Photo credit: Yumna

She’s taking over the menswear world.

Name: Michelle Lindsay

Follow Her Movement: byrobertjames.com

“My move to New York was called ‘The Cheese Mission,’” Michelle Lindsay admits. An obviously odd name for a cross-country trek, the former California girl has due reason for her dairy product dedication. Michelle read the inspirational book, Who Moved My Cheese?, and set forth to follow its insight on dealing with inevitable change in life. “I really wanted something different and diverse and achieved it by moving to New York,” she says. “I wanted to go outside of my comfort zone.”

Michelle’s “comfort zone” on the West Coast consisted of scoring self-made marketing gigs, created because the companies she worked for had yet to develop the positions. In the past, the San Diego State University journalism graduate has connected brands at an action sports agency and lead merchandising efforts for eight magazines. Her go-getter attitude stems from her days as a tween, washing cars and walking dogs to earn cash. Michelle drew upon that same spirit once she stepped foot on the nitty-gritty streets of New York City. To land a position at esteemed experiental marketing agency Jack Morton, she did more than send in a resume. “I created a resume portfolio that would’ve impressed the queen to the homeless,” says Michelle, who is of Chinese, Irish, Italian, Scottish and American Indian descent.

The self-described exercise buff currently runs the ship as Business Development Account Manager at PAPER Magazine, creating new programs for clients, such as the “Sounds Like PAPER” music event held this summer. Michelle teamed Ray-Ban with the publication to provide a free outdoor concert, which featured performances by Kid Cudi and Chester French. Busy dealing with brands at her 9-to-5, she still devotes plenty of time to focus on a brand dearer to her heart: By Robert James.

Michelle brings her expertise in public relations, marketing and event direction to the menswear line, created by her boyfriend, Robert James. After meeting Robert two years ago, she assisted in launching the brand’s first store, located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. “A year and a half ago, this was just a thought,” she reveals. “And now, not only did it come to fruition, we moved to a different store.” The work behind building a label isn’t easy, but Michelle is a testament to those who believe business affairs and relationships can’t co-exist. “I helped him and he helped me; I always wanted to work for a fashion brand.” Dreams do come true. -Georgette Cline

Photo credit: Yumna