Who Am I? (Spoiler: It's Me!)

Hi, I’m Brandi McMichael! (Formerly Shigley—but at 48, I married Patrick, my incredible partner-in-life and our local neighborhood architect. He’s passionate about making sure our neighborhood stays safe, vibrant, and full of character—kind of like our own little corner of the world!

I’m a designer, dreamer, and doer who loves helping others turn their ideas into action—all while keeping my faith at the center of everything I do.

My story began in the Philippines, where I was abandoned at birth, orphaned, fostered, and adopted at 16 months old. 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, even though I’m adopted, and it’s a city that’s shaped my journey in every way.

My creative path started in 1999 when I made my first handbag. What began as a small spark grew into something I never imagined—my designs ended up in boutiques around the world, even finding a special place at the Paris Opera. From there, I founded Fashion Denver, a community dedicated to supporting local designers and bringing people together through creativity.

Along the way, I’ve been honored with recognition like being named “Top Up and Comer of the Year” by 5280 Magazine and earning Westword’s “Mastermind Award” for helping grow Denver’s independent arts scene. But to me, these moments are just reminders of the power that comes when we follow our passions and trust God to guide our journey.

Giving back has always been close to my heart. Whether it’s organizing clothing drives for shelters, supporting clean water projects in my birth country, or emceeing events for nonprofits, I believe creativity is at its best when it serves a greater purpose. My faith reminds me that we’re called to be a light in the world, and I strive to reflect that in every part of my journey.

These days, I pour my energy into roles that inspire me: I’m the Executive Producer for CreativeMornings Denver, where I help bring the creative community together, and Fashion Denver is getting a fresh gust of energy in its 21st year! I’m also proud to serve on the Ballpark RNO board, contributing to the vibrancy and growth of our local community.

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

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