This week we catch up with writer, filmmaker and artist, Michelle Paradis, also known as @dreamywalkhome. We talk about colour, confidence and California.
Tell us about you and the journey of how you got to where you are today.
“I am a writer, filmmaker and artist and I grew up in Southern California by the beach. I love being creative and being by the sea. I have a lot of dreams and goals that have come true and a lot that I've had to reassess and many more that I'm still pursuing. My goals and dreams are not rigid destinations."
You’ve recently moved to California. What does a typical day in your life look like now?
“Yes, California has always been my home. I moved to Texas for about a year and a half and am recently back. My day starts with making tea, the ritual of it makes me as happy as the actual drinking part. I love having breakfast al fresco as much as possible so you can usually find me in the garden. The rest of my day has a flow instead of a rigid schedule that usually includes a hike out here in the beautiful peninsula where I live, playing with my sweet pup Ottoline and working on a screenplay.“
We love how you incorporate colour into your looks. What does dressing up do for you and have your feelings towards fashion changed over the years?
“I do love colour! So much has changed in my feelings towards fashion. I definitely used to dress more for others’ approval, which I think was a societal and cultural thing growing up. I grew up in the time before Instagram when shows like the OC and Laguna Beach really popularised one particular look and unfortunately, that look did not include someone like me, an Asian-American who has always leaned towards vintage and feminine styles that make me feel like I am a character in an old film telling a story. It's definitely been a journey to learn to be comfortable in my own skin and to do the inner healing work to understand my own style and wishes are perfectly valid no matter what other people are doing.”
What boosts your confidence or makes you feel good when you need it most?
“A puppy snuggle always feels good. I highly recommend adopting a pup as your new best friend if you have the opportunity to. Also, intentional rest out in nature, disconnected from devices and outside noise. Anytime I'm feeling bad or less confident, I know that I've strayed away from resting in who I am. Taking a walk out in nature almost always does the trick in reconnecting with myself.”
As women, do you think the relationship we have with ourselves is changing? If so, how?
“Absolutely. I think this is a terrific question to think about on an individual, cultural, and societal level. I think we are more conscious than ever that the "norms" and "the way it just is" are not necessarily the only way. I think more than ever, there is a community of healing and conscious thinking and feeling that is happening that allows for a new freedom to become who we are. It's our own our right to be in a kinder relationship with ourselves and to embrace our sovereignty to become whoever we wish, and to do exactly what we wish.”
What have you got coming up this year?
"I'm excited about this new year. I just celebrated my birthday, and it really does feel like a new time for me. I have a goal to hike in as many beautiful places that exist in my peninsula. I have a film script that I'm so proud of, featuring an Asian female lead, that I'm working on developing. And I'm writing another script on the female immigrant experience that I'm so excited about. I can't wait to see where the year will take me.”
Michelle wears the Ida Graphic Lace Underwire Bra, Rosie Lace Underwire Bra with the matching High Waist Knicker, the Gracie Clean Tulle Underwire Bra with the matching High Waist Knicker and the Cydney Lace Trim Underwire Bra with the matching High Waist Knicker in a 34C and UK10.
Find Michelle here.
