Meet Michelle Ndindi

We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Ndindi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I would say my work ethic comes from a mix of early creative experiences and the deep support of my family. I’ve always seen myself as a multidisciplinary artist, and that started when I was 12 years old. My church commissioned me to make beaded necklaces and bracelets for the women’s ministry. I spent weeks after school experimenting with bead combinations and creating unique pieces. What made that experience so meaningful was how seriously my family took my little business—they encouraged me to make receipt books, helped me create a logo stamp, and supported me like I was running a real company. That early validation taught me that hard work and creativity go hand in hand and that my ideas were worth investing in.

Fast forward to when I was 17, I had to choose between physics and art and design. Even though I had never taken a formal art class, something in me said to take the leap. That decision changed my life. I pushed myself to learn as much as I could, and after graduating high school, I joined the BTEC Art and Design program. It was intense, and the workload was heavy—but I loved it. I thrived under the pressure, and eventually graduated top of my class in 2020, with my work exhibited in Nairobi and a feature in my local newspaper.

Later that same year, I began my undergraduate studies at the Savannah College of Art and Design—attending my first classes from my bedroom in Nairobi. With an 8-hour time difference between Kenya and the U.S., I had to completely shift my daily routine to adapt to this new chapter of my life. I would attend online classes late into the night, sometimes working through to the early morning hours. It was a major adjustment, both mentally and physically. Once in a while, my mum would sit with me during those long nights, quietly keeping me company as I worked on my projects. Her presence reminded me that I wasn’t alone—and that support, even in small moments, helped me stay grounded and motivated.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I studied fashion design at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where I developed a strong foundation in draping, patternmaking, textile manipulation, and digital design tools like CLO. Currently, I’m interning at a bridal wear studio, where I’m learning specialized techniques in bridal construction. I’ve grown to truly love the precision, emotion, and storytelling that bridalwear demands. This phase of my life is all about deepening my skills, learning from experienced professionals, and honoring craftsmanship.

Outside of my internship, I focus on building my personal brand, Michelle Ndindi Studio. I consider myself a multidisciplinary artist, and I don’t restrict myself to a single niche. I’m constantly exploring new ways to express myself—whether it’s through fashion, visual art, styling, or beauty. Lately, I’ve been channeling a lot of that creativity into hair. I’m a creative hairstylist based in Savannah, Georgia, currently taking commissions. I specialize in conceptual, statement hairstyles that combine sculptural shapes, cultural influences, and editorial styling. I love using hair as an extension of personal storytelling and identity—it’s a form of wearable art.

What excites me most about my work is the freedom to create without limitation. Whether I’m working on a gown, a print, a hairstyle, or a mood board, I aim to push boundaries and elevate ordinary materials into something memorable. My experiences across different disciplines—beading, printmaking, sculpture, fashion—have shaped the way I see beauty, form, and storytelling. Ultimately, my goal is to create art that resonates, whether it’s worn down the aisle, on a runway, or in everyday life.

I’m in a season of experimentation and refinement. There are a few exciting things in the pipeline—from styling collaborations to conceptual lookbooks and client commissions. Everything I do is rooted in curiosity, culture, and care.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three of the most impactful experiences that shaped my creative journey were: my time in the BTEC Art and Design program, the opportunity to study abroad in France, and embracing my individuality through personal style and self-expression.

First, the BTEC Art and Design program at Brookhouse International School in Nairobi was a turning point in my development as an artist. It was an incredibly immersive program that encouraged experimentation and exposed me to a wide range of creative practices—from graffiti and mural painting to welding and textile exploration. It pushed me to go beyond what I thought I was capable of and gave me the confidence to see myself as a multidisciplinary artist. The program also opened doors for my work to be featured in exhibitions across Nairobi and even published in local magazines, which helped build my portfolio and credibility early on.

Second, attending a study abroad program in Lacoste, France, was a transformative experience. Being immersed in a different culture and surrounded by history, architecture, and nature completely changed the way I viewed art and creativity. During that time, I also had the chance to travel to Spain, the United Kingdom, and other parts of France, which broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of storytelling through design. Even now, when I’m working on a new concept or styling project, I often revisit photos and sketches from those travels to draw fresh inspiration.

Lastly, embracing the power of self-expression has been essential to my growth. I see my body as a canvas—through fashion, hair, and styling, I communicate who I am without having to speak. Whether it’s shaving my head, mixing bold prints, or creating avant-garde hairstyles that stop people in the street, I treat everyday styling like “customizing my character.” Being fearless and bold in how I present myself has helped me connect with others, stand out, and stay grounded in my identity.

For those just starting out in the creative field, my biggest advice is to stay passionate and curious. Don’t be afraid to try new things and follow what excites you. Be authentic—your uniqueness is your power. Not everyone will resonate with your work, and that’s okay. You’re not meant to be everyone’s cup of tea. What matters is that you stay consistent, find your voice, and keep creating. It’s okay to still be learning; in fact, that hunger to grow is what will keep your work evolving and meaningful.

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 lead by example. Both of them are the most hardworking, disciplined people I know—they each hold PhDs, have successful careers. Their unwavering commitment to their work and education set the tone for the kind of standard I strive for in my own life.
What made the biggest difference was not just their achievements, but the way they walked alongside me on my own path. They invested deeply in my education, sending me to some of the top schools in Kenya and eventually to university in the United States. Despite not having a creative background themselves, they have always supported and encouraged my artistic journey in ways that truly moved me. During my first year at the Savannah College of Art and Design, when I had to start classes online from my bedroom in Nairobi due to COVID, the time difference and workload were incredibly challenging. But my mum—without hesitation—would stay up with me, sometimes until 2 a.m., helping with experimental projects, brainstorming ideas, and simply being present.

That kind of emotional and practical support made all the difference. Whether it was my dad emphasizing discipline and consistency or my mum sitting beside me, encouraging me through tough nights, I always felt seen, supported, and valued. The time, energy, and financial investment they poured into me is something I will never take for granted. It’s a gift that has shaped who I am today, and it’s a feeling like no other.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mnm.collective_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-ndindi-02bb82222/

Image Credits

@alexbenitaphoto