Fly Female Entrepreneur

Michelle Ten: MissFit Styles, Inc.

If you don’t know her name, you’ve definitely seen her work. This 2001 FIT graduate has flexed her styling muscles with some of the biggest names in the fashion and entertainment industries including: Converse, Def Jam Records, Sean John, Fila, Bad Boy Entertainment, Lord & Taylor and The Source Magazine. Today, in a speed round interview of sorts, Michelle Ten takes a few minutes out of her hectic schedule to talk shop with In Her Shoes and let us in on a few industry insider tips. Here’s what she had to say:

If I weren’t a stylist I’d be…

A Creative Director for my own shoe line.

Best business advice you’ve ever received?

When in doubt, consult a financial planner.

The most amazing project you’ve worked on to date?

I’ve worked on a lot of great projects but to be honest, I’m still waiting for “amazing.”

What is a day like in Michelle Ten’s shoes?

My days are all over town, requiring me to be in numerous surroundings in the scope of a few hours. I like to be comfortable, but also ferocious. In my opinion, shoes are the most important component to an outfit. I can be in a t-shirt and jeans, but the shoe game must be proper!

Michelle Ten from Renae Bluitt on Vimeo.

Top five skills a successful stylist must master…

Multi-tasking

Time management

Budget management

Building and maintaining strong relationships

Staying a few steps ahead of the trends

Biggest fashion influence?

I’m influenced by a combination of people. My mom and aunt rocking Sassoon jeans, fur coats, and Gucci bags back in the day. Actress Maria Felix and her excessive custom Cartier baubles. Patricia Field for her individuality and not caring about the “rules” — she creates her own!

Favorite (under the radar) shopping spots?

Seven in SoHo. The $5 dress spots in Queens Center Mall. Pixie Market in the Lower East Side.

Styling by: Michelle Ten

Freebie style tip:

If you’re ever wearing white and realize you have an unsightly stain, grab some white chalk. It’s perfect for hiding stains on white clothing!

It’s 85 degrees/sunny and you’re heading to the first big rooftop party of the season. We can catch you rockin’…

Crazy sunglasses, a tank top, shorts, high heels, loads of jewelry and of course, a great bag!

To learn more about Michelle Ten and MissFit Styles visit www.michelleten.com or follow this style maven on Twitter by clicking here.