Michelle Glew-Ross

Michelle Glew-Ross founded My General Store to bring beauty into the rhythm of everyday life. Here, she reflects on family, creativity, and the quiet joy of making with care and intention.

Photos LANA LANSBERRY, JERUSHA SUTTON & CAROLINE MCCREDIE

‘My General Store began as a way to bring a sense of quality and beauty into the everyday—using high-end fabrics to create simple, thoughtful shapes designed to be worn and loved,’ shares Michelle Glew-Ross. Photo: Lana Lansberry

‘Goonengerry House has been a very special project to work on. We bought the property three years ago, nestled in the hinterland of Byron Bay, surrounded by waterfalls, rainforest, ocean and rolling hills.’ Photo: Lana Lansberry. Main hero photo: Jerusha Sutton.

‘I’m drawn to natural elements, layered textures, and a mix of old and new. I prefer calm, organised spaces with minimal clutter, where everything has purpose and meaning.’ Photo: Lana Lansberry

‘There’s something about the energy of the place—it has this calming, grounding presence. I love being able to share that with others and to offer a space where people can slow down, reset, and reconnect with themselves and with nature.’ Photo: Lana Lansberry

‘The aesthetic of My General Store is grounded in simplicity, natural beauty, and thoughtful design. I’m drawn to timeless shapes, natural fibres, and quiet details that reveal themselves slowly.’ Photo: Jerusha Sutton

Hello Michelle—can you introduce yourself?

Hi I’m Michelle Glew-Ross, founder and creative director of My General Store.

Can you tell us a little about your creative journey—where did it all begin for you?

My creative journey has been unfolding for as long as I can remember. I started out working with fashion designers as a publicist, which gave me a deep appreciation for the industry and its rhythm. But it wasn’t until I had my children that things began to shift. That slower pace gave me room to dream and explore creativity in a more personal way—at home, making all sorts of things simply for the joy of it. Over time, those quiet beginnings evolved into My General Store, which started from a simple desire: to make beautiful things for everyday life.

What inspired you to start My General Store, and how has the brand evolved since its early days?

The idea for My General Store was first sparked by my mum. She always saved ‘the good things’ for guests—the pressed linens, the special ceramics, the polished cutlery. I remember helping her prepare for dinner parties, watching her peel the plastic off the good sofa and bring out pieces that felt like treasures. I never quite understood why those beautiful things weren’t part of daily life. That stayed with me.

MGS began as a way to bring that sense of quality and beauty into the everyday—using high-end fabrics to create simple, thoughtful shapes designed to be worn and loved. Since then, the brand has evolved slowly and gently, expanding from clothing into a lifestyle. But the heart of it remains the same: celebrating life’s simple pleasures with considered pieces made to last.

Describe a typical day in the studio. How do you like to structure your workday?

No two days are quite the same, but they’re always full. I work across many facets of the business, so things tend to move quickly. We usually start the day with a team check-in to debrief and set out tasks—and then I bounce. That’s what I call it: bouncing from one part of the business to the next.

It could be a fabric meeting, a design or pattern review, prepping an EDM, coordinating with our production team, or planning a new marketing campaign. The days are fluid, fast, and creative.

There’s always green tea involved—lots of it. And then in the afternoons, I shift gears into mum-mode, driving my boys to their after-school activities. I pack my laptop and often work from the car while I wait. That’s one of the beautiful things about working for myself—I’ve built a rhythm that allows for flexibility. It’s busy, but it works.

How would you describe the aesthetic and philosophy that underpins My General Store—and what do you hope people feel when they wear your pieces?

The aesthetic of My General Store is grounded in simplicity, natural beauty, and thoughtful design. I’m drawn to timeless shapes, natural fibres, and quiet details that reveal themselves slowly. There’s often a sense of ease in the pieces—something that feels both considered and lived-in.

At its heart, the philosophy of MGS is about celebrating life’s simple pleasures. It’s about surrounding yourself with beautiful, well-made things—not just for special occasions, but for the rhythm of everyday life.

When someone wears an MGS piece, I hope they feel a sense of calm, comfort, and confidence. That they feel like themselves, but a little more at ease. I want the clothes to live with you—to move from morning to evening, city to country, season to season—and to feel quietly special every time you put them on.

You’re also the founder of Goonengerry House—a beautifully curated retreat in Byron. How did that project come to life, and what does it mean to you personally?

Thank you—that’s so lovely to hear. Goonengerry House has been a very special project to work on. We bought the property three years ago, nestled in the hinterland of Byron Bay, surrounded by waterfalls, rainforest, ocean and rolling hills. It’s a world away from our busy Sydney life—and from the moment we arrived, it felt like a kind of sanctuary.

