In her own words, Jessica Michault is… “ a storyteller first and foremost.” And for the past 20 years, the stories she loves most have been related to the world of fashion and luxury. “I really enjoy using different platforms to highlight established designers and up-and-coming artists who are working tirelessly, from articles in traditional media like the New York Times, Vogue, and ODDA Magazine, to social media. I’m behind #60secondfashionreviews on Instagram, where I conduct one-on-one interviews with designers on my podcast “Fashion Your Seatbelt” and real-time reaction videos to live fashion shows on YouTube. My latest passion is the social platform Clubhouse. I founded the club Fashion Round Table where I host weekly conversations about the latest happenings in the fashion industry.”
Outside of work, I'm a mother of three extraordinary daughters who inspire me every day. I'm still madly in love with my French husband (we're celebrating 25 years of marriage this summer) and I'm surrounded by animals. Four dogs, three horses, and two cats. So the house is full, I love it."
All women have faced a struggle at one time or another. What was the biggest challenge in your life?
For me, the struggle has always been finding balance between my personal and professional life. I've always wanted to make sure I'm a role model for my daughters and that they're proud of their mom. That they see how hard I work for what I'm passionate about. I want to lead by example, living with integrity, kindness, and honesty even though I've long tried to please everyone and do everything myself. Learning to say "no" has been a real challenge for me. I'm a bit of a people-pleaser at the expense of myself; however, I've discovered that saying no can sometimes be a very powerful thing, and it can lead to amazing things .
When do you feel you need to be strong?
I am extremely motivated. I like to invest myself fully and make things happen, but I also like to work in a caring and collective way. I feel that my strength and my joy in life come from helping others give the best of themselves, to succeed, to achieve their goals and realize their dreams. Nothing makes me happier than seeing people I had bet on or had the chance to train during my career succeed in doing incredible things. I hope then to have helped them in their quest for happiness.
In turn made of shadows and lights, such are women, echoing the moon that governs us.
What is your light side, what is your dark side?
I'm very lucky because I'm an extremely positive person. I always tend to see the best in everyone and make the most of every situation. Sometimes people take advantage of my kindness. But I prefer to believe in the good in people first and then let their behavior reveal their true nature to me as it goes along. Life is too short not to see the good side of it! And I also believe in karma, what you put into the universe and what emanates from you is what you will receive.
Express your most important conviction, the one that guides your steps in life.
My motto is "ask for forgiveness, not permission." For me, life is about stepping out of your comfort zone and making things happen. Trying new ideas, growing creatively. You're not going to succeed at everything right from the start, but the only way to be sure of failing is to never try. You have to dare. We only have one life on this little blue planet, and we have to make the most of it, because each year goes by faster than the last.
Mind upload. Our heroine Alyh uploads her mind into a universe in which she evolves and surpasses herself.
What skills would you develop if the adventure were offered to you?
Honestly, I wish I had a hard drive. I feel like I have a goldfish brain. I so regret not writing in a journal all these years; so many moments have been lost to the sands of time. I also wish there was a way to extend a day by 24 hours... There are so many books I wish I had time to read, hobbies I'd like to try but don't have the time.
Take us to your safe space?
Alyh uses her imagination to create a world somewhere between solar punk and brutalism. What would yours look like?
My "safe space" is and always will be my bedroom. My bed, to be precise. It's where I dream, work, and do other things. I always feel most comfortable there, by myself, without judgment from anyone. Just me.
Never give up on... What would you say to your best friend or your child?
Always listen to your inner voice. Let your intuition guide you. Follow your instincts, because even if things don't turn out the way you hoped, you're acting with your heart and mind, not the minds of others trying to influence you. And remember to take time for yourself. It's so important to take good care of yourself so you can best help others later.
The best… What are you most proud of?
For raising three incredibly strong, independent, free-spirited, powerful, and funny daughters. I know nothing can stop them. They will follow their passions and live their lives with purpose and generosity towards others. The greatest gift I could leave this world: these three absolutely incredible women.
