Name of company: mia ria
Type of business: Fashion Brand
Location: London, UK.

How long has the company been running?
I started mia ria in January 2025, initially with accessories. In May 2026, the brand expanded into clothing, which has now become the main focus of what I want to build.

Where did the idea come from?
The idea came from wanting to create something that was completely my own. At the time, I had left behind a career that was, and always will be, very dear to me. I felt there was something missing, and I wanted to find something that would give me the same sense of purpose. I didn’t know exactly what that would look like at first, but I knew I wanted to create something of my own in fashion.

When I decided to move from accessories into clothing, I genuinely had no idea how a garment went from a sketch to a finished piece. I was starting completely from scratch. I had to learn everything as I went — finding the right people, understanding fabrics, patterns and construction, working out what was possible and, quite often, learning through things going wrong. There has been a lot of trial and error, and I’m still learning all the time.

In a way, I think not knowing everything helped me too. I wasn’t approaching the designs with a fixed idea of how things were supposed to be done. I would have an idea of how I wanted something to look, move or be worn, and then we would figure out how to actually create it. That process has become a big part of mia ria and probably explains why I’m so drawn to pieces that can be reversed, repositioned, wrapped or worn in different ways.

My Greek roots also naturally find their way into the brand. I’m inspired by Ancient Greek sculpture and draping, the way fabric falls around the body, as well as the sea, stone, architecture and landscape of Greece.

What are your company values?
Individuality is probably one of the biggest values behind mia ria. I want each piece to have its own identity and a reason for being part of a collection.

I also really value versatility and comfort. I like creating a starting point and then giving the person wearing the garment the freedom to make it their own. There doesn’t always have to be one “correct” way of wearing something.

Another important part of mia ria is keeping things considered and small-scale. I would rather create fewer pieces that I really believe in than continuously produce for the sake of having something new.

Currently, how many people work for the business?
At the moment, I run mia ria independently and I’m involved in almost every part of the business — from developing the designs and collections to creative direction, photography, the website and everything that happens behind the scenes. Although I run the business myself, my family and friends have helped me in so many different ways, from photoshoots and practical help to simply giving me their time and support.

I also work closely with my seamstress here in London, who helps bring my designs to life. Having someone who understands what I’m trying to create and puts so much care into making the pieces is incredibly important to me.

I’m genuinely grateful for everyone who continues to stand by me, support me and believe in mia ria as it grows.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a business?
Start. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect because there will probably never be a moment when you feel completely ready.

When I look at mia ria now compared with when I started in 2025, so much has changed. You learn by doing things, making mistakes, changing your mind and understanding what works and what doesn’t.

Most importantly, I would say try not to lose sight of why you started. It is very easy to look at what everybody else is doing, but your own point of view is ultimately what makes your business different.

Where do you hope the company will be in 5 years’ time?
I want the brand to grow and reach a wider international audience, but I don’t want growth to mean simply producing more and more. I would rather build a strong and recognisable identity and reach a point where someone can see a piece without looking at the label and recognise that it is mia ria.