After spending time there with our family and friends, we felt so restored by the experience that we decided to open the house to guests. There’s something about the energy of the place—it has this calming, grounding presence. I love being able to share that with others and to offer a space where people can slow down, reset, and reconnect with themselves and with nature.

Guests are encouraged to spend as much time outdoors as possible, to soak in the water that comes directly from an ancient spring, and to just let everything slow. You leave feeling lighter, more open, and ready to face the world again.

For me personally, it’s my cocoon—a place I go to rest, regroup, and let go. Being able to offer that same sense of care and renewal to others is something I feel extremely grateful for.

What are you currently working on—any new projects or upcoming releases you’re excited about?

We’re currently working on expanding our MGS Home offering, something I’ve been dreaming about for quite some time. When I first launched the brand, it began with a pair of pyjamas, a set of napkins, a stripe wrap, and even an ironing board cover. From the beginning, the vision was always broader than just clothing—it was about creating beautiful, useful pieces for everyday living.

Over time, the apparel side of the business naturally took the lead and developed its own momentum. But now, it feels like the right moment to return to that original intention and explore the world of MGS Home. I’m really excited to grow this part of the brand and bring more of that quiet, everyday beauty into people’s spaces.

‘Sustainability, for me, is about thoughtfulness—being considered in what we make, how we make it, and how it fits into someone’s life.’ Photo: Caroline McCredie

‘My personal style really informs how I design—it usually begins with the question: Would I wear this? That’s the foundation for every piece.’ Photo: Caroline McCredie

“I’m not the best at asking for help, but I’ve learnt how important it is. The people in your life are there because they love you. Let them in.”

— MICHELLE GLEW-ROSS

Whether at home in Sydney or at Goonengerry House, Michelle Glew-Ross’ approach to curating spaces is all about working with the soul of the house. Photo: Lana Lansberry

‘Day-to-day, I lean toward a more minimalist style. I’m drawn to classic staples with clean lines—pieces that feel effortless but considered.’ Photo: Jerusha Sutton

‘At Goonengerry House, I’ve approached the space with a sense of play. It’s a rustic farmhouse with wild gardens and a relaxed, imperfect charm, which has allowed me to be more adventurous with colour, texture, and pattern.’ Photo: Lana Lansberry

A corner of the beautiful kitchen space at Goonengerry House. Photo: Lana Lansberry

What role does sustainability or conscious design play in your creative practice?

Sustainability, for me, is about thoughtfulness—being considered in what we make, how we make it, and how it fits into someone’s life. At My General Store, I work primarily with natural fibres, and I try to keep things as local and small-scale as possible. Many of our pieces are made in limited runs to avoid overproduction.

I’ve also used remnant fabrics over the years—sometimes even synthetic ones—if it means giving something a new life rather than letting it go to waste. I think there are many ways to approach sustainability, and mine is rooted in making with care, creating timeless pieces that last, and growing the business slowly and intentionally. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about doing the best we can, as often as we can.

Where do you draw inspiration from when designing—are there particular references or rituals that ground your process?

I’m deeply inspired by imagery from the 1960s and 70s, especially scenes of people on holiday. There’s a certain ease and elegance in those photos that I find endlessly captivating. They evoke a timeless sense of style, and they transport me to another era, one that feels both nostalgic and free.

Spending time in nature is also a vital part of my creative process. It’s where I feel most grounded. Sitting with my feet on the earth, closing my eyes, listening to the sounds around me, feeling the air, it’s where ideas begin to flow. That stillness creates space for creativity to rise.

And then there’s travel. Being somewhere unfamiliar where the colours are different, the smells are new, and everything feels fresh and completely opens my senses. Whether it’s the sea, the mountains, the streets of a small village or a busy city, inspiration is everywhere when you're present to it. That feeling of being on holiday, the wide eyed curiosity and the difference in the light is something I always try to bring back into my work.

What does your personal style look like day-to-day—is it an extension of the My General Store brand?

Yes, absolutely. My personal style really informs how I design—it usually begins with the question: Would I wear this? That’s the foundation for every piece.

Day-to-day, I lean toward a more minimalist style. I’m drawn to classic staples with clean lines—pieces that feel effortless but considered. I also love individualistic pieces—those with a style and character of their own that stand out quietly. My style is often grounded in neutrals, natural fabrics, and classic silhouettes. In winter, I gravitate toward structured, pared-back layers. In summer, I soften things with more feminine cuts and fabrics.

