Throw in some pastels, vibrant prints and feather-light chiffon and you have MiLi Jo and Sacred – vibrant and unique labels created by designer Michel Lisa Johannessen. Featured in Live Magazine’s South African Young People To Watch list , Elle magazine, Cleo, Sabc 3, Heart 104.9FM, and Seventeen magazine to name a few, LIVE had a Q & A session with the upcoming fashionista.
LIVE: What is it that you do?
I am the owner of the label MiLi Jo as well as a new line I just launched under MiLi Jo called Sacred By MiLi Jo. I am a qualified fashion designer, stylist and business owner.
LIVE: What’s the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
Funny enough, my life hasn’t been filled with many embarrassing moments. But if I had to think of one, it would be actually not being normal and having an embarrassing moment, and honestly I struggle to think of one as hard as I try (laughs)
LIVE: Complete the question: ‘’I can’t believe that I…’’
… can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phillipians 4: 13
LIVE: What keeps you going when you’re ready to give up?
God. knowing that this is my purpose in life and what I was created to do. And my supportive parents and close friends who always encourage me, when going gets tough.
LIVE: If your house burnt down, what three things would you take?
My Teddy, Eyelene (I sleep with her every night:-), a book , “You impacted my life”, it is filled with stories that I shared with someone I love, my phone, to contact the fire fighters and have the platform to still keep the social medias running for my business. (all of the above only knowing that my whole family is out already)
LIVE: If you had a biopic done based on you, who would play your character?
Tough question. Sounds weird, but I haven’t met anyone just like me yet. I however love acting so [I] would definitely want to play that role myself.
LIVE: What are you doing to inspire/help other people who aspire to achieve what you have achieved?
I’m apart of a project that takes place at the Village workshop for the Cerebal Palsy, where myself and a team teach disabled women how to sew their very own t-shirts. I always encourage people who want to help and learn to join in. We have so much we can teach each other, especially learn from the disabled.
LIVE: What obstacles have you had to overcome to get to where you are?
Money. But I pushed and did my best. I had to overcome quite a bit of people who didn’t want to see me succeed, who didn’t like my light and confidence, people who didn’t believe my dream would ever find life.
LIVE: What is the one principle you cannot compromise and why?
To have God in my business. He is the reason for my success.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michel.johannessen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiLi_Jo
