It's hard to believe that a woman as beautiful and stylish as Grace would have ever been mistaken for a boy! However, growing up in rural China, Grace was not exposed to the world of fashion. She lived in her brothers hand-me-downs, until she moved to Shanghai and fell in love with all things fashion while becoming a teacher.
Fast forward a few years and now this Leading Lady is one of the most stylish women in Michigan – and easily the most fashionable teacher we've ever seen! So much so, that she is now a local TV fashion host, where she gets to take a peek into coveted closets around town and talk beauty and fashion.
What's truly inspiring about Grace isn't her fashion sense or gorgeous smile – it's her passion and drive to work hard for what she wants. Not only does she put her energy into inspiring and motivating her students, but she makes the time to pursue her passion and creativity through her blog, Color and Grace, and TV segment. She has a devoted following of fans, who not only love her ability to infuse pops of color and a little bit of edge to her classic looks, but also her ability to empower women to look and feel their best while going after their dreams.
Read on to learn more about our interview with Grace and get ready for some serious closet envy!
1. {SS}: What is your curre
nt profession?
{Grace}: My day job is a middle school and high school teacher now. I got my Bachelors Degree in Education while I lived in my native home of China and was able to transfer it to Michigan when I moved here 9 years ago. Most recently, I have also become a TV fashion host on a couple of our local Detroit area TV stations (TV 20 and TV 38). Our program is called "What’s Up Detroit" and my segment is titled "I Want Her Closet". I visit different ladies and explore their closets while we talk about fashion and life. I am also a fashion blogger and my blog is Color and Grace. My blog focuses on how to dress to impress after you hit your 40s for petite woman. Of course most of these tips and tricks can be useful for everybody.
2. {SS}: Tell us about your typical day.
{Grace}: When school is on I usually get up at 5:45 and leave for work at 6:50. My day is very busy at school. After work is my blog time. I check my email and write posts. Weekends are my photo shoot days. I often shoot 3 to 4 outfits for the upcoming week. Weekends are also the time I schedule all my social media posts for the next week too. I go to some fashion events s
ometimes but most of the time I am just too tired. ;)
3. {SS}: What do you love about your job(s)?
{Grace}: My teaching job is very rewarding of course. I love to see my students show their passion for learning while they grow into a decent person. For my TV host and fashion blogger work, I love the opportunities I regularly get that challenge my creativity.
4. {SS}: Any advice to those starting out in your profession?
{Grace}: For a new teacher, the best advice is just being you. At the end of the day, it is your personality and your passion to make the magic happen that will be remembered and make the difference. Students can sense it when you love what you do and they respect you for it. For a new fashion blogger, my 
suggestion is just have fun and keep pushing yourself to try new things. And don't give up! It's a lot harder than you ever thought it would be but keep with it and it will grow. Everybody gets smarter through experience and time.
5. {SS}: What would you tell your 23 year old self?
{Grace}: I always love this type of question. I would tell myself don’t panic. Everything will work out in the end as I dreamed it would. It may not be as quick as I hoped, but as long as I work on it, it will happen.
6. {SS}: Where do you get your daily news fix?
{Grace}: The internet. Mainly through Facebook.
7. {SS}: What do you do to make yourself feel beautiful, confident and ready to take on anything?
{Grace}: I am a control freak. I need to plan everything first and then I can sleep well. So a good night's sleep, a facial, and some makeup tricks to make me look good are key parts. Add in a comfy and flawless outfit and I am ready to take on anything. ;)
8. {SS}: What is your “Style Archetype?”
9. {SS}: Who is your Style Icon?
{Grace}: I don’t really have one yet. My core style is classy and elegant, but I also love to add a colorful and edgy, fun twist too, so I don’t lock myself into just one style.
10. {SS}: Where do you find style + fashion inspiration?
{Grace}: Everywhere. From people watching, to watching TV, reading fashion magazines, and checking out Pinterest and Instagram.
11. {SS}: What is your power song? (The song that gets you pumped up!)
{Grace}: Don’t Stop Believing!
12. {SS}: What is your power outfit or accessory (the thing you know you look and feel your best in, whether it's for work, staying at home, playing, etc.)?
{Grace}: My red pumps.
13. {SS}: Who inspires you and why?
{Grace}: There are a lot of people who have inspired me throughout the years. I learned to have faith and just simply be happy from my husband. I also learned about staying brave and not complaining from my mother-in-law.
14. {SS}: What are your words to live by OR favorite saying/quote?
{Grace}: Don’t stop believing and try your best.
15. {SS}: Please share with us any of your favorite go-to local stops (from food, coffee, shopping etc) in the Detroit area:
{Grace}: My favorite place to shop for fashion: Nordstrom Rack
My favorite place to shop for groceries: Meijer / Nino Salvaggio's
My favorite place to eat: Carrabba’s Italian Grill (GREAT happy hour!) and WOW Sushi
My favorite place to socialize: 350 Rooftop Bar, Detroit / 220 Merrill, Birmingham
Thank you Grace for sharing your story, inspiration, and sense of style with us! Be sure to check out Grace's blog Color and Grace and follow her on Instagram. You can also shop some of her favorite items on Styleshack below, or on her shop page here.
Grey Sleeveless Wool Blended Trench $89.00 from Athalia's Boutique, Finley Basic White Barrett Blouse $178 from Hersh's, Cinq Sept Ara Bodycon Dress $385 from Guys N Gals
