By: Maria Williams
At a time when teenagers are focused on navigating high school, Michella Filipowitz was navigating the streets of Paris, chasing a dream that would take her far from home. At just 15, she made the daring decision to leave her family and venture into the world of modeling in one of the fashion capitals of the world.
“I didn’t tell anyone, I simply packed my bags and left,” she recalls with a laugh. “My mother called two weeks later asking when I’d come back, and I told her, ‘I’m not! Come visit me in Paris!’”
Life in Paris wasn’t all glamour, though. As Michella quickly learned, the fashion industry was a whirlwind of opportunities and challenges. Although she worked on a variety of campaigns and projects, the isolation and pressures of the industry began to weigh on her.
“I saw things that a 15-year-old probably shouldn’t have been exposed to,” she shares. “I often found myself wanting someone to talk to, but I felt alone.” Even when she approached her modeling agent for guidance, she was told to ignore her feelings and focus on her career.
This left Michella questioning whether modeling was the right path for her. At 17, she decided to take a bold step in a new direction: leaving modeling behind to pursue a career in the art world.
In London, she began working with HUS Gallery, where she discovered her true passion—connecting with the personal stories behind each piece of art. “Art tells a story,” she says. “It’s incredible to have a piece of history in your home that represents someone’s life and experiences.” Her fascination with artists like Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso led her down a fulfilling path as an art dealer.
Today, Michella resides in Sydney, Australia, where she works as a private art dealer for an exclusive list of clients. She sources valuable artwork from around the world and helps clients build collections that reflect their individual tastes. “I love helping people find that perfect piece,” she says. “It’s rewarding to see how much joy art can bring to someone’s life.”
But Michella’s journey hasn’t been without its hardships. At the age of 23, she became a mother, a role that would forever change her life. Shortly after the birth of her son, Benjamin, Michella became a single mother and later received the challenging news that Benjamin had been diagnosed with autism.
“Becoming a single mother and learning about my son’s diagnosis was one of the toughest times in my life,” she reflects. “I was fortunate to have the support of my mom and an amazing circle of friends who helped me navigate it all.”
The experience of raising a child with special needs gave Michella a new perspective and a deeper sense of purpose. Along with her fiancé, she co-founded the DR Family Foundation, which supports children with disabilities and their families. The foundation’s mission is simple: to provide children with the resources they need to thrive, whether that’s paying for school fees or creating a supportive community.
“We’re working on opening a home for children in challenging family situations,” Michella explains. “It’s about more than just providing a roof over their heads—we want to create a nurturing environment where these kids can feel safe and loved.”
Michella is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others. She believes strongly in the power of community, often quoting the phrase, “It takes a village.” Through her work with the DR Family Foundation, she’s helping to create a world where every child, no matter their background or ability, has the opportunity to succeed.
“Even the hardest experiences in life have taught me valuable lessons,” she says. “They’ve made me who I am today, and I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey.”
To follow Michella’s story and learn more about the DR Family Foundation, visit her on Instagram @princessmichella.
Published by: Holy Minoza
