CHARM IT! Girl Power Spotlight: Meet Mia Riley

Have you ever had a dream to turn your talent or passion into a business?  That’s exactly what Mia Riley, 14 year old swimwear designer did when she transformed her sewing talent into a swimwear business!  As the founder and creative behind Mia Swim, Mia designs, sews, and distributes her very own line of swimwear on  Instagram and  De-pop.  Impressed?  YES, us too!  We just had to feature Mia in our Girl Power Spotlight to inspire everyone that dreams can become a reality with hard work, passion, and a fearless attitude.   Check out what Mia has to say from the words of advice that motivate her to her biggest inspiration!

Name: Mia Riley

Age: 14

Amazing talent:  Swimwear Designer

Hometown: Laguna Beach

Instagram: @_miaswim

Q:  When did you start sewing and at what point did you decide to turn your talent into a business?

A:  In 6th grade one of my electives was sewing and I really liked it. In 2019 I asked for a sewing machine for X-mas and Santa delivered!  Once I got my machine I started
sewing whatever I could think up. I took apart a few old suits so that I could see how they were made and then traced some patterns. Once I made a few tops for myself, I showed my friends and their moms and they said "OMG these are so cute, can you make me one.”  At the same time, the pandemic happened, so I was at home a lot and decided to create my small brand to stay busy and have a creative outlet.

Q:  What is the most valuable thing you have learned since starting your business?

A:  The importance of time management and focus.

Q:  What’s the best advice you have received so far?

A:  My dad always tells me to be prompt and deliver my orders in a reasonable amount of time as well as don’t forget to have fun and that it’s ok to make mistakes.  My parents also remind me I can do anything that I set my mind to, so I guess the idea of "just try/go for it" is another piece of advice that I use.

Q:  What are your dreams and goals for the company?

A:  To be honest, I don’t think too far beyond just making cool things for my friends and making a little money to buy small things for myself.  I would like to be involved in fashion as a career someday, so having this project can maybe open some doors for me down the road.

Q:  Who/what do you get your inspiration from?

A:  I get a lot of inspiration from what is going on around me in Laguna Beach as well as fashion magazines, and a lot of trips to the mall.  My dad is also big influence on me, he is sort of my personal stylist and shopper.  He has a great sense of style and always knows what’s cool.  He took me to Tokyo last year and showed me all the great fashion that comes out of the Shibuya and Harajuku districts. 

Q:  How would you describe your style?

A:  I would say that my style is more on the beachy/streetwear side, if that is such a thing.  I always like things that I am comfortable in and that are not too trendy.

We love Mia’s story and look forward to watching her business grow! 

Know a girl doing amazing things?  Nominate her to be featured by emailing customerservice@highintencity.com.