When Lilas started her blog Hello I’m Mia fresh out of college she had one goal;  to enlighten her readers with the wisdom she’s received along the way and share her experiences through writing and photography. Three years later, keeping this aim in mind, she’s been able to build a successful brand centered on authenticity and transparency. Let’s find out more about Lilas!

My name is Lilas, and I run the blog, “Hello, I’m Mia.” After several years using various platforms and changing my blog name, I finally chose Mia because it was my nickname used only amongst family members and I wanted to treat my readers as close friends.

I graduated with an Environmental Studies degree and fortunately found a job with an amazing environmental non-profit organization that aimed to beautify our neighborhoods and teaches students as well as New Yorkers about our city. I did a lot of outdoor work because of my studies which only increased my appreciation for nature.

My blog started as a public online diary about anything you can imagine: heartbreaks, friendships, rants, adulthood, school, careers. I still try and treat it as so to this day. I’ve loved writing although I never imagined to still be doing it nearly a decade later.

I want to keep sharing knowledge and ease people’s minds and hearts through my personal experiences. I’m all about reliability and I want my posts to be open conversations between my readers and I.

Thank you ! My faith has taught and brought me a long way in terms of keeping my peace. Negativity will never be fruitful and can become the biggest impediment to your potential if you allow it (I’ve tried sulking and being a Debby-downer, which are equally exhausting). Staying positive is an acquired discipline, and I’ve learned that in life what you focus on magnifies.

Less is more and water is your friend. Your skin, like your hair, needs to breathe ever so often. Become comfortable in your skin, those who matter won’t care for your minor blemishes, and those who do care do not matter.

My hobby in photography has been a blessing to me. In addition to connecting me to other artists, I have been able to incorporate visuals and do more creative projects when drafting content because of this passion.

Stumbling is a constant visitor in our lives and we have to stay ready. When I decided to get serious with my blog, I was going through the post-grad blues of living away from my best friends (my roommates), being thrown in a whole new environment and “adulting.” Blogging was the safe, familiar zone. My biggest advice for when you feel like you’re in a low phase of your life is to recall the places, people and things that brought you happiness and gave you inspiration. Mine are my siblings and nephews, earl grey tea, finding new music and traveling to a new place. You have to remember to take care of your soul if you don’t feel right within !

My Freshman Year of Life is exactly what we need fresh out of college. There are so many things they don’t prepare you for and the blog is a great resource that addresses all your post-grad inquiries. I’m all about exchanging stories and I know that it’s one of the blog’s major values to reach out to upcoming, successful young professionals. We can help one another reach our personal goal by sharing more of our own experience to benefit our neighbor.

Lately, “do more of what makes your soul happy.” Such a simple yet underrated and foreign concept to many. If you’re not making you happy, then who are you pleasing at the cost of yours?

Stay true to you. Your voice may be small but don’t fall into the trap of doing what’s “cool” and hiding your God-given talents and skills. Your heart of gold may at times seem like a weakness but you’ll encounter individuals who will thirst for your very tenderness and empathy. You have a purpose in this world that only you’re able to achieve, so keep shinning and smiling at your fullest potential.

I have a mental bucket list every year and try my best to make them come to life. It’s still in the works but, God-willing, this year consists of more traveling, I’d love to host an event in the near future and definitely connect with more amazing individuals that I can learn from.

Stay in contact with Lilas