Meet Michelle Ye | Model, Dancer, Photographer & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Ye and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The process of starting my own business was a natural pathway from what I was already doing! I loved photography and modeling, and I took jobs that aligned with it- from there, it snowballed into something I now do full time!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In my current phase of life, art feels more like a constant seesaw of creative freedom and business. I’m learning more about the boundaries of providing a service in comparison to executing my vision. As an artist and business owner, I like to draw inspiration from my environment, the world, and my experiences, therefore, I don’t try to think about what sets me apart, but more of how I can connect with others through my art. I’m proud of the person I’ve become and the relationships I’ve built along the way, because that’s what makes my journey feel more meaningful. Getting to the position I am in today took a lot of consistency, showing up, and saying yes to experiences no matter how small or big. It wasn’t the easiest, but I will say, it is also not the hardest. The challenges have their moments, and they can feel deeper when you’re not feeling as stable, but the best way I know how to deal with challenges is to face them head on and feel all the feelings of it. The most important lesson, that I am still learning is that in the creative world, you never know what is going to lead you to the next thing, so don’t walk into a room thinking you’re too good. I want the world to know that being multifaceted is a gift, and so is devoting yourself to one craft, so don’t let someone else’s story or success define yours.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would start off with a mall trip at Hudson Yards incase they need to grab a few extra items, and to see the Vessel. From there, we’d go to dinner and a walk somewhere on the west side. A few other places and things we’d do throughout the trip would be any Regal movie theatre in the city, Moka & Ko cafe, Dinner at Leonetta’s or Jean’s, citibike on the west side or central park, a dance class at BDC or Steps, Whole Foods snack runs and long walks!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success definitely stems from all the role models I am/ was surrounded by. Starting off with my parents who are mirrors of hard work and dedication- to not only our family, but in their desire to build a better life. My dance teacher in high school, Mrs.Clark, who was a voice of love and care in my dance journey; she always placed me in spaces to allow me to reach for more, and consistently supported me in it. My college dance professors, Shaness D. Kemp and Ann Sofie Clemmensen who saw the potential in my future and nurtured my skills with consistency and discipline. I could go on forever with gratitude for the wonderful people I have met along the way, but the last shoutout I want to give is to one of my first NYC roommates- Sam Cruickshank, who was, and still is the voice of love, reason, wisdom, honesty, and true friendship in my life.

Website: https://www.michye.me

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mich.ye

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/michelleyeee

Image Credits
@cinonmatography
@danessamyricksbeauty
@nicbui
@jontaylorphoto