Chic Spotlight: Mia Sears
Cincy Chic: Where in Cincinnati did you grow up?
Mia Sears: I grew up in North Avondale. I attended Seven Hills grades 1-6 and Walnut Hills High School grades 7-12.
Cincy Chic: Where did you go to college?
Sears: I received my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida A&M University and my MBA from Xavier University here in Cincinnati.
Cincy Chic: Whats the main thing about Cincinnati that brought you back?
Sears: When I finished my undergraduate studies, the only job offer I had at the time was here in Cincinnati (although I did not accept that offer) and I had the opportunity to go straight into grad school. I moved back in with my parents for a couple years and worked full time while a full time grad student.
Cincy Chic: Where do you reside in the Cincinnati area now?
Sears: I bought a house in College Hill about three and a half years ago.
Cincy Chic: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Sears: Getting my business up and running takes up most of my spare time nowadays. I am also pretty active in my community. I am currently the second vice president of the Cincinnati Queen City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., a public service sorority; and also advisor to a local collegiate chapter of the sorority. In addition, I was recently appointed as a member of the Cultural Diversity Committee for Mayor Mark Mallorys Young Professional Kitchen Cabinet.
Cincy Chic: Where your favorite hang out spot in Cincinnati?
Sears: There isnt one. That is a main reason for the existence of Posh VIP to help make Cincinnati a more livable place for young professionals, specifically minority/diverse young professionals. In an attempt to answer your question though, lately I have been attending happy hour Fridays after work with a group of other young professionals. We visit a different location every week. In recent weeks, we have gathered at places such as Chez Nora, Boca and Palomino.
Cincy Chic: Is Posh VIP your full time occupation?
Sears: No, I am currently employed full time in Corporate America. However, with all of the ideas that I have and things I would like to accomplish I could very well see my business becoming my full time occupation by age 30.
Cincy Chic: What gave you the idea to start Posh VIP?
Sears: My vision when originally creating Posh VIP Ltd. was an attempt to make Cincinnati a more livable place for young professionals with the primary focus on minority and diverse professionals. So often we see the influx and then quick exodus of these individuals. Cincinnati is not able to offer the entertaining and upwardly mobile environment for this group that many other cities can provide. While it will take some time, and more than just my efforts, I hope that Cincinnati will one day be a city that can compete with other large metropolitan areas.
Cincy Chic: Whats the posh-est thing youve ever done in your lifetime?
Sears: Still working on that! (smile)
Cincy Chic: Whats the least posh-est thing youve ever done in your lifetime?
Sears: (laughs) Thats funny because I was just discussing this with my happy hour crew a few weeks ago. I would definitely have to say my car in high school! I think I am a good driver. Actually, I know that I am a good driver, but my luck back then in this area just wasnt all that great. By the end of my senior year I was driving around a jacked up car with one headlight, a tied down hood/bumper and a bass tube in the truck that would go in and out every time I turned a corner. Definitely not posh.
Cincy Chic: When did Posh VIP start? Hows it going?
Sears: Posh VIP Ltd. was officially formed in the summer of 2006. My first event, in which I helped with promotions for a particular event, took place in January. My most recent event took place on Feb 19 and was a speed-dating event. Check out pics here on Cincy Chic.
Cincy Chic: What do you hope Posh VIP will do to for Cincinnati?
Sears: If you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem. This is my effort in being part of the solution for what I see as a deficiency here in Cincinnati. I already explained who my target market is and what part I hope to provide in meeting the demands of that market. Another side of the company that I plan to grow will be the opportunity to serve as manager/agent/publicist for certain clientele. My hope for this would be to start shedding national light on the talent that we have in Cincinnati.
Cincy Chic: How challenging was it to start your own company?
Sears: The hardest part for me is just trying to hone in on what to focus on. I have so many ideas of things I would like to do, but I am only one person.
Cincy Chic: Whats the one piece of advice youd impart to another young woman in Cincinnati starting her own company?
Sears: I would suggest that they try to link up with an individual that is already doing something similar to what they want to do. Ask this person to be a mentor. They should hopefully be able to provide insight on the steps they took to get where they are and be able to offer suggestions on how to get there.
Cincy Chic: Who/what is your biggest inspiration?
Sears: Inspiration is all around us. Sometimes we just have to take time from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and listen to what is going on around us. You can learn something (whether good or bad) from every single person you encounter. What you decide to take from that experience is what helps you get to the next level.
As far as individuals, many people have in some form or fashion inspired me but I would have to thank my mom for teaching me persistence to never take no for an answer, my dad for teaching me the importance of integrity, and my brother and sister for allowing me to be the classic middle child. I also hold a special place in my heart for a friend of mine who I affectionately call my other big brother, Mr. Perry Simmons. I feel that God places certain people in your path at a certain time for a certain reason. That certain person at a certain time, for a certain reason was very inspirational in the establishment of Posh VIP.
Cincy Chic: Whats the most interesting thing youve learned in starting Posh VIP?
Sears: Your personality, your character, your ethics and your integrity will carry you a long way in the end.
