We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jasmeet Pabla-saini a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jasmeet, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
The name of my company is Mila & Co. Mila, my daughter, is the inspiration for the name of the brand. Naming my business after my daughter has a deeper meaning.
My Journey:
Ever since I was 14 I kept a folder with many “business” ideas. Fast-forward 20 years and here I am doing what the young girl set out to do. The true drive to start didn’t come until I became a mother. I suffered from PPD and I was left unraveled. During that time, with my community of folks beside me, I bloomed to be stronger, confident, and wiser. The drive to start my own business has always lived in me. Mila ignited and sparked the light within me.
When I look into my daughter’s eyes I am reminded of the strength to push forward that has always been in me. She is the sassiest, funniest, and smartest toddler and truly so fashionable. Her sense of fashion is what brought me to create Mila and Co. , a clothing brand inspired by Mila herself for her friends around the globe
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
How it began:
I am the daughter of immigrant parents and the youngest of three siblings. Growing up, I was inspired by the relentless work ethic of my parents and sisters. Their dedication provided us with a comfortable life and instilled in me a sense of determination and resilience.
My mother worked as a tailor for a time, and I would sit with her, using leftover scraps to create my own pieces of clothing. This early exposure to crafting ignited my passion for design and creativity. As I grew older, I began to educate myself about entrepreneurship, jotting down ideas and sketching product concepts in a business journal.
Despite my enthusiasm, I lacked the funds to turn these ideas into reality, so I pursued a career in tech marketing while attending school. I eventually married my college sweetheart, who also is a marketer. With the unwavering support of my husband and family, I finally took the leap of faith to launch my own clothing brand.
About Mila & Co:
At Mila & Co, our mission is to empower individuals to express their unique identity through fashion. We believe that clothing is not just about covering the body, but a powerful tool for self-expression and confidence.
How Mila & Co came about:
Hi there, I’m Jasmeet Pabla-Saini, the founder of Mila & Co. Born and raised in the Bay Area, I’m a devoted wife and mother to our beautiful daughter, Mila. By day, I work as a marketer for a tech company, and by night, I channel my passion into Mila & Co., a clothing brand that’s as vibrant and dynamic as my daughter.
What Prompted Me to Start This Business:
The inspiration for Mila & Co. comes directly from my daughter, Mila. Her name is not only the cornerstone of our brand but also the heartbeat of our creative vision. Mila’s innate sense of style, combined with her sassiness, humor, and intelligence, sparked the idea for a clothing line that reflects her unique personality and the joy she brings to our lives.
My Journey:
My entrepreneurial spirit has been with me since I was 14, when I began collecting ideas for various business ventures. Fast-forward 19 years, and I find myself living out the dreams I first envisioned as a teenager. The true drive to launch Mila & Co. intensified after becoming a mother. I faced postpartum depression, a challenging time that left me feeling unravelled. However, with the support of my community and the love for my daughter, I emerged stronger, more confident, and wiser.
Mila’s presence in my life reignited my passion and determination to start my own business. Looking into her eyes reminds me of the strength and resilience that have always been within me. Her sense of fashion and vibrant personality inspired me to create a brand that mirrors her spirit and style.
What We Provide:
Our inspiration comes from Jaipur, India, a little city with a vibrance of color, culture, and history. We are committed to providing high-quality, stylish, and sustainable apparel that resonates with our customers’ diverse tastes and lifestyles. Our designs celebrate individuality, embracing diversity, and promoting inclusivity.
Through ethical and responsible practices, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint and support the well-being of the communities we touch. We work with small businesses who are supported in fair trade and hand craft block prints, tailors, and much more. By leveraging small businesses across the globe we strive to help employment for these individuals.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In my twenties, I embraced life and worked tirelessly to excel in my career. Once I felt my career was on solid ground, I decided it was time to grow my family. The excitement and nervousness I felt were overshadowed when I shared the news, only to be met with a barrage of “wait until…” comments. These remarks implied that my life, dreams, and goals would come to a halt as my focus shifted entirely to my child.
When I had my daughter, I was overwhelmed by these thoughts and spiraled into depression. Despite my deep love for her, I struggled with the feeling that my own life was “over.” It took me two years to find my way back to myself, but just a moment of looking into my daughter’s eyes reminded me of my resilience. With the support of my community, I emerged stronger, more confident, and wiser.
The drive to start my own business had always been within me, but Mila reignited that spark. For Mila and anyone who needs a reminder or a push, I want to be the person who says, “You have it in you. Never let anyone or anything hold you back.”
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
By sharing my journey openly and honestly, I hope others can resonate with my story. Being authentic and transparent is key to connecting with your audience. I want women to know that whatever path you choose in life, embrace it fully. Don’t let anyone make you feel less for your decisions. My primary focus is on Mila, but I’ve also found a fulfilling balance between enjoying my career and growing my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.milasandco.com/
- Instagram: milasandco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmeet-pabla-saini-266bb333/
Image Credits
The headshot picture with the black clothing is by Andrew Sherman @andrewshermanphoto
the other two are taken by Meilene Long @maemephoto