Interview with Michelle Abisatou Jeng

For this month's edition of our small talk series, we had the chance to meet Michelle Abisatou Jeng. She is a full-time business woman working in the real estate industry, but also part-time model. On top of that, she runs an inspiring instagram account and started blogging for Swedish fashion magazine, Damernas Värld in December. As you understand, she is an incredibly driven woman with passion for business, fashion and creativity. We are so glad to host Michelle for this month's fashion talks.

Working in the fashion as a model, do you find inspiration in your work?

Yes, I do. What gets me most inspired working within the fashion industry is definitely meeting and working with creative and passionate people.

Michelle modeling for AÉRYNE's September collection, wearing the Abalone Coat.

How would you describe your style?

When it comes to my style, I would like to draw parallels with my taste for music - it is mixed and dependent on my mood. Some days I listen to 90s hits, some days I listen to techno and some days I just put Drake’s album on repeat. It’s the same with my clothes, some days I feel like wearing one of my coolest second hand sets, other days I feel like going for the business or classic look and sometimes I just find a color or a piece that I keep mixing up with different basics. I think the only constant is simplicity - I like a simple and comfortable look!

Some pieces have the power to make you feel confident in any situation. Do you have any such pieces in your wardrobe? Tell us about what makes them so special to you.

With a powerful suit (preferably a colored one) or a blazer with a clean cut you can never go wrong! Such pieces can make me feel confident in any situation. It could be anything from a fashion event to a business meeting.

What does luxury mean to you? Explain how you implement it in your everyday life.

I believe that luxury can be found in a lot of things. But being able to do things on a daily basis that some people would never take for granted is one kind of luxury. Also, being close to family and friends is something that I really treasure.

Michelle wearing Isabella Top from AÉRYNE for the September collection campaign photoshoot

Who are the female role models that inspire you in your career?

I find inspiration in a lot of people. And I do find different types of inspiration in different people. Since I am both in fashion and in the business world, I naturally have different people inspiring me in those different fields. But if I were about to name one person who inspires me in both fields it would be Babba Rivera. I am very much inspired by her entrepreneurial achievements, her style and her communication in her social media channels. In general, people that are hard-working, humble and dares to follow their dreams regardless of other people's thoughts, are inspiring to me.

Last but not least, which are your 3 favourite designers on Seezona.com and what do you love most about them?

I would go for AÉRYNE to find a contemporary and sleek look. Viktoria Chan when I want a simple and sophisticated look. And Grounded Factory so I can perform my new-found hobby, yoga, in an environmentally friendly way.

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