Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Mitchell.
Mia, can you briefly walk us through your story- how you started and how you got to where you are today?
Where do I begin? I’m thinking about many memories which caused pain and hardship that I was able to overcome in life. Through pain, I gained strength.
I grew up in the Philippines and raised in a small town. I had a simple dream, even as a driven, rebellious and ambitious person. I always do what I want to do.
At 21, I left my town to try my luck in the big city. My parents, especially my mother, were very angry regarding my decision. She was worried I would not make it and be harmed because I would be a woman living alone. None of these fears stopped me from following my dreams and desires. I took the trip and was amazed and captivated at how big the buildings were. I felt like a little girl against the giant world. And indeed, I was scared.
The first month was fun and exciting, but my mom turned out to be right. It was challenging, especially because it was so expensive. But I wanted to prove to her and to myself that I could make it and would not return to my small town defeated. I worked for Dunkin’ Donuts and struggled to make ends meet for a month. I would eat one slice of bread for the entire day or one pack of instant noodle soup. I would put a lot of water in it to make it last as long a possible. I never gave up, thinking one day, I will be rewarded. My very first paycheck brought a lot of tears because I knew how much hard work I had put into it. It was my first taste of freedom.
About a year later, I met a wonderful man, who I thought was my Prince Charming. He had flown to the Philippines from San Diego to be with me. During our relationship, I got pregnant and gave birth to a healthy little boy. The fairy tale only lasted for months. His true colors got revealed and we were together only five more years.
Moving and living in San Diego was a tough and scary decision I made, especially not knowing anybody or anything about American culture. I’m now a single mother of a very smart, sweet, intuitive and handsome 6 year old named Brett. Being a single mom and having no driving skills was also a challenge. I’ve been through a lot that has made me feel unbreakable. I just don’t think there’s much more in the world that would frighten me.
Looking back, I am thankful of everything I have been through because it molded me to become who I am now. It made me become the woman I am admiring, the mother of a son who is strong, independent,, fearless, resilient and a survivor. Above all, my son is my inspiration for all that I do. I love him the most.
Has it been a smooth road?
They say life is highway..filling with lots of twists and turns. Becoming a parent at such a young age, was the toughest job I have ever handled. Carrying your child, while dealing with an abusive, alcoholic husband was never easy. Getting my way out having little money, looking for jobs, looking for a place to stay, not having any family..besides my son and myself, going to school, hiring a driver to teach me to drive. Learning my way around San Diego and getting to know people. It was all so overwhelming. Gaining my freedom and my independence. It’s never easy. Nothing in life is easy.
As a woman, the best advice I could give to other young women who are just starting their own journey is to never give up and to always trust and believe in yourself. Never lose hope, trust God and trust time. With every pain, comes a reward at some point. Work hard and pray. Always ask God to give you the light and guidance when you are feeling lost. Make your own destiny. Don’t let anyone define you or what you are capable of doing. Follow your dreams and goals. Don’t let life’s trials defeat you, but make it an inspiration to do more and be better. Life can be rough, but it can be smooth if you choose the right path. Just trust yourself and do what is right. Follow your heart. Follow your stars. Follow your dreams. Always respect yourself and respect others.
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into your story. Tell us more about the business.
As a foreigner and single mother, getting employed is really hard, especially because I don’t have a babysitter. Finding an employer that could and work with my schedule was so tough, but i was very lucky and very blessed to meet the right people. It was a struggle, but i did it. I began working at 99cents stores as my first job in America. I am way beyond thankful to my supervisor Cindy Albertson Sessions for all of the help she gave me. I call her my angel who fell from the heavens. About a year later, i enrolled in bartending classes, got my license and applied for several jobs. Months later, I enrolled at Healing Hands School and studied massage therapy. I studied circulatory massage, Tui Na, shiatsu, advanced sports massage, anatomy and professional practices. Nine months later, I graduated and received my license. I am now a certified massage therapist and currently enrolled at City College taking Nursing courses. I am very proud of myself for all of my achievements and for not depending on anyone. What sets me apart from others is that I am strong-willed, focused and determined. I work hard and I am grateful for every little thing i have achieved in life. I am always thankful and grateful.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunity?
I strongly believe a woman’s voice should be heard as equally loud as a man’s and given the same opportunities in the workplace. I don’t think there’s a particular position that needs to be specifically for a woman. It’s like giving women a definition and a limitation for what we can only do and what we’re only capable of doing. I believe women should be given the exact same chances as men no matter what it is. We’re all given the same rights and the ability to make independent decisions. Let’s keep the playing field even between the sexes.
Contact Info:
- Email: mitchellmedinaxx26@gmail.com
- Address: Pacific Beach, San Diego, California 92109
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinaymia_official/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=bookmarks
Image Credit:
Mia Mitchell
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