By: Maria Williams
At the age of 15, most teenagers are still finding their footing in high school, but not Michella Filipowitz. She was navigating the streets of Paris, driven by a dream to make a name for herself in the modeling world. With determination and courage, she left her home and family behind to pursue that dream.
“I didn’t tell my family anything,” Michella recalls. “I just packed my bags and headed to Paris. When my mom called weeks later asking when I’d return, I told her, ‘Never! You can come see me in Paris!’”
Though she had the opportunity to work on exciting projects in the glamorous world of fashion, the reality wasn’t as perfect as it seemed. Behind the bright lights and photo shoots, Michella was facing the challenges of being far from home and without a support system.
“At 15, I saw things that were really hard to process,” she admits. “There were moments when I wished I had someone to confide in, but I felt very isolated.” When she approached her agent with her concerns, she was told to stay quiet and push through. “It was clear that the industry didn’t want me to have feelings or doubts,” she explains.
Feeling lost and seeking fulfillment, Michella decided to step away from modeling at 17. Her path then led her to London, where she pursued a new passion—art dealing.
Working with HUS Gallery opened her eyes to the power of art as a storyteller. “There’s something incredibly special about owning a piece of art that represents someone’s life and history,” she says. “It’s not just about beauty; it’s about connection.”
This love for art propelled Michella into a new career as a private art dealer. Today, based in Sydney, she sources and curates rare and valuable artwork for private collectors across the globe. “Helping someone find the perfect piece that speaks to them is an amazing feeling,” she adds.
While her professional journey has been remarkable, Michella’s personal life has been just as transformative. At 23, she became a mother, a milestone that changed everything. Shortly after her son Benjamin’s birth, Michella became a single mother. Then, at age three, Benjamin was diagnosed with autism, which brought with it both challenges and blessings.
“Raising a child with autism was something I never expected,” she reflects. “But with the support of my family and close friends, I’ve been able to give him the premier life possible.”
The challenges of raising Benjamin ignited a deep passion in Michella to help other families facing similar circumstances. Along with her fiancé, she co-founded the DR Family Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting children with disabilities.
“The foundation helps families with school fees, therapy costs, and we’re even working on building a home for children in tough situations,” she explains. “We want to make sure every child has the chance to thrive, no matter their circumstances.”
Michella is determined to break down the barriers that children with disabilities face in society. She advocates for inclusivity and understanding, emphasizing that all children, regardless of their abilities, deserve respect and opportunity.
Through the DR Family Foundation, Michella and her team are working tirelessly to create a future where children with disabilities are fully supported and included in every aspect of life.
“Life has thrown me some curveballs, but I’ve learned so much from my experiences,” she says. “Every challenge has shaped me into the person I am today, and I’m grateful for that.”
To learn more about Michella Filipowitz’s journey and the DR Family Foundation, follow her on Instagram @princessmichella.
Published by: Holy Minoza
