Meet the Best Friends and Business Partners Behind MIMI The Label

We can’t help but admire ambitious #bossbabes who aren’t afraid to turn their dreams into reality. Co-founders (and best friends) of MIMI The Label did just that after meeting while working in the swimwear industry. Katie Newman and Hayley Arias’s line encompasses classic swimwear silhouettes of the 80s while infusing trend-driven elements, making their pieces runway and beach-ready. Read on for their insight on entrepreneurship, inspiration, and what it’s like to work with your best friend.

Growing up, were you always interested in fashion? Or what drew you to the fashion industry?

KATIE: I have always been in love with fashion. I was sketching before I even knew how to write. My mother and grandmother are both talented artists and while they would paint I would sit and sketch gowns. I always knew I would eventually work in fashion and launching my own brand was a dream of mine.

HALEY: I was a tomboy growing up, but around age 13 or 14 I really started to have an appreciation for fashion mainly due to my mother's amazing fashion sense and my giant collection of fashion magazines. I wanted to work in the industry ever since.

Can you tell us a bit about your career before MIMI The Label?

KATIE: I interned at Marie Claire Magazine working for Nina Garcia in college (that is actually how I met Caroline Vazzana who was also interning at the time) and then moved to New York permanently after graduating. I managed social media, marketing and PR for an online swim retailer (which is where I fell in love with the world of swimwear) and a luxury camera bag company based in New York.
HALEY: I had a summer internship in New York during college, and then after moving to the city I started working with Katie in the swimwear industry. Following that job I worked for a menswear brand for almost two years, and during that time we started MIMI.

What sparked the idea for MIMI The Label? 

We had discussed the idea of creating a swimwear brand together for a while, but it was really just a dream we both had after working in the swimwear industry. We never thought that one day we would have actually made it happen, and to have our brand represent something so much bigger than swimsuits (women empowerment, family ties, support, strength etc.) is so special and more than we could have ever imagined.

How did you know it was the right time to launch? 

We didn't necessarily know if it was the right time or not, in fact, we ran into so many issues that impacted our timeline and ended up launching later than expected. It ended up working out perfectly and taught us a lot of lessons.

If you could give yourself a piece of advice before starting your company, what would it be?

Never assume things and always plan VERY FAR in advance (see previous answer, haha).

It seems so fun to work and live with your best friend, but I’m sure it can be tough too! How do you find the balance between your personal and professional relationships? 

It can be tough at times, but we communicate really well and know each other so well so thankfully it works. We try to focus on each other's strengths, and we stay in our own lanes. At the end of the day, we both have the same vision for our brand, we respect each other, and we always have so much fun together.

Given our current situation, what are you doing to stay sane, inspired and creating? 

We are doing everything we can to stay inspired, but we are not putting any pressure or time constraint on ourselves regarding the release of the new collection. We’ve been using this time to develop and test new prints, look into more sustainable fabric options, and just take a second look at our overall business structure. We’ve also been using this time to take a step back, focus on our health and enjoy the little things.

We have a lot of young people out there applying for their first jobs, what can applicants be doing to stand out, especially right now, to showcase they’re the best fit for a role? 

I think now more than ever it is important to demonstrate how motivated and determined you are. Show up to an interview prepared and bring more than what they ask for. Anyone who is digitally savvy, forward-thinking and innovative will thrive right now especially considering everything that is going on in the world.

Do you remember what you wore to your first interview?

KATIE: I remember this so well, because I wanted to impress everyone at Marie Claire... Although, I can’t say that I succeeded. I was wearing nude Stuart Weitzman pumps and a navy pantsuit from Zara – it was cute, but way too formal and not at all practical for a variety of reasons.

HALEY: Yes! I wore a black Zadig and Voltaire dress with black over-the-knee boots. Pretty sure I still have both items in my closet.

What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a similar path? 

Believe that you can do anything that you want, manifest it, and work hard to make it happen. Set goals to stay focused and on track. Two really powerful and simple things anyone can do is have a good mindset and stay positive!