Honestly, if you watched Love Island USA Season 7, you probably have a very specific image of Michelle Chelley Bissainthe in your head. Maybe you see the "astrology girl" who judges a guy’s soul based on whether he’s a Gemini or a Scorpio. Or maybe you remember her as the stunning Haitian model who somehow managed to navigate one of the messiest love triangles in the show's history without losing her cool.
But there is a lot more to her than just being a "reality star."
Most fans don't realize that before she ever stepped foot into that Fiji villa, Michelle—better known simply as Chelley B.—was already playing a high-stakes game. Not for love, but for money. She isn't just a face for brands like Skims; she’s a literal day trader. It’s that weird mix of high-fashion aesthetics and "Wolf of Wall Street" grit that makes her one of the most interesting people to come out of the franchise in years.
The Reality of Being a "Fan Favorite"
People love to talk about the "Bratz doll" aesthetic. It’s a term that gets thrown around a lot when fans describe Chelley on social media. She’s got that look—sharp features, incredible style, and a presence that feels almost curated. But if you dig into her journey, the reality was a lot more complicated.
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During her time on Love Island USA, Chelley was often the one keeping things grounded. While other islanders were screaming over spilled milk (or stolen partners), she was the one offering mature, often blunt, advice. She didn't always make friends doing it. Remember the drama between Huda Mustafa and Amaya Espinal? Chelley didn't just play the "sympathetic ear." She called it like she saw it.
That outspokenness is a double-edged sword. It made her a breakout star, but it also made her a target for some pretty nasty online behavior.
Why the "Villain" Edit Didn't Stick
We've seen it a million times: a confident Black woman on reality TV gets labeled as "difficult" or "aggressive." Chelley faced some of that, especially during the peak of the season's drama. There was even that weird moment where a major media outlet suggested she deserved a "knuckle sandwich" in a social media post. They deleted it, of course, but it highlighted the specific kind of scrutiny she was under.
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But Chelley leaned into her maturity. She’s 27, which in Love Island years is basically being a senior citizen. She used that to her advantage. She wasn't there to play games; she was there to find a connection. And she did. Her relationship with Ace Greene wasn't just a showmance for the cameras. They were dumped together in 5th place, just shy of the finale, but as she told Blavity, "We got to walk out together, so that means we won."
From Miami Roots to New York High Fashion
To understand why she moves the way she does, you have to look at where she came from. Michelle was born in Miami to young parents—they were only 17 when they had her. Growing up in a Haitian household in South Florida isn't just a background detail; it’s the core of who she is.
She speaks Creole (at least a little bit) and credits her grandmother for being her biggest support system. It’s that "sweet and sour" Haitian grandmother energy that probably gave her the thick skin needed for reality TV.
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The Career You Didn't Know About
- The Modeling Side: She’s worked with the biggest names. We’re talking Skims, commercial print, and high-end runway. She moves between Miami and New York City constantly for gigs.
- The Trading Side: This is the part that catches people off guard. She’s a Day Trader. That requires a level of emotional detachment and analytical thinking that most people don't associate with someone who spends their summer in a bikini on TV.
- The Musical Side: Surprise! She can actually sing. Recently, it came out that she wrote a song called "Love Me" during the 2020 lockdowns. It wasn't some vanity project; fans were actually shocked by how good the songwriting was.
What's Next for Chelley in 2026?
We are now in early 2026, and the "post-show glow" hasn't faded. If anything, she’s busier now than when she was in the villa. She’s been spotted on red carpets like the Glamour Women of the Year Awards, using her platform to defend her friends—like Olandria Carthen—against the typical reality TV fallout.
There’s a lot of talk about her and Ace Greene becoming a bit of a "creative power couple." They aren't just posting couple goals on Instagram; they are working on projects together. With her background in finance and his background in entertainment, they’re positioning themselves as more than just influencers.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Creators
If you’re looking at Michelle Chelley Bissainthe’s career as a blueprint, there are a few things you should actually take note of:
- Diversify your skill set. Don't just be a "model" or a "trader." Being both makes you a much more interesting "brand" to both fans and investors.
- Maturity is a superpower. In a world of "clout chasing," being the person who stays level-headed actually makes you stand out more than being the loudest person in the room.
- Own your culture. Chelley’s pride in her Haitian roots and her openness about her upbringing made her relatable in a way that felt authentic, not forced.
- Protect your peace. She’s been very vocal about the importance of sisterhood and surrounding yourself with people who actually have your back when the cameras stop rolling.
Keep an eye on her Instagram (@_slimthin). Whether she's sharing her favorite Haitian meal (legume with white rice and Sòs Pwa, for those wondering) or showing off a new campaign, she’s proving that there is plenty of life—and serious business—after reality TV.