Designer, Entrepreneur, Storyteller 

From the earliest moments of her childhood, Mandy Johal, professionally known as MJ, knew  she was meant to create. She was always sketching designs, painting, and imagining new  worlds—a foundation for a career defined by storytelling, design, and thoughtful creative  expression. 

MJ’s journey in fashion began in Vancouver, where she built her studies and creative practice. It  was also where she first started Trend With MJ (TWMJ)—initially a passion project, a small  space to test ideas and experiment with design and storytelling. She loved seeing concepts come  to life from sketches to finished pieces, an experience that shaped her approach to building a  brand and designing collections with intention, personality, and uncompromising quality. 

Her ambition soon led her to London, where she immersed herself in fashion through internships  and collaborations with Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and KCD. These experiences offered a close-up  view of how fashion works—from editorial and PR to luxury branding and creative strategy— while emphasizing the importance of perspective, collaboration, and adaptability. 

Mentorship played a crucial role along the way. Nan Richards, a respected figure in the fashion  industry, holds a special place in MJ’s journey and continues to inspire her work. “Having someone believe in your vision when you’re young is priceless,” MJ reflects. “It showed me not  just what I wanted to create, but who I wanted to be as a creative.” 

Even early on, MJ recognized that her work was bigger than garments alone. She thrives at the  intersection of design, storytelling, and brand vision, creating experiences that feel personal,  cultural, and meaningful. Her first hands-on project at London Fashion Week offered an  immersive view of fashion in motion: seeing the runway come alive, understanding PR in action,  and watching a designer’s vision unfold in real time. 

Finding Home in Los Angeles 

Moving to Los Angeles to attend FIDM marked another turning point. LA gave MJ the chance to  translate her vision into tangible projects and connect with the people and opportunities that  would shape her career. “It’s about who you meet, who’s watching, and who believes in you,”  she says. 

Los Angeles has nurtured MJ into a multidimensional creative: designer, storyteller, and  entrepreneur. The city’s challenges and opportunities taught her resilience, adaptability, and the  value of meaningful connections. She’s learned that even something as simple as gifting without  expectation can serendipitously build relationships, open doors, and reflect the heart of her brand  philosophy.

Building TWMJ: Fashion as Storytelling 

MJ’s brand, TWMJ, is rooted in her philosophy: fashion is a story to be experienced, shared, and  felt. Every collection reflects her personal experiences, life observations, and the energy of a  season or moment. Quality and intention are at the heart of each piece, with careful attention to  craftsmanship ensuring that every design carries both meaning and impact. 

Her favorite creation to date is the Livin’ Collection, a line that embodies expression, emotion,  and the joy of learning to live fully—values that define both her work and her brand. 

Beyond design, MJ integrates digital strategy, PR, and trend forecasting, creating holistic  experiences that engage audiences on multiple levels. She shares her process authentically,  builds real relationships, and designs for impact rather than trend alone. 

One of the most symbolic elements of her brand identity is her faceless silhouette logo, inverted  from her initials “MJ.” It reflects her philosophy that the brand is bigger than herself—inviting  others to see themselves in the designs and to experience fashion as a shared story. 

“Each collection is like a chapter in a book,” she explains. “Every design contributes to a larger  story I want people to experience.” 

Mentorship, Collaboration, and Connection 

Collaboration has shaped MJ’s career from the start. Working with Cartier, Harper’s Bazaar,  Elle, and KCD refined her skills and provided insight into luxury branding, editorial storytelling,  and high-level event execution. These experiences reinforced her belief in mentorship and  learning from established leaders while forging her own path. 

Gifting is central to MJ’s philosophy. By giving without expectation—whether a piece of her  collection, a note, or creative support—MJ has cultivated unexpected connections that have led  to meaningful opportunities. This practice reflects the essence of TWMJ: generosity,  authenticity, and storytelling through shared experiences. 

MJ designs with intention, tells stories with purpose, and builds brands with authenticity,  creating work that sits at the intersection of artistry and strategy. Her vision positions her as both  a thought leader and rising force in contemporary fashion.

Looking Ahead: Vision and Influence 

For MJ, fashion is more than garments—it is a medium for connection, inspiration, and  storytelling. Through mentorship, collaborations with leading fashion houses, and a grounded  philosophy on gifting and relationships, MJ continues to shape the narrative of modern fashion,  one collection, one story, and one design at a time. 

“My goal is to create work that moves people, inspires them, and leaves a lasting impact on the  industry. Clothes that make one feel positive,” MJ says. 

As she looks ahead to her next collection and ongoing projects, MJ continues to blend artistry,  intentional design, and personal narrative, leaving her mark on both the Los Angeles fashion  scene and the global creative landscape. 

Select pieces from TWMJ are available to shop online, allowing people to experience MJ’s  designs firsthand. www.trendwithmj.com. 

Photography: Dana Ferraro, Elisa Crowe