An Inspired Chat with Mia Dawes of Lower Manhattan

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mia Dawes. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Mia, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I usually like to start my day by taking the steps necessary to make sure I’ll be successful physically, mentally, and spiritually throughout the day. This can look like making my bed the first thing in the morning, then showing myself love through the skincare I do. I also like to take at least 10 minutes to meditate in the morning to make sure I am calm and stress-free no matter what I might confront that day. After this, I get dressed and do my makeup and cook a full breakfast, which includes protein, fruit, and fiber. Once all of these things are done.I feel ready to tackle the day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there, my name is Mia Francesca Dawes and I’m a wellness entrepreneur, brand strategist, DJ, and founder of Girl Gains NYU, a women’s empowerment and fitness community rooted in movement, mentorship, and mindset. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and then moved to New York City to pursue my masters degree in Integrated Marketing at NYU. Throughout my living experience in New York I found myself pursuing several different hobbies that turned into impactful community building projects. This city allowed me to explore my love for music which turned into me DJing at a coachella activation and a US Open pop up event. I’m also very passionate about helping women feel strong in their bodies and support them in their journeys. I blend my marketing expertise with deep community-building values. Through my work, I aim to elevate wellness and positivity as both an individual practice and a collective movement.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I truly believe what breaks bonds between people is judgement and lack of acceptance. This can look like making assumptions or moral evaluations without curiosity or context. It can also look like subtle disapproval about someone’s choices or appearance. Judgement often makes people feel unsafe to be themselves so they shrink or they withdraw. How it can be healed is by practicing curiosity over criticism, and doing your own inner work. Judgement often stems from our own fears or projections. Neglect and Inconsistency also breaks bonds, which can look like not showing up in the key moments of someone’s life and only showing up when you need something. This breaks bonds because people begin to feel undervalued like an afterthought or placeholder. What can heal this is small consistent effort and communicating openly when life gets busy.

Bonds can be restored between people through acknowledgment & accountability, as well as consistent actions not just words. Nothing heals what isn’t acknowledged. It’s extremely important to take ownership without excuses and to recognize how we make other people feel, regardless of intention. Finally, consistent actions, this is about patterns not promises. Trust isn’t rebuilt from a grand gesture, it’s rebuild from the tiniest commitments. I’d also like to emphasize that open and honest communication plays a huge role in restoring bonds, creating a safe space to talk without interruptions or judgement.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that held me back the most in life is that I’d be judged for pursuing the things I pursue today. It wasn’t until I really did the inner work to realize that someone who is pursuing greatness and something outside of their self interest, will never judge someone who is doing the same. Once I became confident in the things I want to pursue, I also realized that it is better to try and fail multiple times on the way to success than it is to regret not trying at all.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A project I’m committed to is helping create a harmonious environment for women where they feel embraced by other women. I strongly believe that these spaces are necessary in order for women to feel like they can succeed in the all aspects of life.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I strongly believe that people misunderstand why people like me pursue the things we do, and they think that it’s just about aesthetics or looking the part. People online might see curated gym content, matcha lattes, brand deals, and clean aesthetics. What they don’t see is emotional labor, mental discipline, and inner transformation that facilitated building a community rooted in healing. I truly believe that humans are multidimensional beings and we have been told by society we must fit into one box. I’d like to be someone that motivates others to let go of this concept, be curious, and stay true to themselves especially if they have multiple passions.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missmiadawes/

Image Credits
@chadwadsworth_atx for DJ pic