By: Maria Williams

In the bustling streets of Paris, where fashion reigns supreme and dreams are pursued with fervor, a young girl named Michella Filipowitz was carving out her own path. At just 15, she made the daring decision to leave her home and immerse herself in the world of modeling—a choice that would lead her through a journey of self-discovery and challenges and, ultimately, a life dedicated to helping others.

Michella’s decision to leave home at such a young age was not made lightly. Driven by a deep passion for fashion and a desire to explore the world beyond her hometown, she set her sights on Paris. “I didn’t tell anyone I was leaving,” she recalls. “I packed my bags and just went. My mom called me weeks later, worried, but I told her I wasn’t coming back—I was going to make a life for myself in Paris.”

Once in Paris, Michella quickly found herself swept up in the fast-paced world of modeling. With an agent to guide her, she took on a myriad of projects, from photo shoots to runway shows, experiencing the thrill of the industry firsthand. “Paris was everything I dreamed it would be,” she says. “The excitement, the glamour—it was intoxicating.” But beneath the surface, Michella soon discovered the harsh realities of life as a young model in a foreign city.

The fashion industry, while glamorous, can also be unforgiving, especially for someone as young and inexperienced as Michella. “I was just 15, and I was exposed to things I wasn’t prepared for,” she admits. “There were times when I felt incredibly alone, and when I reached out for support, I was told to just keep going and not to complain.” This experience taught her an early lesson about the importance of inner strength and resilience. “I learned that if I wanted to succeed, I had to rely on myself,” she says.

Michella’s journey in Paris was one of both excitement and isolation. While she reveled in the opportunities the city provided, she also struggled with the loneliness that came from being so far from her family and friends. “It was a bittersweet experience,” she reflects. “On one hand, I was living my dream. On the other hand, I was dealing with the realities of being alone in a city that could be both beautiful and harsh.”

As Michella continued to navigate the modeling world, she began to feel a growing sense of dissatisfaction. “I realized that the life I was living wasn’t fulfilling me in the way I had hoped,” she explains. “There was something missing, and I knew I needed to find it elsewhere.” At 17, she made the bold decision to leave the modeling industry behind and pursue a new passion: art.

Michella’s move to London began a new chapter in her life. Immersing herself in the city’s vibrant art scene, she found a sense of purpose and fulfillment that had eluded her in fashion. “Art was where I found my true passion,” she says. “It was a way for me to connect with people on a deeper level, to understand their stories and share them through the pieces I worked with.”

Her career in the art world began at HUS Gallery, a position that allowed her to explore her newfound love for art while developing her skills as an art dealer. “Working at HUS was a turning point for me,” Michella says. “I learned so much about the art world, from the history of the pieces to the emotions they conveyed.” Her ability to connect with both the art and the clients she served set her apart in the industry, and she quickly gained a reputation for her knowledge and passion.

Michella’s time at HUS Gallery was more than just a job; it was a personal growth and discovery journey. “I fell in love with the stories behind the art,” she explains. “Every piece had a history, a narrative that I wanted to share with others.” This passion for storytelling became a hallmark of her work as an art dealer, allowing her to build meaningful relationships with her clients.

Today, Michella lives in Sydney, Australia, where she has established herself as a successful private art dealer. She specializes in curating collections for clients around the world, focusing on pieces that hold personal significance and resonate with her clients’ individual stories. “There’s nothing more rewarding than finding a piece of art that truly speaks to someone,” she says. “It’s about more than just the visual appeal—it’s about the connection, the emotion, and the history behind it.”

Living in Sydney has provided Michella with the stability and balance she needed, allowing her to focus on both her career and her personal life. “Sydney has been a wonderful place to call home,” she says. “It’s given me the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally, and to build a life that I’m proud of.”

However, Michella’s life took a significant turn when she became a mother at the age of 23. “Motherhood changed everything for me,” she reflects. “I became a single parent shortly after my son was born, and it was a challenging time.” Her resilience was tested once again when her son was diagnosed with autism. “It was a difficult period,” she admits. “But I was determined to provide him with the best life possible.”

Raising a child with special needs brought a new perspective to Michella’s life. “It made me realize the importance of having a strong support system,” she says. “I was fortunate to have my mother and close friends by my side, helping me through those tough times.” This experience inspired Michella to give back to others facing similar challenges.

With her fiancé, Michella co-founded the DR Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and their families. “Our foundation is all about offering support,” she explains. “We assist with school fees and provide resources for families who are struggling.”

The DR Family Foundation has become a pillar of hope for many families, offering not only financial assistance but also emotional support. Michella’s personal experiences as a mother have fueled her passion for the foundation’s mission. “I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate life’s challenges,” she says. “That’s why I wanted to create a foundation that offers both practical and emotional support to families in need.”

Michella’s work with the DR Family Foundation reflects her belief in the power of community. “It takes a collective effort to make a real difference,” she says. “Through our foundation, we aim to create opportunities for every child, regardless of their circumstances.”

Her philosophy is centered on the idea that adversity can be a source of growth. “I’ve faced my share of challenges,” she acknowledges. “But each of those experiences has shaped me into the person I am today. I wouldn’t change anything about my journey.”

Michella’s work with the DR Family Foundation has also led her to expand her efforts into other areas of advocacy. She envisions a future where the foundation not only supports children with disabilities but also becomes a leader in promoting inclusivity and acceptance across all aspects of society. “We’re just getting started,” she says. “There’s so much more we can do to make a difference, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us.”

Through her work, Michella has become an advocate for change, using her platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children with disabilities. She is passionate about creating a world where every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. “Our goal is to ensure that no child is left behind,” she says. “We want to provide them with the tools and support they need to thrive.”

Michella Filipowitz’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to helping others. From her early days in Paris to her work as an art dealer and philanthropist in Sydney, she has shown that it’s possible to overcome any obstacle with determination and the right support. To learn more about Michella’s journey and the work of the DR Family Foundation, follow her on Instagram @princessmichella.

Published by: Nelly Chavez