Meet Hillary Flores | Co founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hillary Flores and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hillary, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Diana and Julianna Flores:
Growing up in a first-generation immigrant family, we were always on the other side of the marketplace, watching our parents navigate as consumers. We saw the dedication and hard work they put into providing for our family, and how they valued education as a pathway to opportunity. This experience deeply influenced our desire to create something of our own, and we knew that entrepreneurship was the way to go. Through the privilege of education, we were able to combine our individual strengths and passions to create MiaCo, a brand that reflects both our roots and the future we want to build.

Hillary Flores:
It’s a bit of an interesting story! My background is actually in biochemistry, and I’m currently studying for the MCAT to pursue a career in medicine. But fashion has always been my passion. During the pandemic, I found myself navigating a few unexpected turns, including helping out with my parents’ immigration matters, and that’s when I ended up working as an e-commerce coordinator for a medical device company. There, I gained a lot of experience with web design, business operations, and running e-commerce platforms, particularly with products like CPAP machines and continuous glucose monitors.

Before that, I also interned for several fashion showrooms and stylists, including Zoe Costello, where I got a firsthand look at the fashion industry. I quickly realized that fashion is not just about the garments themselves; it’s about how each individual can transform and express themselves through clothing. I wanted to create a brand that celebrates this individuality and emphasizes that fashion isn’t just something you wear – it’s something that enhances your beauty, your identity, and your confidence.

And of course, my sister Julianna had some brilliant ideas along the way, so we decided to bring them together and start it’s Mia Co. a brand that truly reflects our values of craftsmanship, creativity, and individuality.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Diana, Julianna, and Hillary Flores:
The idea for MiaCo started with a love for creating and a desire to add a personal touch to accessories. Our younger sister, Julianna, was an art teacher at a boys and girls club, where they had a large collection of beads. We started playing around with some craft ideas, and I (Hillary) remembered my childhood obsession with Tamagotchis and all the little charms I used to collect on my razor phone. That nostalgic feeling inspired us to start designing fun, personalized phone charms that would allow people to express themselves through their accessories.

When it came to naming our brand, we chose It’s Mia Co, which is short for “It’s MIA Co.” In Spanish, “Mia” means “mine,” and our goal is to create products that feel personal—something that’s uniquely yours. Every piece we create is meant to be a reflection of the person wearing it, because no two people are alike, and no two pieces should be either.

Hillary Flores:
Risk has definitely been a challenging aspect for me. I’ve always been someone who likes to play it safe, with backup plans A, B, and C ready to go. Starting and running a business, especially during the pandemic, required me to step outside my comfort zone. For a while, I was juggling my 9-to-5 job while building it’ Mia Co., managing social media, and handling all the logistics—plus, I was studying for the MCAT. It was overwhelming and stressful. Eventually, I made the decision to leave my full-time job to focus on MiaCo and pursue my dream of medical school.

It was terrifying at first, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made for my mental health and for the growth of the business. Stress and burn out can physically affect your body, and I realized that prioritizing my well-being was crucial. While taking risks can feel scary, I’ve learned that sometimes, you have to face that fear head on, because the rewards are often worth it. It’s never going to be “sunshine and rainbows,” but stepping into the unknown can open doors you never expected.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If our best friend was visiting, we would definitely take them on a mix of fitness, beach, delicious food, and nature filled adventures. Our day would probably start with a Pilates session or a workout at Lagree, followed by a refreshing Mint Mojito Iced Coffee or a hot Mocha Tesora at Philz Coffee the perfect start to any day of course. After fueling up, we’d head to Malibu for some beach time at Point Dume or El Matador, where we could soak in the stunning views and chill by the ocean. Then, we’d grab a bite at Malibu Farm! For lunch, we’d indulge in healthy dishes at The Misfit in Santa Monica their salads and poke bowls are on point!! Afterward, we’d check out Santa Monica Pier or do some shopping at Third Street Promenade. The vibe around here is always fun, and it’s a great spot to people watch. We’d wrap up the afternoon at Venice Beach. As the day winds down, we’d head to to Santa Monica for some fun with a view of the ocean. If we’re feeling adventurous, we’d swing by The Bungalow for some drinks and a lively frat boy atmosphere to end the night.
The rest of the week would be more chill and laid back! We’d take our friend on a short road trip through Malibu and the canyons to reconnect with nature one of the biggest inspirations behind it’s Mia Co. We’d probably start with the windows down, blasting something by Halsey, as we drive through the canyons. We’d probably stop at some lookout spots like Piuma Canyon and Decker Canyon, or maybe even visit the iconic graffiti slab. The day would end with us driving down to Calabasas Promenade for some yummy food at Sugarfish!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Diana, Julianna, and Hillary Flores:
We are deeply inspired by our parents, both of whom are immigrants to this country. Our father came here at a young age and built a business from the ground up, starting with nothing. His determination and hard work not only allowed him to succeed, but also enabled him to send us to private universities and give us opportunities he never had. Our mother, who came here without speaking the language, raised us in a new country while navigating countless challenges.

Their resilience and unwavering commitment to providing for us in a foreign land have always been a source of strength for us. They didn’t have all the answers, but they never gave up, and that spirit is something we carry with us every day as we run It’s Mia Co.

Our mother, “Mama Flores,” continues to be an integral part of our company. Her craftsmanship is a huge part of our success, and without her dedication, we wouldn’t be able to meet the demand for our products. She is the heartbeat of our operations, and her contribution is something we are incredibly grateful for.

Website: https://www.itsmiaco.com

Instagram: https://its.mia.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillary-flores-25608114a

Image Credits
Diana Flores
Julianna Flores
Optic Headshots LA