Crafty Divas and Entrepreneurial Empresses

2004's Diva
Michal Dagan
of Michal Dagan Designs

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Bio
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Being a stranger in a strange land is nothing new to Michal Dagan Levison. Born in Israel and raised in and around New York City, where the rhythm and beat of Manhattan inspired her to express the truly unique nature of Manhattanites, Michal has developed a line of wearable art that is all at once exotic, elegant and edgy. From a young age, Michal was encouraged by her parents to express herself in creative ways, whether building complex structures out of mashed potatoes or making old T-shirts come to life in a new shape. She started off as a concert pianist, but when an injury forced her to stop playing, she moved into other artistic media such as painting, sculpting, graphic design, costume and set design, theater and film directing, interior decorating, metalsmithing, accessory design and jewelry making.

After graduating from Tufts University, Michal set off into the corporate world, planning events such as golf tournaments and hot air balloon festivals. Eager to use her talents in a more socially conscious way, Michal brought her expertise to the non-profit world. As Director of Development for the Coalition for the Homeless, she led all fundraising efforts for the organization. She even designed a handbag specifically for the Coalition's Women Mean Business Luncheon. Since she moved into a consulting role, Michal has been able to help numerous organizations with their event, marketing and fundraising strategies.

During all this time, she was making accessories exclusively for friends and relatives. With the help and support of her devoted husband Zack, she decided to bring her passion for design to others. Now, her extraordinary sense of style is available worldwide. Blending old and new, Michal creates pieces that are sophisticated and dynamic, with a flair for the unusual.

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The Interview
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The Basic Lowdown:

Girlposse.com: Who are you?
Michal Dagan: I am a twenty-seven year old former fundraiser and event planner currently thriving in New York City as a designer. I'm married, have a dog and live in a tiny New York apartment.

Girlposse.com: Where are you located?
Michal Dagan: New York City, of course.

Girlposse.com: What is your creation / business?
Michal Dagan: I design and make jewelry, handbags and other accessories. I typically work with semi-precious stones, recycled leather and other natural materials.

Girlposse.com: Where can people buy your stuff?
Michal Dagan: On my website - www.michaldagan.com - or at any of the 21 stores that currently carry my line. The stores are located up and down the East Coast, Los Angeles, the Midwest and Europe.

Girlposse.com: Tell us something about yourself - your personality:
Michal Dagan: I'm a cotton candy fanatic with a flare for style, a love for my husband and family, and a lust for life.

The Nitty Gritty:

Girlposse.com: How long have you been doing this?
Michal Dagan: I made my first necklace out of pasta at the age of five. I have been designing and creating ever since, and have been in business for 16 months.

Girlposse.com: Beginning a business is a big step. How did this become a "business" vs. just a "hobby""?
Michal Dagan: I started making accessories for friends and family and before I knew it, strangers were wondering where they could buy my designs. After several months of requests, I decided to start a business. I built a website and started selling to boutiques. The press requests started rolling in and I was on my way.

Girlposse.com: Did you have previous business experience - or was the business end new to you?
Michal Dagan: I came from a marketing, fundraising and event planning background. Although running a business was new to me, I had a good grasp of basic business skills.

Girlposse.com: What was (is) your biggest obstacle in selling what you create?
Michal Dagan: I have a hard time marketing myself. Fortunately, the products sell themselves, so I don't have to do it as much.

Girlposse.com: Do you find it difficult coming up with original ideas?
Michal Dagan: I have quite the opposite problem - I have too many ideas and not enough time on my hands!

Girlposse.com: Have you ever fallen in love with one of your purses and just couldn't part with it? How do you battle wanting to keep everything you create for yourself?
Michal Dagan: Absolutely. The inherent problem is that I only design things that I would want to buy. Fortunately, making something that someone else falls in love with is even more rewarding.

Girlposse.com: Are there any plans to expand your product line?
Michal Dagan: We are constantly expanding. This summer, the flip flops and beach bags were added and there are a few new products coming out for the fall.

Girlposse.com: What keeps you going on a bad day?
Michal Dagan: Sugar. Oh, and my amazing husband Zack, my adorable and crazy dog Jackie and my supportive family and friends.

Girlposse.com: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
Michal Dagan: There's a great thrift store named Red, White and Blue; Anbar Shoe Steal is the best place for amazing deals on designer shoes; and 30 Vandam is a great place to find up and coming designers.

Girlposse.com: What was the best piece of advice you've been given?
Michal Dagan: You can accomplish whatever you set your mind to.

Girlposse.com: What advice would you give to a future Crafty Diva?
Michal Dagan: Take it slow. Don't rush into a business just because you feel pressured. Make sure you take the necessary steps to building a sound business with a solid structure. Then, let your creativity take over.

~July 2004

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Your Chance to Win!
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This month Michal Dagan is giving you a chance to win these fabulous earrings!

You'll look like a princess when you adorn your ears with these stunners. Made of blue chalcedony, smoky topaz and amethyst, these elegant baubles will catch any light and attract everyone's attention to you.

Retail value: $120

Visit our Contests area for details and to enter. Good luck!

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Are you a Crafty Diva and Entrepreneurial Empress? Or do you know one that should be featured in a future Girlposse.com issue? If so, visit our Crafty Diva Info Page for the details.
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