At SCHS we were encouraged to nurture our intellectual capabilities and were given the space to question and probe
Michelle Noel
Class of 1996
Tell us about your current role and what the job entails
I’m the founder of MNN Agency, a sales and brand management consultant in the fashion and lifestyle industry.
Briefly describe some of the key roles you’ve held in the past
My key roles have been in international sales management, which involves brand development, strategy planning, diplomacy, and confident communication, all of which led me to start my own business. I have also worked as a lecturer to Fashion & Marketing students at INSEEC Business School and I am a member of the advisory committee for Fashion Roundtable, a think tank for the fashion industry.
What do you think are the top three qualities/skills required to be successful in your role/field?
- Exploring your passion in your field of choice and enjoying it.
- Having the confidence to evolve and execute your business plans.
- Resilience and integrity.
If you weren’t doing what you do now, what career path might you have taken?
I would either be an anthrophologist or teacher.
What does it mean to you to be a Streatham & Clapham alumna?
Very proud, because we were encouraged to nurture our intellectual capabilities and we were given the space to question and probe. These are skills which I and my wonderfully diverse year group took with us and used to shape our dynamic careers.
How do you think your education at SCHS prepared you for life after school?
Fearless determination!
Tell us about any further/higher education that you undertook after you left school
I studied Fine Arts Painting BA at Camberwell School of Arts and Central Saint Martins.
Who inspires you?
- Mrs Joan Rudd – my French A Level teacher
- James Baldwin – author
- David Adjaye – architect
- Lynette Yiadom-Boakye – painter
- Rei Kawakubo – designer
What piece of advice would you give to a current pupil contemplating a career in your sector?
- Equip yourself with these three essential skills: Technical, communicatory and interpersonal
- Research companies and brands you are interested in for Intern Programmes
- Be persistent and start from the ground up; everyone must start somewhere!
What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?
Speak up more when in doubt and pursue your passion.