Hi, I’m Brandi McMichael (formerly Shigley). My story is one of second chances, creative leaps, and a faith that’s guided me through every twist and turn. I was abandoned at birth in the Philippines, orphaned, fostered, and adopted at 16 months old — a beginning that planted in me a deep understanding of hope, belonging, and resilience.

I grew up in Colorado, where my dad operated tower cranes for many of Denver’s iconic skyscrapers and my mom worked at a bank on 1st and Broadway. Denver runs deep in my veins, and it’s the backdrop where my creative journey unfolded.

My creative spark ignited in 1999 when I made my first handbag — a small act that led to a global adventure, with my pieces landing in boutiques around the world and even finding a special place at the Paris Opera. From there, I founded Fashion Denver, a community hub for local designers that’s still thriving 21 years later.

Over the years, I’ve been honored with recognition like 5280 Magazine’s Top Up-and-Comer and Westword’s Mastermind Award for helping grow Denver’s independent arts scene. But for me, the real reward is seeing creativity bring people together and inspire hope.

Giving back has always been part of my heartbeat — from organizing clothing drives for shelters to supporting clean water projects in my birth country, to emceeing events for nonprofits. I believe creativity shines brightest when it serves a greater purpose, and my faith continually calls me to be a light in the world.

Today, I pour my energy into work that inspires me: producing CreativeMornings / Denver to connect our creative community, breathing new life into Fashion Denver, and serving on the Ballpark RNO board to help shape our neighborhood’s future.

If I’ve learned anything along the way, it’s this: with faith, love, and a little or a lotta creativity, we can make something truly beautiful. So let’s dream big, roll up our sleeves, and bring it to life.