Meet Jackie Michel | Founder & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackie Michel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started working on my plans for Bare Reverie after a year of marriage and not seeing lingerie on the market that fit my aesthetic. I wanted pieces that were feminine, comfortable, and airy, but most of what I saw wasn’t my style. After years of working in the apparel industry as a Technical Designer, I decided to take on side work as a seamstress and made a small line sewing custom lace pieces for friends. The side business started growing and so did my passion when working on it, so I figured it was the time to go for it. Today I design sustainable lingerie and loungewear, teach women to sew, offer alterations, and help other creative entrepreneurs with their design needs.

What should our readers know about your business?
Bare Reverie overall is a brand for the conscious woman. With sewing workshops, they are able to learn and feed their creativity in person or online. Through alterations, we’re able to build connections while talking about life and their upcoming events. I don’t know anyone who’s walked this road, so the hard part is figuring things out as I go. I’m a very organized person, but this business has taught me to be a little more fluid. One struggle was sourcing organic fabrics that were cost-effective, provided comfort, and didn’t promote waste. So much of our clothing consumption is sitting in huge piles in countries around the globe, one being Haiti where my family is originally from. They will sit there for decades and not disintegrate because of all of the synthetic fabrics we use. Eventually, I found great manufacturing partners who’ve aided in that area. I’m proud of this brand for providing a lingerie and loungewear option that will not only be good for myself and others but for our world and the countries who have to deal with the results of consumer madness.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I honestly feel like the best times in Miami happen at house parties with a grill and a pool, so I’ll chose that over being out any day. When I do go out though, I love low-key spots. The beach is a given, but South Pointe is a slower part of the beach to check out and you can go fishing. After the beach, Bodega is a good spot for a drink. I’d recommend Buena Vista Deli at any time for authentic French bakery items, Rosie’s Pop Up has an amazing brunch/lunch menu, Coyo Taco for a quick bite, and Naomi’s Garden for some good Haitian food. If you’re into coffee shops, get the matcha with oat milk and the rose water donut at Vice City Bean.

There are always new spots popping up in Miami.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I see now how the different life experiences that led me here were all working for my good, so the credit goes to Christ for leading me in all I do. Major credit also goes to my husband and loved ones who are encouraging and understanding. They understand that work and life and vary by the day and don’t pressure me to be everything to everyone. Lastly, to everyone who has ordered a garment, taken a sewing class, or booked an alterations appointment with me – thank you so much for your business. It fuels me to know that my work is serving others.

Website: www.barereverie.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/barereverie

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bare-reverie?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barereverie/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bare-reverie-miami-3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbTVWneSaElbyrB5Jxj-MxQ

Image Credits
Dani Parada