From $15 Dresser to HGTV Star: Emily Michelle's Journey with Property Brothers
When an email claiming to be from someone associated with the Property Brothers landed in Emily Michelle's inbox, the interior designer initially dismissed it as a scam. Michelle, who operates her design service from Glencoe, Ontario, and owns a home furnishings store in Strathroy, was skeptical until her father, a devoted HGTV fan, confirmed its authenticity. This led to a Zoom call with Drew and Jonathan Scott, culminating in her starring role in the new HGTV series, The Emily Michelle Project, airing Thursdays on HGTV and Citytv+.
An Unlikely Path to Design Stardom
Michelle's journey into interior design began out of necessity rather than formal training. After dropping out of high school in Grade 11 and becoming pregnant at 18, she faced financial struggles and was unable to secure a job at Payless Shoes due to her lack of a diploma. In a moment of desperation, she turned to her passion for refurbishing yard sale finds, purchasing a $15 dresser on Kijiji. "I taught myself how to paint because I had no background in any of this," Michelle recalls. Despite the initial result not being perfect, she sold it for $1,200, marking the start of her career.
To hone her skills, Michelle watched countless YouTube videos, teaching herself painting techniques and design principles. "For everything else, I feel like it's always been in me. I just had no idea design was an option," she says. Her self-taught approach and thrifting expertise now form the core of her show, which focuses on helping homeowners achieve luxury makeovers on a budget.
The Emily Michelle Project: Transforming Homes on a Budget
The Emily Michelle Project showcases Michelle's ability to create stunning home transformations without excessive spending. The series emphasizes thrifting and DIY projects, with Michelle guiding homeowners to repurpose existing items. "I'm not immediately making a list to go out and shop and spend their money. I look through everything they already own," she explains. This philosophy extends to her store, Blended Living, which features repurposed items and reflects her commitment to sustainable design.
Michelle's love for thrifting is not just a cost-saving measure but a passion that drives her work. She helps clients of all budgets, from those with limited funds to wealthier homeowners, always aiming for quality finds like solid wood or metal pieces. "I always look for quality pieces, but remember you're not always going to hit the jackpot, and that's okay," she advises viewers inspired to try thrifting themselves.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Inspiring Others
Despite her success, Michelle admits to feeling imposter syndrome, calling her rise to HGTV stardom "an absolute dream." Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring designers and homeowners alike, proving that formal education isn't always necessary for success. The show's focus on affordability and creativity resonates in today's economic climate, offering practical solutions for home improvement.
As The Emily Michelle Project continues to air, Michelle hopes to empower viewers to see the potential in second-hand items and embrace DIY projects. Her journey from a $15 dresser to a deal with the Property Brothers highlights the power of perseverance and passion, making her a relatable and influential figure in the world of interior design.
