Meet Brandi McMichael (formerly Shigley)

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brandi McMichael (formerly Shigley). We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Brandi, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose by first doing a whole bunch of things that weren’t my purpose. I wore too many hats—because in a one-person company, you have to! After decades of dreaming, doing, failing, and figuring it out, I finally saw the through-line: I’m here to be an encourager, a connector, and someone who brings community together. That’s my purpose—and everything I’ve done has led me to it.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I started out as a handbag designer in the early 2000s, creating bold, colorful bags that sparked conversations. That creative spark and the incredible connections I made through fashion inspired me to launch Fashion Denver in 2004—an organization dedicated to supporting local designers and cultivating community through fashion.

What began as showcasing indie designers quickly became something much bigger. I realized that my true passion was not just fashion—it was people. Building community, cheering others on, and creating spaces where creativity and connection collide.

Today, that purpose is beautifully realized through my role as the host and producer of CreativeMornings / Denver, a global breakfast lecture series for the creative community. Every month, we gather people from all walks of life to connect over coffee, creativity, and inspiring talks that spark joy, vulnerability, and new ideas.

Right now, I’m also relaunching Fashion Denver’s Summer Fashion Camp (with an ’80s upcycling twist!), and I’m continuing to build Brandi Land—a faith-fueled creative world that combines fashion, storytelling, and encouragement.

Whether I’m producing events, designing something fun, or parking cars with worship music playing (true story), my heart is to make people feel seen, celebrated, and connected.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were:

1. Resilience.
Bounce-back power! Not everything I tried worked—but every “failed adventure” taught me something. Those moments built strength, wisdom, and grit. I truly believe that nothing is wasted when we’re willing to grow through it.

2. Organization.
THIS is huge. When you’re juggling creative work, community building, and business logistics, you have to stay on top of it all. Being organized isn’t just about calendars and to-do lists—it’s about honoring your commitments and showing up with excellence.

3. Growing in grace.
We all need grace—and we all need to extend it. Grace for ourselves when we miss the mark. Grace for others as they find their way. It’s a quality that softens the journey and strengthens relationships.

Advice? Start where you are and take one step at a time. Stay humble, stay hungry, and surround yourself with people who believe in you and are honest with you. Keep showing up. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be faithful.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was show me that there were no limits—my imagination could go wherever it wanted. One time, I told them I wanted to turn my canopy bed into a spaceship. Most parents might smile and nod, but mine built it. My dad (resourceful as ever) found a steering wheel—probably not something you’d find in a real spaceship, but perfect for mine!—and helped create my dream world: a laundry basket on a pillow that let me zoom through galaxies right from my bedroom.

My dad can build just about anything, and that creativity runs deep in me now. My mom had a heart of gold. She was an incredible artist—embroidering with delicate silk threads and playing music that filled our home with peace and beauty. She passed away several years ago, but I carry her with me every single day.

Together, they shaped who I am: a dreamer, a doer, an artist, and a believer in making the impossible… possible.

Their influence lives on in everything I create—whether it’s a handmade piece in my Kingdom Work collection, a whimsical stop in Brandi Land, or the way I try to make people feel when they walk into a room I’ve curated. They taught me how to build, how to dream, and most of all—how to love big.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Mio Sison III

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