Michelle Gill is a woman of many talents: from manager of our flagship store and customer service rock star, to brilliant nail artist, she truly does it all. Michelle was born and raised in B.C., and spent most of her career working in retail and hospitality before creating her own nail business, Candy Paint, which has been featured in top publications like Nylon Magazine, MTV Flora and Elle Canada.
Michelle absolutely loves to travel and always draws inspiration from her trips, channeling her experiences into creating new and original nail designs. You can usually hear her before you see her, as she is constantly smiling and laughing! Her endless positive energy, and the hard work she puts into the Brunette team, are just some of the many reasons why we love Michelle.
What does babes supporting babes mean to you?
‘Babes supporting babes’ means lifting others up instead of bringing them down. It can be the tiniest thing. I’ve started to give compliments to girls who are strangers and their so appreciative, I love it. I truly believe we’re in an era that’s going to change the world so the more we come together as women and support each other, the better it is for us all.
If you could choose your nickname, what would it be?
Mickey (my family already calls me this, I’ve got a Disney obsession) or Meesh Milly (my closest guy friends nicknamed me this, like the rapper Meek Mill).
What’s your spirit animal?
A seal! Actually though, but one that lives in the Galapagos. Swimming in beautiful water, eating fresh seafood and laying in the sun on the beach without worrying about their weight. I’m a seal for sure.
What’s your proudest babe moment or achievement?
Making the decision to leave my job with a corporate company and starting a job with a company that I not only believe in but that believes and trusts in me. Also when I got to do Miley Cyrus’ nails and we exchanged numbers, that was fun.
What’s the most unexpected thing you have in your purse or wallet?
Nail glue (which if you know me isn’t unexpected) and a note from 2011 from the first time my boyfriend sent me flowers.
Tell us about a time where you were faced with a situation that you could have been unkind, but chose to be a babe instead?
Being in customer service there has been numerous times that I’ve dealt with unhappy people. When I was working in hospitality I was dealing with a man who (for whatever reason) missed his flight and he wanted to place the blame on someone, that person happened to be me. Even though he was yelling, I stayed calm. After speaking to him further I learned that he had recently lost someone close to him and his emotions were built up. I helped him out and he thanked me for listening to him and even gave me a hug. Moral of the story, you never know what someone’s going through so kindness and compassion are key.
What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out they weren’t selling it anymore?
Coconut oil! I use it in my hair, on my skin, I cook with it… I’d be lost without it.
If you had a yacht, what would be the name of it?
Y-Knot. It’s an inside joke with one of my best friends, plus I love a good pun.
What was the best piece of advice you received when you were first starting your career?
Never compromise who you are for what you do. After working at a corporate company for a few years, that statement made a whole lot of sense.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received now that you’re in your career?
Don’t be afraid to speak up! Creativity feeds my soul, I have so many ideas but I used to be scared to share them. Now as soon as I think of something I write it down and usually send an email saying ‘So I had an idea…’ haha.
Red, white, or rose?
Red, all day. Malbec to be specific!
When I dance I look like….
In my mind I dance like Rihanna. So I’m gonna just go ahead and keep believing that… 😉
Who do you channel when you’re about to do something that scares you?
My mama. or Beyonce.
What’s your favourite destination to visit?
That’s so hard! Every destination has something different to offer, but if I had to choose…Thailand has my heart. I first went when I was 16 and keep going back. The culture, the people, the landscape, the food… In the city, the beach or the jungle, I love it all.
What’s your favorite meal to eat?
My mama’s homemade chicken curry. There is nothing like it!
What’s the most fulfilling part of your career?
Working with like-minded individuals who genuinely want to see the people around them and the business have success. Also talking to customers and hearing their stories, everyone’s path in life is so unique. I learn so much from listening to different perspectives.
Where’s your favourite place to draw inspiration from?
Travel for sure, every destination opens my eyes to something new. I’m also addicted to Pinterest.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Cheese. I’ve had to stop buying it because I literally have no self control when it’s in my fridge.
What quality are you working on yourself right now?
To let things go, big or small. There’s no point in dwelling on the past. Confront it, accept it and move on. Life’s too short!
What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome in business?
Not to take things personally. Things won’t always go the way I want and that’s ok.
Coffee meeting or drinks meeting?
Drinks meeting, it’s just more fun than coffee.
If you’re going out for a cocktail you’d order…
A Dirty Martini (extra dirty) with vodka, not gin.
If you had unlimited budget for 2 hours of shopping where would you go?
TopShop, but specifically the TopShop in London at Oxford Circus or Whole Foods, cause organic groceries are not cheap!
What’s your favourite movie?
Selena. I’ve seen it a million times and can watch it a million more.
Click here to visit The Babe Shop!
Keep up with Michelle on Instagram @_candy_paint_.
Introduction written by Lindsay Pearce.
Photography by Ryan Pugsley.