Today we’d like to introduce you to Monika Pawlak
Hi Monika, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Poland, a country rich in culture and history, which has always inspired my creative spirit. After completing my bachelor’s degree in business, I found myself at a crossroads. I was preparing to apply for my master’s program, but a part of me felt the urge to embark on a different adventure—one that would not only enhance my resume, but also broaden my horizons. At that time, Poland was on the cusp of entering the European Union, and I recognized the importance of improving my English language skills to thrive in an increasingly globalized world. Most importantly, I had a burning desire to travel and experience diverse cultures.
One day, I stumbled upon an incredible opportunity to study and work in the United States, organized by an American company. I saw this as the perfect chance to fulfill my dreams, so I quickly applied. Although the company could not guarantee placement in a specific city, I held onto a dream of visiting California, a place that had always captivated my imagination. To my astonishment, just two weeks later, I learned that I was one of only four candidates selected from nearly 100 applicants to go to Los Angeles, and I received a job offer there. The excitement and nervousness I felt were overwhelming, but I was ready to embrace this new chapter in my life. A couple of weeks later, I was on a plane alone, heading to a totally new world.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles, I fell in love with the perfect weather, the vibrant diversity of cultures, and the stunning beauty of nature that surrounded me. The city offered endless opportunities, each corner brimming with inspiration and creativity. What was initially intended to be a one-year adventure turned into several years filled with exploration and growth. Life as an immigrant is undoubtedly challenging, but it has been an incredibly interesting journey. I learned to navigate new landscapes, both literally and metaphorically, while embracing the richness of different cultures.
After several years of working in the insurance business, my life took a beautiful turn with the birth of my daughter. Becoming a mother ignited a long-standing aspiration within me—to become an entrepreneur. I found immense joy in dressing up my daughter Mila, and it was through these moments that I noticed the positive reactions from others around me. This sparked the idea of creating my own clothing brand, inspired by her delightful spirit and the desire to provide children’s apparel that is both stylish and comfortable.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting my own clothing brand has been both exhilarating and challenging. Transitioning from a career in insurance to the fashion industry required me to learn about clothing design, production, and marketing from the ground up. This switch not only demanded a complete shift in mindset but also presented a steep learning curve that often came with self-doubt and the pressure of mastering an entirely new field.
One of the primary challenges was finding skilled and trustworthy professionals to collaborate with. I quickly learned that not all vendors share the same commitment to quality and integrity. It took significant time and effort to vet potential partners who aligned with my vision, making this a daunting task.
Additionally, learning effective marketing strategies has become crucial. I had to grasp everything from social media promotion to understanding consumer behavior, all while managing the financial aspects of a startup. I learned to be strategic in budgeting for production and investing in marketing to build brand awareness, balancing the creative side of my business with practical financial considerations.
Despite these hurdles, each challenge became a valuable lesson in resilience and adaptability. I learned to seek guidance from mentors and fellow entrepreneurs, recognizing that obstacles are not barriers but stepping stones toward growth. Through perseverance, I developed a deeper understanding of the clothing industry and built a network of skilled professionals, ultimately leading to the creation of a brand that resonates with families and delights children.
The learning continues, and I am thrilled to say that my brand has been growing amazingly, opening doors to new opportunities and exciting challenges ahead.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
As a working mom, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find the perfect balance between style, comfort, and practicality in children’s clothing and our own.
Like many parents, I struggled to find outfits that allowed my kids, Benjamin and Mila, to play, explore, and express themselves without sacrificing style or comfort.
Sure, there are quite a few options for out there, but they’re all flawed.
Fast fashion is affordable, but often uses uncomfortable fabrics that wear out quickly.
High-end brands may look great, but sacrifice practicality, with delicate materials that can’t handle active kids.
Sustainable brands are sometimes too basic or overpriced, leaving families stuck between style and functionality.
Be Mi was born out of love for my children and a passion for sustainable, stylish fashion. My kids are my biggest critics and collaborators—they help with fittings, test out each piece, and provide invaluable feedback to ensure our clothes meet the highest standards of comfort and style.
Our brand is unique in that all our products are designed, developed, and manufactured right here in Los Angeles. That really was a non-negotiable for me as I felt strongly about being empowered to deliver a higher quality product and maintain a hands-on presence during the process.
Better yet, the entire Be Mi range is free from those pesky neck tags, so you won’t have to be subjected to itchy, annoying tag complaints. Our easy mix-and-match options make it effortless to create versatile and stylish outfits for your little ones, while our focus on quality and durability ensures that our clothes can be worn time and time again.
Our clothing is made with the highest quality, buttery-soft, premium fabrics mostly made in Los Angeles, ensuring that your little one’s delicate skin is free from harmful chemicals and irritants.
Our whole collection is treated with hand produced wash and dyed with extra softeners for lux, lived in feel. This also means each piece will have a perfectly imperfect custom color and will softly fade over time… in addition it takes out 99% of shrinkage to ensure consistent sizing.
As we only produce machine-washable, dryer-friendly, pre-shrunk clothing, all our garments will maintain their shape and fit perfectly (even after multiple washes).
At Be Mi, we believe that everyone deserves to wear clothes that are as dynamic and spirited as we are. Our mission is to provide families with high-quality, stylish, and comfortable clothing that empowers your kids to be themselves while giving you the peace of mind you deserve.
I can’t wait to see your little ones thrive in Be Mi.
Pricing:
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Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bemilosangeles.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bemilosangeles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bemilosangeles/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkzHBS_0V-nq6o9jTxuZ4aQ
Image Credits
Barbara Rozycka Photography
Alexandra Cooper Photography
