We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mia Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mia below.

Mia , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

One thing I’ve prioritized the most since starting my business at 15 years old is self care not the kind that means buying a bunch of products, but the kind that means actually giving myself the time and space I need to rest and love on myself. Since I was a little girl, I’ve enjoyed traveling with my family. Both of my grandparents were world travelers, and it’s something they passed down to their children, and something I know I’ll pass down to mine.

Outside of yoga, nature walks, and journaling, traveling is one of my favorite ways to recharge. I love exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and meeting people from all walks of life. It’s not just about leisure it’s also education. Hands-on experiences like cooking classes and connecting with local entrepreneurs have taught me so much. I’ve been blessed to cook in Antigua, Guatemala with a local nonprofit, and I even took an incredible class in Thailand. Those moments not only re-energize me personally, but they also make me a better chef and business owner.

So for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away: remember that time away isn’t a setback it’s an investment in your growth. The business won’t collapse if you create systems and trust your team. But you will collapse if you never take time for yourself. Travel, rest, and live it’ll only make your business stronger.

Mia , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up in the kitchen. Both sides of my family are full of incredible home chefs, and as a little girl, I was always right there shredding cheese during the holidays, watching, learning, and soaking up the joy of food. Cooking was never just about the meal; it was about bringing people together. That’s something I learned early on from my grandmother and it has stayed with me ever since.

At nine years old, I started working on my uncle’s food truck with my parents. I can still remember dropping fries at different events, cheering at Badger games, and feeling the energy of the hustle. By 15, I launched Mia’s Kitchen Catering. My very first meal sale brought in over 40 pre-orders, and I remember thinking, “40 people want to enjoy my food?” That moment lit a fire in me, and I never stopped. The kitchen quickly became my safe space the place where I danced, discovered who Mia truly is, and began shaping who I want to be.

Starting a business so young taught me discipline, patience, and sacrifice. I didn’t have a traditional high school experience, but I believe every choice I made was planting seeds for the life I want and deserve. At just 19, I’m proud to say I’m my own boss, designing a life filled with travel, entrepreneurship, and community impact. From taking cooking classes abroad in places like Guatemala and Thailand to hosting back-to-school events in Spalding, Jamaica, every experience feeds back into my work and fuels my growth.

What sets Mia’s Kitchen apart is love. Love for myself, love for my craft, and love for the people I serve. This business isn’t just about food it’s a safe space, a hub for community, and a testament to the power of self-love and self-care. Every day I remind myself that the life I’m building is bigger than just me It’s about creating something lasting, meaningful, and full of blessings.

When I look back at the conversations I had with myself at 14, and then look at everything I’ve accomplished since, I’m filled with pride and excitement. Even on tough days, I know I’m on the right path. Life, to me, is like the waves it flows exactly the way it’s supposed to. And I’m grateful to ride each one with intention, joy, and purpose.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My senior year of high school was when I faced one of the hardest decisions of my life. I had always pictured myself going to college, graduating, and following that traditional path. But at the same time, my business was thriving. I had just received a $25,000 grant to expand Mia’s Kitchen, and doors were opening for me that I never imagined would happen at 18.

So I had to ask myself: do I leave everything I’ve built behind to go to college right away, or do I take a leap of faith, bet on myself, and see how far I could take this dream? At such a young age, it felt like a heavy choice. Ultimately, I decided to stay in La Crosse, expand my business, prioritize myself, and fully embrace this journey.

It wasn’t easy I sacrificed the college experience I had dreamed about, but I reminded myself that I’m only 19. This is just the beginning. College will always be there, and I know I’ll still be a graduate one day, but right now my life has a different plan. I realized that sometimes when one door closes, it’s only making space for an even better door to open.

What I love most about this decision is the control I have over my own path. I run my business my business doesn’t run me. This is my passion project, and every day I wake up and choose it. When I see the little steps, the habits, the sacrifices, and the hard work adding up to something real a food truck, a community hub, a thriving business I know I made the right decision.

It’s funny sometimes I wonder, “How did I do all of this by 19?” But then I look back and realize it’s been about planting seeds every day. And those seeds are growing into a life I truly love.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

On October 5th, 2025, my life changed in an instant. I was involved in a terrible car accident after leaving my food truck late on a Saturday night. My car was full of products and over 35 meals I had planned to donate to a local organization that evening. It wasn’t just a crash it was traumatizing. The nonprofit I had worked with since the age of 14 was hit as well, and in that moment, I felt completely shaken.

I remember passing out for a few seconds in the car, waking up in shock, and not being able to believe what had just happened. I had worked so hard for everything, and my first thought was, “Why me?” My vehicle was damaged, my meals were lost, and my plans to give back were crushed in seconds. I hugged myself because I had to remind myself I’m strong, I’m brave, I’m resilient, and everything I need is already within me.

For about a week, I let myself feel the pain. I asked “why” over and over. But then I remembered: I have the power to turn pain into passion. This wasn’t the end it was just a bump in the road, a little grit in my journey. I thought back to little Mia the girl who dreamed fearlessly at 14 and reminded myself that nothing can take me out. Yes, I lost a vehicle. Yes, I lost product. But I still had my food truck, my thriving business, and a community that loved and supported me.

And so, on November 16th just one month later I opened Mia’s Kitchen on Wheels, my hot pink food truck. What once was a dream became reality, even in the shadow of a setback. To look back at 14-year-old me, who only dreamed of this, and to see myself at 19 making it happen it’s beyond beautiful.

My story is proof that nothing can stop a true purpose. Life will throw obstacles, but resilience means choosing to rise every single time. My life is a testament to turning pain into passion, and that’s exactly what I’ll continue to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mias-kitchen.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its_simone101?igsh=M3N2ZXZva3N2c2Np&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FbxRWCpjh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-simone-b7ba07382
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@its_simone101?si=EcBwpvuVjqlmLrEs