While most teenagers were navigating the familiar halls of high school, Michella Filipowitz was navigating the streets of Paris, driven by an unwavering dream. At the tender age of 15, she made the bold decision to leave her family and embark on a journey that would not only shape her career but also test her resilience in ways she could never have imagined.
Michella’s journey began with a one-way ticket to Paris, the city of love, fashion, and endless possibilities. “I just packed my bags and left without telling anyone,” she recalls. “My mom called two weeks later, asking when I was coming home. I told her, ‘I’m not! Come visit me in Paris!’” With that, Michella plunged headfirst into the world of modeling, mesmerized by the glamour and allure that the industry promised.
However, the reality of life in Paris was far from the fantasy many might imagine. Michella quickly discovered that beneath the city’s glittering exterior lay a world of harsh realities. “At 15, I saw things I probably shouldn’t have seen at that age,” she reflects. “There were moments when I really needed someone to talk to, but there was no one.” Isolated in a city far from home, Michella turned to her modeling agent for support, only to be met with indifference. “I was told that everything was fine, that there was nothing wrong,” she says. “I learned quickly that to survive in this industry, you had to keep your feelings to yourself.”
This challenging environment led Michella to question her future in modeling. “It felt like I was being brainwashed,” she admits. “I started to realize that maybe there was something more out there for me.” At 17, Michella made another courageous decision—she left the modeling industry and moved to London to pursue a career in art dealing.
London offered a fresh start and a new passion. Michella found herself drawn to the works of iconic artists like Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and George Condo. She began her career with HUS Gallery, a pivotal experience that helped her discover her true calling. “Art became my passion,” she says. “It’s incredible to have a piece of history in your home, something that tells the story of someone’s life and experiences. I’ve always been fascinated by modern contemporary art too, like the work of Banksy. His street art is so inspiring, so out of the norm.”
Today, Michella lives in Sydney, Australia, where she works as a private art dealer. She sources and sells art for clients around the world, focusing on rare and valuable pieces. “I love what I do,” she says. “Finding the perfect piece for a client and knowing that it will become a part of their life is incredibly rewarding.”
From the outside, Michella’s story may seem like one of effortless success—a glamorous life filled with art, travel, and opportunities. But beneath the surface lies a story of profound resilience, inner strength, and determination. At 23, Michella’s life changed dramatically when she became a mother. “I gave birth at 23 and soon after became a single mother,” she explains. “It was a tough time, but I was lucky to have my mother’s support. She was there for me through everything.”
Michella’s journey took another unexpected turn when her son was diagnosed with autism. “It was a challenging time,” she admits. “But I was determined to give him the best life possible.” Faced with the realities of raising a child with special needs, Michella found solace and strength in her close-knit community of friends. “I’m grateful for my girlfriends who were there for me, especially when I found out about my son’s diagnosis.”
This experience ignited a new passion in Michella—helping other women and children facing similar challenges. Along with her fiancé, she co-founded the DR Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and their families. “Through the foundation, we help pay school fees for children here in Australia, and we’re also working on opening a home for kids who are in difficult family situations,” she shares.
Michella’s philosophy is simple: it takes a village. She believes in the power of community and the importance of creating opportunities for everyone, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. “Through the foundation, we aim to bring positivity into people’s lives, no matter what they’re going through,” she says. “I’ve been through some really tough times, but those experiences shaped me and made me stronger. I wouldn’t change anything about my story.”
Michella Filipowitz’s journey from a young dreamer in Paris to a successful art dealer and philanthropist in Sydney is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of following one’s passion. To learn more about her journey and the work of the DR Family Foundation, follow her on Instagram @princessmichella.
