Meet Michael Saint Lewis

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Saint Lewis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michael , thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?

Throughout my life I have found myself in different environments to keep myself busy. Whether it was engaging in sports, creative arts, or school, I’ve always wanted to put myself in a position to express my thoughts and naturally empathize with people. As a child, I was always told “A closed mouth doesn’t get fed.” By definition I understood it as we have a voice and if that voice isn’t heard then how can we start the conversation to make change. As an adult, this statement has been a pillar of every interaction i have allowing me to begin and sustain lifelong relationships. This way of interacting and communicating with people has allowed me to explore avenues of Entrepreneurship.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Who is Michael Saint Lewis?

Michael Saint Lewis isn’t just a name you’ll hear in a whisper of a success story—he’s a living testament to turning grit into greatness. Born in Harlem and raised in Southern New Jersey, Michael carried a fighter’s heart from day one. Football drew him to Assumption University in Western Massachusetts, where the field taught him discipline, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Yet, when the final whistle blew, Michael didn’t drift into a quiet routine. He leaned into his most powerful asset: a boundless creative drive that flickered in class doodles and exploded in the pages of his notebooks.

Michael graduated with a degree in Human Services however that didn’t mark an end but the dawn of a bigger mission. With a college teammate, he launched the First Start Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to mentoring and training student athletes in middle school and high school. He poured energy into guiding the next generation, but his vision was restless—he knew his impact could go further. Then the world paused with COVID-19, and Michael saw an opportunity in the pause. He opened his laptop, unlocked Adobe Illustrator, and suddenly his art wasn’t just drawings—it was digital possibility. He started selling stickers, then acquired a vinyl cutter and a heat press, and the spark expanded into something bold: a brand with a story.

In 2021, overdose originals was born. The name might shock you at first glance, but Michael chose it with intention. He redefines “overdose” from a stereotype of addiction into a rallying cry for transformation. He’s woven that energy into every stitch, crafting garments that feel luxurious and alive—garments that speak to people who crave authenticity, resilience, and style. His designs have carried him from the runway to the world’s stage, with appearances at Atlantic City Fashion Week from 2023 to 2025 and a compelling showcase at New York City Fashion Week.

Michael isn’t resting on momentum; he’s building it—one bold step at a time. He remains deeply committed to First Start Foundation, planning to bring back his youth sports camp in southern New Jersey on June 6, 2026, while guiding the nonprofit’s expansion beyond Massachusetts toward his home turf. He sees entrepreneurship not as a sprint but as a lifetime grind—a relentless, rhythmic march toward better outcomes for himself, his brand, and the young athletes he inspires. In Michael’s world, slow and steady isn’t a sigh of patience; it’s the engine of unwavering progress. The next chapter is already in motion, and it’s poised to redefine what’s possible when courage meets craft.

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?

Three qualities stand out as the pillars of my journey: communication, patience, and knowledge. Patience taught me to start from a place of not knowing and to trust that curiosity will lead me forward. I realized that it’s okay to admit I don’t have all the answers at first because this then opens the door to discovery and growth. That humility naturally fueled my second quality: knowledge. I approached every challenge with the mindset of a sponge—absorbing as much as I could, researching deeply, and finding smarter ways to work rather than rushing through tasks. Time may feel limited, but by slowing down to plan and study, I ensured each step was done to the highest standard. I’d map out potential pitfalls and best-case scenarios, jot down notes, craft a clear action plan, and then move decisively.

The third quality, communication, became essential as I expanded into new ventures and collaborations. In a world where I’m meeting diverse people, representing brands, and building networks, being personable, relatable, and genuinely empathetic is non-negotiable. Effective communication sustains relationships and unlocks opportunities; without it, the strongest plans falter. It’s the thread that weaves together every connection I rely on when I need support or want to inspire others.

If I were offering advice to someone at the start of their journey, I’d say: be patient with yourself. It’s perfectly fine not to have all the answers—the delay is productive, not punitive. Seek knowledge relentlessly, through books, research, and quiet reflection, and be ready to receive the insights when they appear. Cultivate your communication, because relationships are the engine of progress. Remember, no one has every answer from day one, but with patience, knowledge, and open dialogue, you can map your path and accelerate your growth toward your own version of success.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I am feeling overwhelmed I will focus on deep breathings activities. I know it sounds cliché however when I feel overwhelmed; I would describe it as my mind is having alot of thoughts and I dont know to settle them. When I would work on a deep breathing activities im able to only focus on one thing and that breathing. I would spend as little as 5 minutes doing this but I would be in that space as long as I needed. Its something that has allowed me to slow down my racing mind amongst strenuous activites.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://odapparel.us
• Instagram: overdoseoriginals
• Youtube: michaelsaintlewis
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/od-apparel-and-customs-merchantville?uid=EjHk18ycinyMa2sceHoWTQ&utm_source=ishare
• Other: Photography Portfolio