May 4th, 2025
“Garden of Love”
An Interview with Maximillian Navarro On His Relationship with Michelle Tam
I SAT DOWN WITH MAXIMILLIAN NAVARRO TO LEARN ABOUT THE ARTIST’S MUSE AND LIFELONG PARTNER, MICHELLE.
WHEN HE SPEAKS ABOUT MICHELLE, IT’S QUITE REVERENT. LIKE HES DESCRIBING A RARE CONSTELLATION ONLY HE GETS TO SEE UP CLOSE.
THE CONVERSATION IS LESS OF AN INTERVIEW, BUT MORE OF A LOVE LETTER TOLD IN FRAGMETNS.
INTERVIEWER: DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU MET MICHELLE?
MAXIMILLIAN: I do! It was at SFO back in 2015. I participated in a program that sent high schoolers to Nicaragua. We were in the same group. I only knew one other person there so I stuck with them. Before we even made it to security, Michelle came up to us and introduced herself with a joyful but slightly nervous energy. I look back at the interaction and laugh because I vividly remember not being able to remember her name.
DOES SHE KNOW THAT?
I’m sure I’ve told her before.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF HER?
She seemed easy to get along with. At the time I was more preoccupied with how grand the trip felt to me. I actually remember feeling quite embarrassed because I asked her to remind me her name probably about 3 times at that point.
WAS IT LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT, OR DID IT GROW OVER TIME?
I wouldn’t say “at first sight,” but it didn’t take that long. After about a week of spending time together I knew there was an attraction there. At first, I didn’t know what I was feeling—some sort of comfort maybe? It was when the group started to dress up to go out to a club in Leon and once I saw her dolled up, there was something telling me to dig deeper into my feelings.
SO YOU WERE ONLY INTERESTED AFTER SHE PUT ON MAKEUP?
I may have worded that wrong, but I think it was more of the fact that it the time we were granted to get ready to go out gave me a moment of pause in the trip—one that gave me the opportunity to really process who was standing right in front of me.
DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT SHE WAS WEARING THAT DAY?
I honestly don’t remember. I think I was trying to look at her butt.
We share a laugh as Max lights another candle from the Rick Owens and Aesop collaboration.
WHAT’S SOMETHING SHE DOES THAT NOBODY ELSE CAN PULL OFF?
Her natural ability to execute. In every aspect of her life she is able to conceptually visualize a goal and figure out how to achieve it. She’s methodical in her approach. Delayed gratification is a concept that she can easily grasp and has no problem believing in it. It’s actually quite inspiring. As someone who consistently struggles with intrinsic motivation, having a partner who constantly shows me the value in putting your head down and working towards your goals is a blessing.
HOW ELSE HAS SHE CHANGED YOU?
Too many ways to count really. I am who I am today because of her. All good things by the way. I think something I don’t tell her enough is that she’s has always told me to believe in myself. She has so much faith in me and really believes in my abilities. I think having a partner like that has changed me in ways to really try and put myself out there. I feel safe in doing so because I know she would be there for me if no one else will.
THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT RELATIONSHIP DYNAMIC.
It really is. I love her so much. I try to not make things one sided as well. Although she’s better than me in a lot of things, I’d like to think my strengths have helped her grow as well. I don’t think we would’ve been together this long if it hasn’t.
WHAT’S SOMETHING SMALL SHE DOES THAT MELTS YOU EVERY TIME?
Hugs. I’m not even that much of a physical touch person, but no matter what I’m feeling in that very moment—when she hugs me everything just melts away and I’m embraced by this warm aura. It takes my mind to a state adjacent to zen, like laying in a garden of love.
SPEAKING OF LOVE, WHAT DO YOU THINK SHE HAS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT LOVE?
Love is knowing that your partner has your best interest even throughout all of life’s trials and tribulations.
She can be really stern and harsh at times, even to the point where I get quite emotional. However, I’ve learned over time that she has no ill intent behind anything she says or does. I’ve always been one for communication, but I think she’s has taught me to never take things too personal.
Though sometimes I can’t help it.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE HER ENERGY TO SOMEONE WHO’S NEVER MET HER?
Bold while staying poise. Curious and calculated. Open and accepting. Genuine.
At the moment those are the words I would use to describe Michelle. Another consistent one is “evolution.” Each year Michelle turns into a different version of herself and I’m quite proud of her for growing into the woman she is today.
WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR FUTURE TOGETHER, WHAT DO YOU SEE?
Peace. I’m at peace knowing I’ve found my person.
I also see a lot of fun down the road. Knowing the potential we have as individuals, I see our energies and minds collaborating in ways that would mutually benefit us both. Even after 10 years of knowing each other, I feel like we’re just getting started.
ANY IDEAS SPECIFICALLY?
Our last collaborative project together I believe was her shrug. I’ll admit it was 90% her execution and 10% my idea, but I’d love to use our strengths to collaborate 50/50 on another project.
DO YOU HAVE A SONG, SCENT, OR PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE “HER”?
Songs always evolve. At one point it was “Oui” by Jeremih, then it turned into a song from this one Korean show we watched. Currently, we’ve been listening to SAILORR a lot.
Scent is Bergamont 22
Place will always be Milbrae, CA
HOW DO YOU KNOW SHE LOVES YOU?
Well she hasn’t killed me yet…so there’s that.
For real though, It’s all through her actions. Even though her love language is acts of service, I feel she tries her best to appeal to almost ever other love language. She gives words of encouragement, shows physical affection, spends quality time….maybe not so much gifts, but I consider her acts of service as a form of gift giving!
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THE VERSION OF YOURSELF RIGHT BEFORE YOU MET HER?
Buckle up buddy, you’re about to meet the love of your life. Start learning how to initiate more and start taking the lead, it’ll save you a lot of time in the future! Be yourself and follow your heart, she’ll love you the more you stay true who you are.
Also get your license ASAP!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO GIVE HER A MESSAGE IF SHE’S READING THIS?
Happy Birthday Babe! You have been my rock, sun, guiding star, and every other inspiring metaphorical analogy I have mentioned previously. I am so happy I get to spend my days growing alongside you.
Every Birthday that comes your way serves as a checkpoint and opportunity to reflect on your past year and admire the work you’ve put in to strengthen yourself as a woman. Treat these past experiences as threads that help weave into a beautiful garment that represents your life. Every thread a different event. Wear your garment of life proudly and use it to express to others who you truly are.
You have have and entire lifetime to live, and I am so excited to be apart of it.
I love you.