How do you balance the demands of running a business, designing collections, and being present for family life?

I don’t—haha! But in all seriousness, I’ve learned that in order to function well, I need to be incredibly organised, and for me, that starts at home. When my space is clean and calm, I can think clearly. If the house is in chaos, everything feels harder.

Being present for my boys is non-negotiable. I make it a priority to take them to their afternoon and weekend activities, which means many hours spent working from the car—answering emails or sketching design ideas while I wait at training. I’ve had to learn how to stay flexible and open to doing what I can, when I can.

And then there are the lists. I’m an avid list-maker. I keep a constantly evolving one on my phone, adding and crossing things off each day. Whatever doesn’t get done rolls over to the next. Everything goes in there, from work tasks to reminders to call a friend—because otherwise my mind just gets too full. It helps me feel grounded, and like I’m keeping all the moving parts (just) in motion.

Are there any daily rituals or non-negotiables that keep you grounded or inspired?

Every morning, I start my day with a cup of Shilajit tea, a powerful mineral resin sourced from the Himalayan mountains. It helps with my clarity and energy, setting me up for the day ahead.

What’s been the most surprising or rewarding part of your journey so far—either creatively or personally?

One of the most rewarding parts of the journey has been seeing the pieces come to life and then seeing our customers truly love and connect with them. That never stops feeling special. It honestly makes my heart sing.

We’re a very small business, and I’m involved in every part of it from designing to packing orders and handwriting a note with each one. So, I feel deeply connected to every piece that goes out the door. When something resonates, when we see that love reflected from our customers, it’s incredibly meaningful. It makes all the hard work feel worthwhile.

How do you approach curating your spaces, both at home and at Goonengerry House—are there objects or pieces that hold particular meaning?

My approach to curating spaces,whether at home in Sydney or at Goonengerry, is all about working with the soul of the house. I like to begin by honouring the architecture and feeling of the space, then building on that with considered pieces that bring warmth, character, and a sense of ease.

I’m drawn to natural elements, layered textures, and a mix of old and new. I prefer calm, organised spaces with minimal clutter, where everything has purpose and meaning. Many of the pieces we live with have been collected slowly over time or passed down from loved ones and they each carry a special story. I believe a home should reflect the life lived within it, so legacy and sentiment are a big part of how I curate.

Clay is a favourite material, and I’ve become quite obsessed with collecting pottery. I love filling the spaces with handmade pieces by clever makers whose work brings so much beauty into everyday rituals.

At Goonengerry House, I’ve approached the space with a sense of play. It’s a rustic farmhouse with wild gardens and a relaxed, imperfect charm, which has allowed me to be more adventurous with colour, texture, and pattern. While much of the design came together fairly quickly, it’s the kind of space I’ll continue to build on over time, layering in new pieces, adding fresh colour, and letting it evolve in a fun, expressive way.

Our Sydney home, by contrast, was built in 1959 and has a mid-century clarity to it, neat lines, minimal storage, and large glass windows that let in incredible light. It’s a space that needs structure, so everything has its place. We’ve softened the architecture by using drapery in unexpected ways like wardrobe dividers. The furniture’s been collected over the years, often we’ve chosen pieces to mark a special moment or simply because we loved the design. Together, they tell the story of our life, one layer at a time.

And finally, what advice would you give to others pursuing a creative life, particularly women balancing business and family?

This is a big question, and I believe the answer is different for everyone depending on your values and circumstances. One thing I do know is that there’s often an unrealistic expectation for women to ‘do it all’, and that pressure can take a real toll on our health and wellbeing.

At the same time, I truly believe in the incredible power women have to create and achieve. We’re resilient and capable—and when we’re doing something that brings us joy, we’re unstoppable. That joy is your compass. If what you’re doing lights you up, that’s what matters most.

My advice is to surround yourself with a strong support network, people who understand not just the practical demands, but also the emotional load that comes with raising children and running a business. I started My General Store when my boys were young, as a creative outlet that gave me flexibility. It’s been such a gift to build something of my own while staying present for them. But of course, there are days when it feels overwhelming.

I’m not the best at asking for help, but I’ve learnt how important it is. The people in your life are there because they love you. Let them in.

There will be ups and downs, wins and losses but if you love what you’re doing, keep going. Keep setting new goals. And don’t be afraid to let it start slowly while you find your rhythm. It’s not a race. Sometimes slow and steady builds the strongest foundation.

To stay up to date with Michelle’s collections, visit the My General Store website or follow @mygeneral_store on Instagram.