MICHELLE GLEW-ROSS, FOUNDER OF MY GENERAL STORE
Welcome to our Inspiring Women in Australian Fashion and Art Series, and our conversation with Michelle Glew-Ross, Founder of My General Store.
My General Store (MGS) is small considered collections made from natural fibres in simple shapes. Designed and made in Australia with fabrics sourced ethically from around the globe.
Founder Michelle Glew-Ross has spent her career in the fashion industry, working in public relations and brand development. In 2016 she launched My General Store.
My General Store is a label that believes in quality craftsmanship in simple shapes that can be worn time and time again. They produce limited numbers as waste is not encouraged. MGS strives to keep our precious planet at the forefront of our minds.
“I am constantly inspired by the women in my life. My world is rich with wonderful, warm, creative women that not only inspire me but also empower me to be true to myself and live life with an open heart.”
Tell us about your creativity, drive and inspirations?
I find inspiration from absolutely everywhere! My eyes are always open to the world around me, it might be as simple as seeing a colour palette on a garbage truck, stumbling across an old image or simply some space out of the city where the fields are wide and the roads are long that can spark my creativity.
How did My General Store begin?
My General Store was being conceptualised (in my mind) for quite some time. When I was a new mum it was where my mind would wander. I loved the idea of growing a lifestyle brand that was authentic and considered in every aspect. Something that people could feel the joy in being part of and hold onto a piece for years to come. A brand that was Australian made and truly cared about being sustainable. A brand that was an extension of how I live my life.
What is one of your proudest moments shaping your label?
My proudest moment so far and probably always will be; My very first customer order….insert ’dancing around the lounge room’ here!
Tell us about women who have inspired you in your life? How have you empowered other women?
I am constantly inspired by the women in my life. My world is rich with wonderful, warm, creative women that not only inspire me but also empower me to be true to myself and live life with an open heart.
I started MGS Woman to share stories and pictures of incredible women in their natural environments. These stories are an ode to WOMEN! Shot beautifully, simply and naturally, either in their home or somewhere that is special to them. A collaboration that feels very true to My General Store.
2020 has been a year that no one could predict. What have you learned personally and how have you drawn inspiration and positivity this year?
What a year it has been! With so much going on in the world, I think it’s extremely important to focus on the silver linings and to keep a happy heart. For me, it’s time spent with my boys and in nature that keeps my mind positive and happy. I have taken the time to pause and re-evaluate my day to day as the last few years have been very very busy.
Positivity has always been a very important part of who I am, so this year when I have been forced to stop, I have chosen to dig deep and learn more about myself and how I would like to live in this present moment. Nourishing myself with my loved ones and turning off or away from any negative energy that this year has brought about.
With most of us dreaming about resuming our travels abroad, what is an aspect of Australia that you have discovered or loved so far?
The road trip! I love a good road trip. Australian landscape is amazing and there's nothing better than packing up the car and heading off on an adventure.
I love to map out our trips, find great places to stay and adventuring off the beaten track. I love watching our boys stare out the windows as the landscape changes and hope these memories stay with them for years to come. I love finding small towns to explore and making last minute decisions to head in a different direction, even though it might add an extra few hours to the trip.
I love staying in an array of different accommodation and I love meeting up with wonderful folk along the way.
How would you like to see the industry evolve?
I'd like to see the industry thinking differently about how to do things.
Thinking more creatively, stepping outside of the written narrative that has been for so many years and taking a moment to shift to a more considered approach with sustainability at the forefront.