Story | Michelle Niziol

My Story

Hi, I'm Michelle

I’m a business owner, fashion and lifestyle creator and mum of two, based in Oxfordshire. Over the years, I’ve built a group of seven businesses and a multimillion-pound property portfolio, won awards and appeared on BBC One’s The Apprentice. Business remains a big part of my life, but so do family, fashion and making time for the things I love.

I started sharing my style because I struggled to find fashion inspiration that felt right for women in their forties and beyond. I wanted beautiful, wearable outfits for the lives we actually lead, from busy working days to holidays and celebrations. So I began sharing the pieces I was buying, how I wore them and what I’d recommend to a friend.

My style mixes high street finds with investment pieces and British brands I love. Here, you’ll find outfit ideas, honest recommendations and a little help choosing pieces you’ll reach for again and again. I want getting dressed to feel enjoyable, and for you to feel confident in your own style.

I’ve faced hardship, built businesses and raised a family, with plenty of learning along the way. Now, I’m enjoying discovering what else I can do and sharing that next chapter with you. I believe there’s room to try something new, whatever your age.

For years I thought success would give me more confidence. Turns out my confidence started with what I was wearing.

Michelle Niziol

HER TIME WITH LORD SUGAR

The Apprentice

In 2016, I stepped into Lord Sugar’s boardroom as a candidate on Series 12 of BBC One’s The Apprentice. It was a world away from running my own businesses, with cameras following every challenge and decisions being made under intense pressure. My time on the show was short, but it gave me a national platform and an experience I’ll never forget.

The day after filming finished, I was back with my team and clients, getting on with the work I loved. Since then, I’ve continued to grow IMS Property Group, share my expertise in the media and receive national recognition for my work.

The Apprentice will always be a memorable chapter in my life. I’m proud of everything I’ve built since, and excited about what’s still to come.

Building IMS Property Group

My life in business

I’m the founder and CEO of IMS Property Group, based in Oxfordshire. Over the years, I’ve built seven businesses and a multimillion-pound property portfolio from the ground up.

My determination started early. At 17, I left my A levels and took on several jobs to help save my family home from repossession. By 18, I’d bought my first property. Those experiences shaped how I think about financial security and why helping others achieve it matters so much to me.

After training as a mortgage broker, I founded what would become IMS Property Group. From a single mortgage desk, the business has grown to cover mortgages, sales, lettings, insurance, property investment and portfolio building. Together, we’ve supported more than 20,000 clients, from people buying their first home to experienced investors growing their portfolios.

Alongside running the businesses, I regularly share my experience of property, finance and entrepreneurship with national and industry media. I enjoy making complex subjects easier to understand and helping people feel more confident about their next step.

My journey has included appearing on BBC One’s The Apprentice in 2016, being named one of the UK’s Top 100 Inspirational Women in 2021 and winning Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year for the South East in 2023. In 2025, I received the Small Business Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Today, I continue to lead the group alongside an incredible team. Their expertise and commitment give me the space to explore new opportunities while staying involved in the businesses we’ve worked so hard to build.

About IMS Property Group MICHELLE TALKS PROPERTY