Meet Michel Fox Blum | Designer and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michel Fox Blum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always been very creative. When my oldest son was born, I couldn’t find any accessories to buy for boys. I realized then that there was a gap in the market so during the summer of 2016, I founded my brand, then called Changles Bangles in NYC. I started making interactive Velcro bracelets for boys with sports themes and personalizing bracelets with names. Girls began to wear CHANGLES too and soon I was being asked to make custom CHANGLES bracelets as party favors and sewing them on-site at parties.

CHANGLES began to grow by word of mouth through friends and years later evolved into personalized beaded bracelets and jewelry prior to the pandemic. Then the beading market became very saturated during covid when everyone started beading to pass the time, I needed to find another use for my inventory of beads. That’s when I discovered resin. I watched YouTube videos and taught myself how to use epoxy and experimented putting my beads into coasters and tic tac toe boards.

Resin is an amazing material because there are no limits to what you can make. I have always been very inspired by Pop Art and have so much fun creating new pieces that celebrate that. I wanted my pieces to bring happiness to client’s homes and I started making gummy bears in pops of color. My pieces elevate the design of our client’s homes and make them feel good. I have so much fun working with customers to make something custom. My customers give me a lot of inspiration to create new products.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Michel Fox Blum studied Art History (BA) at The George Washington University and has a Master of Arts in Visual Culture from New York University. Michel has experience working in the fashion industry with Donna Karan and Norma Kamali. Before starting CHANGLES, Michel held marketing roles at Travel + Leisure Magazine and DEPARTURES, where she helped launch the magazine’s first Home + Design Issue.
Michel learned all about the history of couture fashion working in the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and studying fashion in Paris.

What inspires me the most is the joy that art can bring into people’s lives. I draw a lot of inspiration from Pop Art, and my love for fashion and style plays a significant role in shaping my designs. I believe that art should not only be visually appealing but also make people feel happy and connected. I try to bring the spirit of Pop Art to life through my handcrafted sculptures and decor.
One of my personal favorites in our collection are our big, self-standing gummy bears. They add a playful touch to any space, and their whimsical charm is loved by all ages. Our Gummy’s also double as bookends and can be filled with sprinkles, legos, cars, barbie doll shoes or whatever you can think of. Additionally, we create standing letters that clients can order as initials or to spell out meaningful words like “love” and “happy.” These letters are a striking and customizable way to add a personal touch to your home decor.

Our entertaining decor includes personalized silverware and napkin boxes, as well as custom trays. These pieces are not just functional; they become a part of your dining experience, sparking conversations and adding a personal touch to every meal.

I also create beautifully designed game sets. We have mahjong boxes that are not only functional but true works of art. Our Rummikub sets are transformed into visually stunning pieces. And then there’s the personalized tic-tac-toe boards, which have become a favorite among our clients. I love turning games into beautiful and engaging experiences. These pieces are not just decorations; they’re catalysts for conversations and cherished memories.

One of the most memorable moments was when a client from Florida reached out. They wanted a tic-tac-toe board with Palm trees and suns. It was a unique request, something we had never offered before. But I saw it as an opportunity to create something truly special and our client was thrilled.

Every product in the Changles Collection is a testament to our dedication to craftsmanship. I use the finest quality resin and acrylic to ensure each piece is not only visually stunning but also built to last. What sets our work apart is the level of customization we offer. Whether it’s adding names or matching color palettes to fit a client’s interior design, We collaborate closely with customers to create truly unique pieces.
One of the most memorable moments was when a client from Florida reached out. They wanted a tic-tac-toe board with Palm trees and suns. It was a unique request, something we had never offered before. But I saw it as an opportunity to create something truly special and our client was thrilled.

I’m proud to say that I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with art galleries to showcase my work. These partnerships have been incredible in bringing my art to a broader audience and connecting with fellow artists and art enthusiasts. It’s a wonderful feeling to see my creations on display alongside other amazing works by artist I admire.

We work seamlessly with interior decorators and engage directly with clients to transform empty spaces into vibrant expressions of art. From shelving to tabletops, Changles creations add that extra special touch and pop of color to any room.

What I’m most proud of is the ability of my art to evoke emotions and create connections. Seeing how my pieces become a part of people’s lives, whether it’s in their dining room, game nights, or even as those beloved gummy bear bookends, brings a profound sense of fulfillment. It’s the joy and happiness that my creations bring to others that truly makes me proud to be an artist.

To catch a glimpse of our whimsical Changles world and explore our latest creations, check out our Instagram page, @by_Changles, Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested in our art or if you’re a fellow artist or interior designer looking to collaborate.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I visited LA during my college years, and that trip left a lasting impression. I traveled with my sorority sisters, and it was an unforgettable experience. We had a blast exploring trendy shops like Kitson, indulging in In-N-Out Burger for lunch, and satisfying our sweet tooth at Cold Stone Creamery.

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 am very lucky to have a supportive group of family and friends who have always encouraged me to keep pursuing my dream of being an artist. They are the ones that are spreading the word about my business and promoting me to their friends and other local businesses. I am grateful to the galleries and stores that have given me a chance and have put CHANGLES on the map.

I also need to recognize how wonderful the Instagram community is. I have connected with so many Mom-entrepreneurs out there, some of which have become my friends. We are all busy with our kids and have found a creative outlet for ourselves so we have this common bond. There is a very supportive community on Instagram and it has been really wonderful to be a part of it.

I am so grateful for my customers, many of which have become friends as well. When customers show their friends my products it continues to grow my business and I feel incredibly lucky to have their support.

Website: www.bychangles.com

Instagram: @by_changles

Other: Exhibitions and Galleries: The Holiday House Designer Showhouse for Blake and Emily Designs in Bridgehampton, NY The Posh Design Studio in Delray Beach, FL Seattle Art Fair in Seattle, Washington Art Unified Gallery in Venice Beach, California The Shoppe, Boca Raton, FL

Image Credits
LOVE photo, The Posh Design Studio in Delray Beach, FL Game controller, photo The Holiday House Designer Showhouse for Blake and Emily Designs in Bridgehampton, NY Shelving photo- The Shoppe, Boca Raton, FL