Cicada Studio is Michelle Engel Bencsko’s personal project. In 2004, new people, ideas, and circumstances brought to the surface a desire for a creative outlet that encompassed many of her talents. With nearly 15 years experience in the studios of New York‘s men’s garment industry, she began utilizing her design, graphics, merchandising, and business skills in rejuvenated creativity; in contrast to her profession, one that is driven by her alone. Coupling her daily work with her daily dreams, Michelle tries to bring an exciting and fresh perspective to the markets that interest her.

In 2008, Michelle quit her day job to focus on raising her two sons and growing her printed textile business. Today, Cicada Studio continues to develop collections which are exclusively sold in her shop. Michelle has also licensed work to Henry Glass & Co to create Dogwood and Shade Garden, 100% cotton quilting collections.

In 2009, she's teaming up with a past colleague, Gina Pantastico to create their own fabric manufacturing company, Cloud9 Fabrics, which uses environmentally resposible organic cotton base cloths and print methods which will be available for wholesale distribution later in the year.

“The possible's slow fuse is lit, by the Imagination.” -Emily Dickinson