While most teenagers were navigating high school life, Michella Filipowitz was navigating the streets of Paris, chasing a dream that would ultimately shape her future in ways she never imagined. At just 15, Michella made the bold decision to leave her family and home behind to pursue a career in modeling—a decision that would set the stage for a life filled with challenges, growth, and triumph.
Without saying a word to her parents, Michella packed her bags and left for the City of Light, determined to make her mark in the world of fashion. “I didn’t even tell my mom I was leaving,” she recalls with a smile. “When she finally called to ask when I was coming home, I told her, ‘I’m not! You can visit me in Paris!’” Michella’s determination was unwavering, but the reality of life in Paris soon proved to be far more complex than she had anticipated.
Paris, with its glamorous allure, quickly drew Michella into the fast-paced world of modeling. Guided by an agent, she immersed herself in campaigns and projects that brought her closer to the fashion industry’s spotlight. Yet, behind the glitz and glamour, Michella discovered a world that was not as supportive as it seemed. “I saw things that, looking back, I probably shouldn’t have been exposed to at such a young age,” she reflects. “There were moments when I really needed someone to talk to, but there was no one there for me.”
The lack of support was a harsh reality for Michella. When she voiced her concerns to her agent, she was met with indifference. “I was told that everything was fine, that I just needed to keep going,” she says. This experience taught Michella an early lesson about resilience and self-reliance—a lesson that would serve her well in the years to come.
At the age of 17, Michella made another pivotal decision. Realizing that the modeling industry was not fulfilling her in the way she had hoped, she decided to leave it behind and pursue a new passion: art. “I felt like there was something more out there for me, something that would allow me to connect with people on a deeper level,” she explains. This realization led her to London, where she began her career as an art dealer.
In London, Michella found a new sense of purpose. She was drawn to the stories behind the art, to the emotions and histories that each piece represented. “Art became my refuge,” she says. “It was a way for me to connect with the world in a meaningful way.” Working with HUS Gallery, Michella quickly established herself as a talented art dealer, known for her ability to source and curate unique collections that resonated with her clients.
Michella’s passion for art grew, and she found herself particularly inspired by the works of artists like Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and George Condo. “There’s something incredible about having a piece of history in your home, something that tells a story,” she shares. “I’ve always been drawn to modern contemporary art as well, especially the work of Banksy. His street art is so powerful, so different from anything else.”
Today, Michella lives in Sydney, Australia, where she continues to work as a private art dealer, sourcing and selling rare and valuable pieces to clients around the world. But her journey didn’t end with art. At 23, Michella’s life took another unexpected turn when she became a mother. “Becoming a mother was the most transformative experience of my life,” she says. “I gave birth at 23, and soon after, I became a single mother. It was a challenging time, but I was fortunate to have the support of my mother and a close-knit group of friends.”
Michella’s journey as a mother was further complicated when her son was diagnosed with autism. “It was a difficult diagnosis to accept,” she admits. “But I knew I had to be strong for my son, to give him the best life possible.” This experience ignited a new passion in Michella—a passion for helping other families facing similar challenges.
Together 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 providing the support that so many families need but don’t always have access to,” she explains. The foundation helps cover school fees for children in need and is currently working on opening a home for children who come from difficult family situations.
Michella’s vision for the foundation is rooted in the belief that every child deserves an opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or abilities. “It really does take a village,” she says. “We need to work together to build communities where every child is valued and supported.”
Through the DR Family Foundation, Michella hopes to instill a sense of hope and positivity in the lives of those who need it most. “I’ve been through a lot of challenges, but I wouldn’t change anything about my journey,” she reflects. “Those experiences have shaped me into the person I am today, and they’ve given me the strength to help others.”
Michella Filipowitz’s story is one of passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference. From her early days in Paris to her work as an art dealer and philanthropist in Sydney, Michella has shown that with determination and support, anything is possible. To learn more about her journey and the work of the DR Family Foundation, follow her on Instagram @princessmichella.