Designer Profile: Michelle Lai of Mischa
22nd October 2014 - To kickstart the #IamAPowerWomen campaign, Shopdeca and Mischa invited 10 Power Women from Jakarta -- media darlings, mom’s extraordinaire and career women, who are well-known and inspirational to share their experiences and also to talk about Michelle's journey as an entrepreneur over an intimate luncheon at Le Quartier.
Tell us about your journey as a power woman and a designer.
M: It's a long journey and a very colourful one. I started Mischa as a hobby of mine. I really like travelling, fashion and making handbags was one of the things that I love to do. It started out with me just making handbags for family and friends until it became serious. That was when I started my brand in 2008. Since then, making your passion into your business requires a shift in your mindset. In that process, it really has empowered myself as a designer and as a businesswoman.
What is Mischa's philosophy?
M: I think it's an extension of my lifestyle. Right now, I like to create designs that are timeless and classic so that they'll still be current in many years to come. The idea behind it really comes from my background, a taste of east and west.
What inspires you?
M: Travel. It lets me get in touch with different people and in a different setting all the time. And my girlfriends, they live such an exemplary life!
Can you tell us more about the asian heritage behind the signature Mischa print?
M: When I started making handbags, I was really into the Japanese culture especially the costumes like the kimono and kobe. I use to study Japanese for a while as well so I visited Japan all the time, which led to me starting a collection of antiques and kimono silks which was then used as material for my handbags. Later on as my business developed, I wanted to create a print that was more relevant for everyday use that was active yet still stylish. The hexagon is actually a traditional Japanese print motif representing a sea tortoise shell that features heavily in both Japanese and Chinese art. The hexagon means longevity. So when I was designing this print, I thought this is a a very good sentiment to have for a brand.
Who is the Mischa women?
M: They are likeminded women, active, curious, confident, loves adventure and travelling. They are multi faceted.
How do you connect to your customers?
M: Well, I blog. I try to write and keep things personally. I talk about life, health and travel. We also do a lot on instagram and since my friends are also my customers, I get a lot of feedback from them.
Tell us about the Instagram live feed on your website.
M: When I started the travel series or even starting the brand, it was a challenging process and everyone of my friends and customers knew. So they came along in this journey and they got excited each time they saw a Mischa bag anywhere they went and they would send us photos. Also, they would send photos of themselves carrying a Mischa bag when they travelled. It soon became a thing and it was really encouraging to receive really nice, well composed photos. This came about the idea of #jetsetmischa on Instagram and we decided to incorporate the live feed on our website. Customers who come to view the bags can now see how others are using it and it's an engaging movement, like being part of a club.
These are then made into bag tags?
M: If you notice, the bag comes with hang tags that look like polaroid photos. Every season, we select 6 best photos from our #jetsetmischa off our Instagram to be used as hang tags for the bag. Now, when customers purchase the bags, they can discover 6 women (and now men) who are on the hang tags!
What are the challenges of being a woman entrepreneur?
M: I think I have it a lot easier now. There are quite a few challenges, especially time. I am the sort who wants to do everything. I will try as much to cover all my bases and embark on everything which leads to the lack of balance of work, life and family. I don't have a family now, but I can imagine that it will only get crazier. A lot of my friends are accomplished in their careers and I seek inspiration from that.
Define your personal style and lifestyle?
M: My style is classic and feminine. I don't usually follow trends. I dress to suit my body type and personality. Also it needs to comfortable but with fine tailoring for a timeless look.
My lifestyle is very on the go. I live in Hong Kong which is hectic pace, something that I'm used to. But I do travel for leisure. I enjoy scuba diving and yoga. One of my favourite places to visit is Bali where I enjoy the beaches and yoga retreats or just hang out at beach resorts and not do very much.
3 things you can't live without?
M: Phone - I need to answer my e-mails and instagram! A good moisturiser especially when you travel and a good book. Can I add a 4th thing - my sunglasses!
What is your favourite item from your collection?
M: That will be the current collection, which is the Camo collection, the Jet Set tote. It is my first creation, my first design and a timeless classic. Simple yet stylish is the way to go. It's a practical bag for me as well since I have quite long days sometimes. I can bring a change of outfit taking me from my morning yoga, to work to after hours dinner. I can even fit my laptop in it.
Mischa Jet Set Tote Bag (Camo Orchid)
Mischa CDG Pouch (Camo Orchid)
Future plans for Mischa?
M: Look forward to more variations of product categories.
What defines a power woman?
M: A woman that is confident and multi-faceted so that she excels in many different areas. That she keeps a good balance of time for herself, her career and family.
If you could have lunch with a power woman dead or alive, who would it be?
M: It probably has to be Oprah Winfrey. I truly admire what she has done in her time and from I've read, she has overcome a lot of difficulties and has come out victorious in her field. Many things were against her but she still comes out successful now with a platform for her to spread women's education and women's empowerment. Plus she has a sense of humour! I will definitely ask her if she ever has a bad day.