Meet Franceleslia Millien | Fashion Director & Founder of S.M.I.L.E.

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

Hi Franceleslia, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
It’s been some time since I have had actual balance and, in retrospect,I really don’t think it exists. I’m one of those people who indulge in what’s before me and sometimes other things may suffer in those moments. What I’m learning is moderation and organization are more efficient than balance. Giving a bit of attention and effort to each thing on given days with specific time frames attached are what will get things done without feeling overwhelmed. I’ve introduced calendars, mastering delegating tasks to my assistant, setting boundaries with clients/friends/family on when they can contact me and creating timelines & deadlines for myself, monthly. Every single one of these tactics that have helped me become more “balanced”. Properly delegating where & how my spend my time has been a game changer.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
This year, I am stepping into my creative side more than I ever had. Being as well-rounded as I am, I’ve been 50% business and 50% creative which, don’t get me wrong, has been quite pleasing and profitable. However, I’m more than ready to take things to new heights by stepping back into the limelight as a Fashion Director, a Founder and a Visual Artist. I have been painting for the past 2 years in the privacy of my home. I wanted something that was just for me that I didn’t have to worry about capitalizing off of. It’s my utopia of sorts. I’m really looking forward to sharing my art with the world this coming summer. It’s going to be a major release that I know will take me soaring. Making art has really taught me patience, with myself and with the process in general. I’ve been able to block out the noise when I’m in my zone, not looking at my phone for hours which was always a weakness of mine. I’ve also built up character through this major expression of my imagination and of my heart. I can finally put everything that’s in my head on paper and it only has to make sense to me. The world can either hate it or love it but that doesn’t effect my art. It’s so magical to be able to watch my growth in techniques, color theory and character development. When this art gets to the world, the one thing that I want everyone to leave with is an open mind. My art invokes the child in people. I see the way my friends’ eyes light up when they see it so I can only imagine what will happen when everyone else does.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles truly has some of the best museums, views and hiking trails and gardens. Life in nature and the arts is so magical out here. You could really get lost at the Japanese American Natural Museum, The Broad and CAAM. Little secret here but there is this really cool place in The Public Library called Octavia Lab. This place provides so many creative outlets like 3D printing, computers with music/film editing programs, sewing machines, a photo studio, podcast & music recording equipment, embroidery machines and more for free. All you need is a library card to access the facility. My prized hiking trails and views are actually a little outside of LA. I tend to hit The Palisades in RPV and The M in the Inland Empire quite often for my fix. I’m vegan and although I don’t push it on my friends, I do encourage them to try the foods with me at The Vegan Joint, ADUKE, My Vegan and SunCafe. Hang out wise, I’m more of a botanical garden, zoo, aquarium type of girl. I only go to speciality events out here like corporate sponsored events, brand/album launches, etc. Absolutely love Harriet’s and Delilah’s. The tourist-y type places aren’t in my wheelhouse. I’m more of the adventurous type that likes to do things that are out of the norm.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shout out my partner in crime, Darryl “Fshoty” Harris. This man has been a driving force in my life since day 1. We motivate one another, by picking each other up when most needed. There is such a inspiring dynamic between us that I cherish the most. We really are ying and yang. We each bring unique perspectives to the table that encourages the other person to grow. Everything we team up on comes out to be 1000% better than if we had done it on our own. We are the powerhouse couple that believes in being a support system to one another which in turns helps us in our careers, our personal lives and in spirit. I’ve always wished I could meet someone or a tribe of folks that could not only match my energy but be a reflection of the woman I aspire to be. Darryl has been that and more. He is Ciara’s Prayer in the flesh and spirit. I can’t imagine a life without this crazy guy that has literally opened my eyes to the world. He is a walking encyclopedia, opening my mind to worlds beyond what I’ve even cared to notice. This man builds things from scratch, he grows veggies and fruit trees, he is a connoisseur in everything he is passionate about and the list goes on and on. His brand FSHOTY is a growing entity that will educate the youth and create opportunities for them through music education and agriculture. His major entity is what is also helping my company, S.M.I.L.E. find it’s wings. I’m grateful for a partner that God sent himself.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franceleslia/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franceleslia/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/franceleslia?lang=en

Image Credits
@Arturio55