Hi. My name is Michelle. Everyone I come across tells me I look early 20's. What do you think? I'm of native American Indian descent and a California native (San Diego to be exact). While in California I learned to surf & skate (which I still do when I'm in the right area). These are themselves art forms.

I've always been drawn to the arts in all forms. I come from a family of artists and medical professions. My grandfather served in the military and on the side he painted, designed clothing, and was a tailor. My parents were military/medical. Growing up was interesting. I lived in California until age 15 at which point we moved to Philadelphia where I learned more than I thought about diversity and more of the art world. I moved to Oregon for college and while there I had an opportunity to see a whole new world. I met so many spiritual people such as myself I felt at home there more than I ever had in my life (part of my heart is still there). I was inspired not only spiritually but also to continue on the path of my dreams of becoming an artist. I met a variety of glassblowers and while I was studying for finals, I watched and learned the art of glass blowing. I then became pregnant with my son J.J. who is now 10. I moved from Oregon to Chicago in 1999 at which time I was employed as a paralegal for a prestigious law firm. The whole time I loved my career but knew it wasn't meant for me. So I moved to Lacon, IL where I woke up one morning and said "This is it. I'm going to do what my heart desires and become the artist that has been trapped inside for years." Inspired by my grandfather, my sister, my son, and Littlefeet, I came up with my own clothing line. While coming up with my own clothing line I learned how to design, started up my business, and learned to blow glass. I incorporate my glass blowing techniques into my clothing which makes art within art. Currently my son and Littlefeet help with designing and have a big interest not only in glass blowing but help run this company.

My son and Littlefeet are a great help. They enjoy going on the road with me to help promote and sell my products. I am a huge NASCAR fan. I grew up around race tracks as that was the family past time. So now I find myself wanting to have the opportunity to incorporate my products and company into the NASCAR world. This would not only be an honor but also would be the adventure of my lifetime.

Here's how I came up with my company name. My grandfather was in the delivery room when I came out he said to my grandmother, "Bean - her nickname is Bean, 'cause she looks shaped like one." Grandma agreed. The first half of the name was even easier than that. The surfer/skater in me plus my So-Cal personality came up with "cool." So, we have Cool Beans Clothing & More Inc.

I hoped you enjoyed reading my biography as much as I have had living and writing it.

Attitude...mine is contageous...is yours worth catching?

See ya on the road.

Shell