Meet Michelle West, Fat Cat's Newest Designer!
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I am never taking this down, because I love Michelle so - but alas, Michelle has moved on to create her own design studio. I am a little proud - I taught her everything I know - and humble, because she is a rock star and a lovely human. You can follow her at Michelle West Design. Updated January 2022
You might think it’s a strange time to be hiring, and I’d probably be the first one to agree with you.
But things at Fat Cat have only gotten better since Michelle’s first day in January. I’d met Michelle at a handful of flower events around the city, and I’m not ashamed to say I had my eye on her! She was a clear talent, and a strong, intelligent woman that had made a fantastic impression on me. I quickly saw that she was the kind of person you could depend on, and that was that. It’s been such a gift to have dependable employees on the whole, and hiring Michelle has already helped me start taking Fat Cat to bigger and better places!
We’ve been growing so fast, I had to ask my son Ryan to pitch in around here too! He’s been working off and on with Fat Cat ever since he could fill a bucket, but now he’s a writer with marketing experience, and I couldn’t help but notice that’s exactly what we’ve needed now that our online presence has blossomed. I had him sit down with Michelle for a minute so we could get to know her a little better, and I loved the result! I think y’all will enjoy it too. -Diane
Ryan Mouton: Hey Michelle! We’re so excited to welcome you to the Fat Cat Team!
Michelle West: Thanks! It’s been great so far.
RM: Where are you from? Have you been in NOLA for long?
MW: I’m from Zachary, Louisiana, but I’ve got family in New Orleans so I’ve been in and out of the city for a while now. I moved here permanently at the start of this year so I could be closer to my new job at Fat Cat!
RM: How did you decide to start working with flowers? What were your jobs like before this one?
MW: My grandmother was an interior design decorator, and actually used to design the costumes for Mardi Gras Indians so I’ve been around creative people my whole life, and I think I got my visual style from her. I actually worked in insurance for 8 years before I came to flowers, but I got started with some family friends who were doing corporate events a couple of years ago.
RM: And what’s been your favorite thing about working at Fat Cat so far?
MW: I like all of it! But Diane is so great. We vibe really well. She’s a really warm, people person, and there are all sorts of different sides to flowers that I’ve been able to learn from her. I started with retail but now I’m learning how to run a business and how to start a business from her. That’s what I like most-- seeing what’s behind the scenes.
RM: On the flipside, what’s the least fun thing about working with flowers for you?
MW: Boutonnieres. They’re so tedious! I’m not really in the flow with those yet. I like bigger things a little better right now.
Tedious…
But so Cute!
RM: So how are you liking flower design? Is there anything about your design skills that you’re working on?
MW: Oh I’d say I’m still working on all of it.
RM: Hahaha. I can relate to that. So when did you realize that you wanted flowers to be an important part of your life?
MW: A couple years ago. I like that there’s so much that you can do with flowers. And no matter how you use them, they always make people happy. I love that they bring joy, and there are so many little details you can choose that can make flowers an even better gift to people.
RM: Besides flower design, are there any other forms of art you’re interested in?
MW: Interior Design for sure. I like that there’s a spacial relationship there that feels similar. With both of them it’s all about picking the best things to correspond to the best space. I still really like event design and tablescapes. And decorating second line umbrellas is fun too!
RM: Here’s my final, most important question: are you Team Buster, or Team Blue Bell?
I like both of course! But I’d have to say Buster because he’s so chill. He can come to my house and watch TV with me anytime.
RM: Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me Michelle! We’re so happy to have you here!
MW: Thank you!
Michelle’s Favorites and Fun Facts:
Star Sign: Aries.
Yeah. I think we’re all seeing it.
Something most people don’t know about You: I’ve always loved sports! I played basketball in middle school and high school and I also ran track!
Celebrity Crush: Michael B. Jordan. He’s cute.
Favorite Flower: I love Majolica. It’s a spray rose that can be pinkish and white with some mustard yellow. It makes everything POP.
