Check Out Mia Dawes’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Dawes.

Hi Mia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey has really been about embracing all the different sides of myself and finding ways to bring them together. I’m originally from Los Angeles, and I’ve always been drawn to creativity, culture, fitness, and building community. That curiosity eventually led me to New York City, where I pursued my master’s in Integrated Marketing at NYU, specializing in brand management.

Throughout school, I was never someone who wanted to stick to just one thing. I founded and led Girl Gains, a women’s weightlifting community at two universities, because I wanted to create spaces where women could feel stronger, more confident, and connected to one another. At the same time, I was exploring social media, brand strategy, and content creation, which eventually grew into working with brands and agencies across lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and culture.

Music has also become a huge part of my story. I started DJing and began performing at brand activations, fitness events, and cultural experiences, which opened doors I never would have imagined when I first started. It’s been exciting to see how all these different interests can complement one another rather than compete for my attention.

Today, I work across brand marketing, social media, content creation, and DJing while continuing to build my own personal brand and explore entrepreneurial opportunities. I’ve learned that you don’t have to fit into one box to build a meaningful career. For me, the goal is to create a life where my work reflects the things I genuinely love: wellness, creativity, culture, and bringing people together.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not! I think one of the biggest challenges has been learning how to navigate being multi-passionate in a world that often encourages you to choose one thing and stick to it. I’ve always had several interests, from marketing and entrepreneurship to fitness, music, and content creation, and figuring out how to build a career that allows me to explore all of them has been a journey in itself.

There have also been moments of uncertainty, especially when building something of your own. Working in creative industries means learning to deal with rejection, inconsistent opportunities, and the pressure of constantly putting yourself out there. Social media can add another layer because it’s easy to compare your progress to someone else’s and feel like you should be further along than you are.

I’ve also had to learn how to balance ambition with my own well-being. I naturally want to pursue every opportunity that excites me, but I’ve realized that growth isn’t just about doing more. It’s about learning what deserves your energy, setting boundaries, and being intentional about the life you’re building.

Ultimately, the challenges have taught me to trust my own timeline. I’m learning that I don’t need to have everything figured out or follow a traditional path to be successful. Sometimes the things that feel like setbacks are actually redirecting you toward something that aligns with who you’re becoming. I think that’s made me more resilient, more self-aware, and more confident in creating a path that feels authentic to me.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work sits at the intersection of brand marketing, content creation, wellness, music, and culture. I specialize in helping brands connect with their audiences through social media strategy, creative storytelling, and experiential marketing. I’ve worked with brands and agencies across different industries, creating content, supporting campaigns, and helping bring brand identities to life in ways that feel authentic and culturally relevant.

Outside of my marketing work, I’m also a lifestyle and wellness creator, sharing my interests in fitness, beauty, fashion, music, and everyday life. I DJ at brand activations and events, which has given me another way to connect with people and contribute to the experiences brands create. I love that my work allows me to move between strategy and creativity, whether I’m developing a content concept, building a brand’s online presence, or creating an atmosphere through music.

One of the things I’m most proud of is founding and leading Girl Gains, a women’s weightlifting community at two universities. I wanted to create a space where women could feel empowered in the gym while building genuine friendships and supporting one another. That experience taught me a lot about leadership, community building, and turning an idea into something that has a real impact on people.

I think what sets me apart is that I don’t approach creativity from just one perspective. My background in marketing gives me a strategic understanding of how brands communicate, while my experience as a creator and DJ allows me to understand culture and connect with audiences more organically. I’m naturally curious, and I enjoy bringing seemingly different worlds together to create something fresh.

Ultimately, I’m most proud of building a career that allows me to explore my different passions while creating opportunities for myself and other people. I want my work to be more than just content or campaigns; I want it to tell stories, bring people together, and make people feel connected to something.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to stop waiting until you feel completely ready to start. So many opportunities in my life have come from simply putting myself out there, reaching out to people, sharing my work, and being willing to learn as I go. You don’t need to have everything figured out or be an expert to begin. You just need to be willing to take the first step and keep showing up.

Something I wish I had understood earlier is that you can create opportunities for yourself instead of waiting for someone to give you permission. Whether it’s starting a community, pitching yourself to a brand, learning a new skill, or pursuing a creative passion, sometimes you have to be the person who opens the door. I’ve learned that being proactive and building genuine relationships can take you just as far as having the perfect résumé.

I’d also encourage people not to feel pressured to have their entire lives figured out in their twenties. It’s okay to explore different interests, change directions, and outgrow things that once felt right for you. I’ve always been multi-passionate, and I’ve learned that the things that make you different can actually become your greatest strengths. You don’t have to fit into one box to build a successful career.

Finally, learn to focus on your own timeline. It’s easy to compare yourself to people online and feel like you’re behind, but you never see the full picture of someone else’s journey. Build skills, stay curious, be consistent, and surround yourself with people who inspire you. Most importantly, define success for yourself. For me, it’s not just about what I accomplish professionally, but also about having the freedom to pursue what I love and create a life that genuinely feels like mine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://miafrancescadawes.com
• Instagram: missmiadawes
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-dawes-0b7997193?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios