I have been a big fan of the online shop Roxie Sweetheart for a while, it reminds me of my time in Hong Kong, and Michelle, the founder of the brand, came and visited me whilst I was there, to hunt for trinkets and animations to use as inspirations for her collections. Quirky and delightful, Roxie Sweetheart never fails to catch your eye!

Michelle, tell us more about yourself and what you do?
Hello! I am the creator and director of a lovely little company called Roxie Sweetheart!
Roxie Sweetheart is a dressing up box of colourful, creative and cutesy accessories with unique illustrations and quirky prints. Accessorize with pick’n'mix shapes, textures and trinkets…for the beautiful girl who wants to be noticed and create her own fairytale harajuku style! Kawaii! Roxie Sweetheart girls are also fun, creative, passionate and fashionable.

Who/what inspires you and why?
I am inspired by everything; music, art, fashion, nature and architecture.
I adore Japanese culture, art and street fashion. Harajuku girls are my idols, they are not afraid to express themselves, and looking cute does not mean being silly! They know how to layer, how to use colour and combine designers like Vivienne Westwood with Vintage and Hello Kitty!

What do you love about being a woman in the world?
Being able to choose a slice of chocolate fudge cake over a man any day… and not feel guilty about it!

Where are your five must-go destinations for inspiration, life..?
There are many places I still want to travel around the world.
Biggest must-go destinations are Japan (top of my list!), Paris, New York, Thailand and Barcelona.
I am going to visit Barcelona this year just for the stunning and intricate Gaudi architecture, it’s truly amazing!

What has been your proudest moment so far?
My proudest moment has been taking a huge risk by first moving to London a year ago, with no job and no stability I experienced some tough times, but I stuck through it in order to get nearer to reaching my goals and achieving a good career. I am still working hard but I have made some fabulous friends and contacts along the way : )

Which five tracks make Michelle’s day?
Feel-good tunes are good for motivation throughout a busy day in London…
My current top 5 are:
‘Please Mr Postman’ – The Marvelettes
‘Animal’ – Miike Snow
‘It’s Not Fair’ – Lily Allen
‘Coffee and TV’ – Blur
‘Independent Woman’ – Destiny’s Child.

What are your five must-have, can’t live without fashion and beauty items?
I am addicted to MAC make-up! One of my top five would be my two favourite MAC lipsticks (which actually stay on all day…!) ‘So Chaud’ and ‘Chatter Box’.
I also can’t live without my Max Factor Masterpiece MAX mascara, rose tinted Vaseline, Vaseline with aloe vera body lotion and my Gwen Stefani Harajuku Lover’s perfume in ‘Music’ which smells delicious!

What makes you jump-in-the-air happy?
Good friends, music and food in the sunshine

What is your life Motto?
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind… and above all, love what you do.

What is next for you creatively?
I am going to continue designing and promoting Roxie Sweetheart. I believe gaining experience and contacts within the industry is the most important thing you can do, as well as keep being creative all the time, in whichever way you can. I am always designing, making and thinking of new ideas, so keep your eyes peeled for new Roxie Sweetheart collections!

Quick fire round: What is your favourite?
Shop: Gothic Lolita, Camden
Book: “Harry Hill’s TV Burp” Book (hilarious if you have a random sense of humour)
Website/blog: Neurotica – sweet meets sinister clothing… www.thisisneurotica.co.uk
Hang-out: Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club, Bethnal Green/ The Cat and Mutton, Broadway Market, London.
City: London (East-side!)
Must-have beauty item: MAC Lipsticks
TV prog: Louis Theroux ‘Weird Weekends’
Food: Parma Ham (in any form…)

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you, Michelle?
Sassy Minx is about embracing being a woman, loving yourself and what you do!

For cute accessories and jewellery visit the Roxie Sweetheart Boutique at www.roxiesweetheart.co.uk!
Also check out my blog http://roxiesweetheart.blogspot.com/