Listed as one of the top 3 female entrepreneurs in the UK, Michelle has built a hugely successful career on an incredibly simple concept: giving today's women what they want

Michelle is the founder and co-owner of MJM International and the creator of Ultimo, the UK’s leading designer lingerie brand.

Entrepreneurial spirit was prevalent from an early age in Michelle, who grew up in the east end of Glasgow. Michelle left school at 15 yrs old with no qualifications to find full-time, employment after her father was struck down by an illness leaving him confined to a wheelchair. To support her family Michelle took on a job at Labatt Brewers’ and quickly climbed the ranks from office junior to senior manager, running the Sales & Marketing team by the time she was just 20 yrs old. But it was in 1996 when her idea for Ultimo was born. Whilst attending a dinner dance with her husband Michael, Michelle was wearing a very uncomfortable cleavage enhancing bra and, as a result, had a ‘light bulb’ moment; Michelle decided to invent a bra that was more comfortable, more innovative, more attractive and more cleavage enhancing than any other bra on the market. MJM International Ltd was set up in November 1996.

Since launching the business Michelle has established herself as one of Scotland’s most successful exports; in 2000 Ultimo shot to prominence when Hollywood actress Julia Roberts wore an Ulitmo gel-bra for her role in US blockbuster Erin Brockovich. Later that year Michelle also won the coveted 'World Young Business Achiever Award’ at the Epcot Centre, Florida, and scooped 'Business Woman of the Year' at the Corporate Elite Awards in London.   

In 2001 Prince Charles invited Michelle to join the Board of Directors for The Princes Scottish Youth Business Trust and more recently his Board of Main Council, confirming her status as one of the UK’s leading female entrepreneurs. Michelle also won ‘Best Newcomer’ at the British Apparel Export Awards, presented by HRH the Princess Royal, adding to her long list of awards, accolades and recognitions.

In October 2005 Michelle attended a speaking engagement with former US president Bill Clinton and Mikhail Gorbachev, and went on to support the Sultan of Oman in setting up women’s enterprise in the Middle East.  Michelle has since become a high-profile guest at speaking engagements and corporate events all over the world.

Over the years the business has gone from strength-to-strength, developing beyond the original umbrella of Ultimo to encompass Ultimo D-G Cup, Ultimo Black Label, Ultimo Shapewear, Ultimo Swimwear and partner lines including ‘Adore Moi’ for Debenhams and ‘Michelle for George’ for Asda, named after Michelle herself.
 
As well as designing fashion lingerie, Ultimo boasts eight worldwide patented inventions, including the Ultimo ‘Miracle’ backless body. In addition to its jointly owned brands, MJM International Ltd currently supply Debenhams, Asda, Next, Figleaves and Asos.com, along with a number of independent lingerie stores throughout Europe.

Since launching almost 12 years ago, Ultimo has established a huge profile and loyal customer base within the UK and contracts with a string of stunning, high-profile models and celebrities, including Penny Lancaster, Rachel Hunter, Helena Christensen, Sarah Harding and, currently the face and body of Ultimo, Spice Girl Mel B.  

2008 was a mammoth year for Michelle professionally. In addition to unveiling Mel B as the ‘face and body’ of Ultimo, Michelle appeared on the hit BBC TV show The Apprentice and signed a huge deal with Debenhams, launching a further 20 ‘shop in shop’ boutiques throughout the UK. Michelle also took her brand stateside and showed at New York Fashion Week in Sep 08, the very first UK lingerie brand to make it onto the runway at the annual show.  

Michelle currently lives on the outskirts of Glasgow with her husband Michael and their three children. Michelle has achieved a remarkable level of success to date, juggling the demands of her business, together with motherhood, but – in her own words – ‘this is only the beginning’.

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