At an age when most teenagers are navigating the typical challenges of high school, Michella Filipowitz was navigating the streets of Paris with dreams of becoming a model. At just 15 years old, she left her family behind without notice to chase her ambition in the fashion capital of the world. “I didn’t even tell my family. I just left,” Michella recalls. “When my mom called me a few weeks later, I told her she could visit me in Paris, but I wasn’t coming back.” While the modeling industry was everything she had imagined in terms of glamour and excitement, it also presented her with unexpected emotional challenges. “At such a young age, I was exposed to things that were difficult to handle, and there was no one I could talk to about it,” she shares.

Isolated and unsure of her place in the fast-paced world of fashion, Michella found little empathy from those around her. Her agent, in particular, dismissed her concerns, leaving her feeling even more disconnected. Realizing that modeling wasn’t giving her the fulfillment she craved, Michella made the bold decision to leave the industry at 17. She relocated to London and redirected her energy toward the world of art. Her work with HUS Gallery ignited a passion for art dealing, and she began to immerse herself in the stories behind each piece she encountered. “Art became my way of connecting with people and their stories,” she explains. “Each piece I dealt with had its own narrative, and I loved the idea that a work of art could represent someone’s history.”

Today, Michella lives in Sydney, where she has built a successful career as a private art dealer, sourcing rare pieces for clients across the globe. Despite the perception that her life has been a seamless rise from model to art dealer, Michella’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and overcoming personal challenges. At 23, Michella’s life took an unexpected turn when she became a single mother. Her son, Benjamin, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, which presented her with a new set of challenges. “Becoming a single mother and learning about my son’s autism was overwhelming at first,” she admits. “But with the support of my mother and close friends, I learned how to provide the best possible life for him.”

Her journey with Benjamin inspired her to co-found the DR Family Foundation with her fiancé, an organization dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and their families. “The foundation is all about giving back,” she explains. “We help pay school fees for children with disabilities and are working on building a home for children who are in difficult family situations. It’s about creating a safe, supportive community.” Michella’s passion for inclusivity extends beyond her son’s needs. She is an advocate for children with disabilities worldwide, working to break down the barriers that often limit their opportunities.

“All children deserve to be part of society,” she says. “It’s up to us to make sure that they have the resources and support they need to thrive.” Through the DR Family Foundation, Michella is creating a world where children with disabilities are fully supported and integrated into the community. Her mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to succeed. “I’ve faced a lot of challenges in my life,” she reflects. “But each one has made me stronger and given me a deeper understanding of what really matters. I wouldn’t change anything about my journey.” To stay updated on Michella Filipowitz’s work and the DR Family Foundation, follow her on Instagram @princessmichella.