than one type of girl out here, and every girl no matter her skin colour, size or age, should be heard and feel good about themselves because they see them- selves represented in these brands.” That being said, Michelle has had several great opportunities to work and collaborate with a diverse number of brands such as Fashion Nova, The Fitness Company, Rainbeau Curves, Dia&Co, Ashley Stewart, Fashion To Figure, and Curvy Couture Intimates. When she’s not collaborating with or helping to spon- sor brands, she’s focusing on composing content for her blog. “When it comes to me posting on my social media pages, I mainly post about my fashion styling, beauty interests, my latest and greatest travel excur- sions and fitness, as well as motivational posts to keep my followers (or those that come across my page) inspired and to keep striving for greatness.” And reach people she does. Michelle has followers from all over the world watching and waiting for her next posts. “Honestly my audience reaches so many different parts of the world: Egypt, Brazil, France, Dawn Hunt speaks to model, blogger and photographer Elle Michelle about her work and aspirations.