Meet Michelle

Rediscovering Confidence and New Beginnings with Dress for Success NSW & ACT

Michelle Carr is a contemporary war widow and Sydney based emerging ceramic artist. In 2015, her husband Major Matthew Carr, passed away aged 38 years, after serving in the Australian Army for 19 years. At the time their son was two and daughter was just three months old.

Ceramics provided Michelle with a new focus and sense of identity, allowing her to tap back into the rhythm of life to carry her family forward. Through her practice, Michelle explores the elements of grief, energy, and life.

Michelle’s beautiful delicate porcelain slip cast works include sculptural wall installations stained in symbolic colours arranged in geometric patterns to suggest connections, growth, evolution, and change. Genie bottles that represent our hopes, wishes, dreams and desires. Spinning tops because life continues to spin us in different directions and some enchanting functional cups, and bowls. Each artwork is unique, precious, and reflective of the gift of life.

When asked to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 71st Anzac Field of Remembrance in 2023, she felt both honoured and challenged, needing an outfit fitting for such a significant occasion. Before connecting with Dress for Success, Michelle was nervous about her presentation. “I was struggling to be able to afford anything appropriate for this special event. I was hopeful that Dress for Success would be able to help me find something.”

At her styling session, Michelle was warmly welcomed by Julie, who helped her feel at ease. “My volunteer stylist was lovely and let me try on so many different options. My styling experience made me feel valued, supported, and empowered. I felt very confident knowing I had a great outfit for this MC role.”

Each time she wears the pieces from her styling session, she reflects on the support she received: “These clothes were given with no strings attached, simply to help me feel confident and to look my best – and that’s what makes both the clothes and this organisation so extraordinary.”

Michelle's experience with Dress for Success extended beyond styling. She accessed various services, including the Career Hub and one-on-one career support for her LinkedIn profile and aspirations. “The most meaningful part of my experience was the transformative blend of confidence building and community,” she shares.

Her advice to other women considering Dress for Success services is simple: “Go for it! I’ve heard that no two women ever look the same when they walk through the door – each of us has our own story and career goals. Dress for Success understands this and tailors their support to your unique needs. I encourage you to book a styling session and explore their online services. Knowing there’s a place dedicated to helping women at any stage of their careers is incredibly reassuring and empowering.”

Dress for Success has not only empowered Michelle through styling but has also provided the support she needed to explore new opportunities.

“I’ve started saying yes to opportunities I once felt were out of reach. Knowing that I can always seek career advice and guidance from such a positive and encouraging community has made all the difference in my journey toward financial independence.”


Looking to the future, Michelle feels a renewed sense of purpose: “This experience has given me the courage to pursue opportunities I hadn’t considered before and to envision a future where I can thrive both in my career and personal growth.”
She encourages all women to embrace their journeys, acknowledging that life can change unexpectedly due to challenges such as grief, injury, divorce, caregiving responsibilities, or job loss. “These experiences can shake our confidence and make us question our future, but they can also lead to new beginnings.”

Learn more about Dress for Success NSW & ACT

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