Mishelle Yam brings a unique blend of experience to the table—as a property and construction consultant, small business owner, personal stylist, and committee member of ACED Women. With a background that spans high-spec data centre developments to intimate lingerie fittings in her Balmain studio, Mishelle has built a life and career grounded in confidence, intention, and financial independence. As part of our Women in Numbers members-only feature, we spoke with Mishelle about her investing journey, the role of financial literacy in her life, and why she believes confidence is one of the most powerful forms of capital.

Can you share a bit about your personal investing journey?

My investing journey started later than I would’ve liked. Like many women, I focused on savings and stability in my early years—especially while studying, travelling, and building my career. It wasn’t until my 30s, after completing my MBA and stepping into leadership roles, that I began to look more seriously at long-term investing.

Today, I actively manage my super, invest in shares—primarily ETFs—and have a strong interest in ethical investing. I’m drawn to companies that align with values that matter to me: women’s health, sustainability, and social impact. But investing for me also includes personal growth: I’ve invested in education, in launching my styling studio, and in building a powerful network.

I used to think investing was only for finance professionals, but The Barefoot Investor changed my mindset. It made the world of money feel more accessible and less intimidating. I also came to understand how powerful diversification is—no one asset class has all the answers, and spreading your investments builds confidence over time.

Where do you go for financial advice?

I don’t have a single financial adviser at the moment. I prefer to learn from a mix of sources—communities like Women in Numbers, conversations with financially savvy friends, and a variety of content from traditional newsletters to values-driven podcasts.

WIN, in particular, has been a real catalyst. At one event, I sat beside women from totally different sectors—property, funds management, the arts—and we were all talking openly about budgeting, super, money mindset, and family finances. That kind of learning is rare and incredibly empowering.

That said, I’m now at a stage where I want to grow more strategically, especially as I think about creating generational wealth. I’m currently looking for an experienced adviser who aligns with my goals and values.

What’s your advice for women who are just beginning their investing journey?

Just start. Even if it’s small. Even if it’s messy. Even if you don’t feel ready. Progress beats perfection.

You can automate $50 a week into an ETF, review your super, and get into the habit of checking in on your finances. Learn as you go. Confidence doesn’t come first—it comes with action.

There are two key concepts every woman should understand early: compounding and passive income. Compounding is incredibly powerful—it rewards consistency, not perfection. And I’m passionate about passive income. I’m always thinking about ways to generate income that isn’t time-for-money—through investments, side businesses, or scalable services.

And finally, make your investment strategy personal. Don’t chase trends. Invest in what you believe in and what reflects your goals.

Why is financial literacy so important?

Because money touches everything. It shapes the choices we make in relationships, health, careers, and how we show up in the world.

In both my businesses—consulting and personal styling—I see the same pattern. When a woman feels financially confident, her energy changes. She sets boundaries. She takes ownership. She makes bolder decisions.

I honestly believe we should be teaching financial literacy in schools. We graduate knowing algebra and Shakespeare, but not how to budget, manage super, or prepare for the future. And the impact is serious—the fastest-growing demographic of homelessness in Australia is women over 50. That’s often due to a combination of financial illiteracy, divorce, career breaks, and caregiving roles.

Financial literacy isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential. It gives you agency and the ability to build a life on your own terms.

How did your upbringing influence how you think about money and investing?

I was lucky to grow up in a household that valued saving, stability, and financial independence—especially for women. My dad would talk to us about compound interest, term deposits, and property ownership over dinner. I understood early on that money wasn’t just about getting by—it was about creating freedom.

He also ran his own business, which showed me that wealth can come from ownership, not just a 9-to-5. That planted the seed for my own entrepreneurial journey. Today, I still carry those early lessons with me—especially now that I’m a mum. I want my son to grow up confident with money, knowing how it works, and understanding he can build abundance on his own terms.

Have you ever faced financial challenges, and how did you navigate them?

Many. One of the earliest was moving to Australia for university. I worked three part-time jobs while studying full-time just to stay afloat. I became good at budgeting out of necessity.

After graduating—right in the middle of the Global Financial Crisis—I couldn’t find work in architecture, so I taught salsa dancing for six months to pay rent. It was tough, but it built resilience.

Later, when I launched Styled by Mishelle, I had a baby, overheads, and a changing market. Every dollar mattered. I had to be strategic with cash flow—there was no room for waste. I invested where it counted and found creative ways to stretch the budget.

In consulting, I’ve also worked on projects that stalled due to funding issues. Those experiences taught me to always build buffers, to think ahead, and to avoid relying on a single income stream.

Financial challenge isn’t failure—it’s feedback. It teaches you to ask better questions, stay nimble, and get sharper with your thinking.

Can you tell us more about running Styled by Mishelle – Intimo Balmain?

It’s more than just a bra-fitting studio—it’s a space where women reconnect with themselves. The experience is personal and often deeply emotional. I’ve had clients cry because it’s the first time they felt seen and supported—not just physically, but emotionally.

When a woman feels confident in her body, everything shifts. She negotiates better. She takes up space. She leads with presence. It’s not about the bra—it’s about what the right fit unlocks.

Behind the scenes, I’ve learned so many business lessons:

• Keep costs low. Trade skills, stretch your budget.

• Always build financial buffers.

• Dead stock is dead money. Inventory matters.

• Time is money—outsource when it makes sense.

• Collaborate—it brings fresh thinking and shared resources.

• Build a supportive community. It’s one of your greatest assets.

Running this business has been humbling and deeply rewarding. It’s taught me to lead with heart and strategy—and to always invest in confidence.

Why is having a strong network so important, and how do you build yours?

My network is everything—and I’ve built it with purpose. I don’t network just to collect business cards. I nurture relationships with people who challenge me, inspire me, and walk beside me.

I think of my network like an investment portfolio—diverse and intentional. I have mentors, creative collaborators, business peers, and friends from different stages of life. Some ground me. Others stretch me.

I stay connected through groups like WIN and ACED, local collaborations, and one-on-one catchups—coffee, phone calls, even voice notes. Relationships need regular touchpoints to grow.

There’s a saying: you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. I believe that. Surround yourself with people who reflect who you want to become. And give as much as you take—support others, show up, and invest in your community. Your network is your power source.

Did your school provide any financial education?

Not really—and that’s why I care so much about organisations like WIN and ACED. At school, we didn’t learn how to budget, manage super, invest, or price ourselves professionally. These are critical life skills.

Thankfully, my dad filled some of that gap. He talked to us about money early on, and that gave my sister and me a big head start. But many women don’t have that. We need to change that—for the next generation and for ourselves.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?

“Fail—and fail fast.” It changed everything for me. Failure isn’t the end—it’s feedback. It means you’re trying, learning, growing. The key is to fail quickly, learn the lesson, and move forward.

That mindset has helped me in every area—whether launching a new service, pitching ideas, or managing complex consulting projects. I don’t fear failure anymore—I look for the insight it brings.

Why is Women in Numbers (WIN) such an important initiative?

Because it’s real. WIN creates space for women to talk openly about wealth, worth, and wellbeing. There’s no perfection, no pressure—just honest, empowering conversation.

At the events I’ve attended, I’ve seen women walk away thinking, I can do this. Sometimes it’s a mindset shift. Other times it’s a super check or finally opening an investment account. But every time, it’s a step forward.

That’s what makes WIN special. It quietly changes lives—one woman at a time.