Creator Spotlight: JP Michaels

Conceptual Life Stylist & Toronto Fashion Icon

Photo credits @penshoots as seen in IntElegance Magazine October 2020.

The core mission of Electric Sunshine is to empower you to live a life of connection and authenticity through the transformative power of creative expression. One of the facets of this mission is the exploration of the connection between one's inner self and the outward manifestation of that internal world.

As a part of this mission, we are featuring inspiring artists from around the globe; showcasing their work, as well as some words of wisdom to inspire you and others on your own creative journey.

Our first feature is JP Michaels, a Toronto-based style icon and conceptual life stylist renowned for his diverse portfolio of creative endeavors. From his roots as an opera singer and French teacher to his corporate consultancy work, JP's vibrant background informs his invaluable mentorship and compassionate guidance in the realm of self-expression. Scroll down to delve into an insightful Q&A session with JP, as he shares his perspectives and experiences.

What is your chosen medium in which you create?

JP: My brand is all about teaching people how to dress with intention. I like to think of it as training the brain and heart how to see through the trees to the proverbial "Forest" beyond. When you dress with intention you are the forest. As a public figure known for my signature textural layering and daring colour combinations, I am often reminded of the transformative power of dressing with intention by the reactions my intentions elicit from others whom I encounter both in virtual and actual realities. I have learned over the years how to predict those responses to what I am wearing based on the intentions which informed my choices.

Styling for me is a process of reaching inwardly to express outwardly.

I always choose what I am going to wear on the day of, never the night before. The strategy for choosing what to wear is what I call #mybrainheartmoment, namely when the brain knows what the heart feels. You will know you look good, when you feel good about the intention behind your sartorial choices, in other words, when your brain has heart.

The brainheart moment is a moment of choice. The act of choosing is evidence of Enlightenment. Through Enlightenment we experience the transformative power of dressing with intention. I discover more of myself moment by moment during my waking hours because of the intentionality in my message as to what is going on inside of me by what I am wearing. This prompts conversation with colleagues and strangers alike. In a very real way, I start the conversation without saying a word. The guiding force of personal style comes from a genuine understanding of who we are from the inside out. Simply stated, to look good is to feel good and to feel good is to present yourself to make others feel good by the way you look. It really is that simple and complicated.

What drives you to create; Whether for yourself or others?

JP: When I'm not a full time teacher, I'm a full time student. As a young person, I derived much pleasure and creative inspiration from witnessing first hand the talents of others who were much more experienced and older than myself. I am now that older and more experienced person in the room. So now I derive much pleasure and creative inspiration from being the one bearing witness to my talents and skill-sets by sharing these with young and emerging music artists.

What are your top values?

JP:

Honesty with self
Love of self
Gratitude for others

What inspires you?

JP: My daily interactions with young, creative and vibrantly brilliant minds have taught me so much about myself: always the sign of a good teacher. Their aspirations to be great consistently ignite my imagination and nothing beats great but greater. If that's not exciting, then I don't know what is exciting.

What do you want to see more of in the world?

JP:

• Grace

• Grit

• Gratitude

What are you excited about right now?

JP: Right now I am excited about expanding my vocal coaching studio here in Toronto by opening up more session time slots to allow for a few more students.

What are you currently exploring or interested in exploring?

JP: My styling projects have gestation periods which allow for an organic development of a style to serve either the branding or rebranding of the client. I was blessed with a busy Fall 2023, so I am currently working with the unfolding of those same projects in anticipation of their release. I was part of a 3 1/2 day film shoot for a music video that is scheduled to be released in 2024. I served as Creative Director for a client's two single releases as well for another client. I was interviewed for a documentary on creativity, called 'Existencia' with no release date at the moment. Also I continue working on writing my memoir: 'Died and Gone to Fashion: Surviving a period of unwellness one outfit at a time'. I am aiming for the first draft to be completed in June 2024.

To follow JP on his creative journey, see the links below!

Website: https://www.jpmichaels.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jp.michaels/

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