In Her Campus’s series Next Question, we rapid-fire interview talent Gen Z loves about what it’s like to rule over pop culture. This month, content creator and brand owner Mia Rodriguez is in the hot seat to answer our burning questions.
Mia Rodriguez is a multi-hyphenate. Not only is the 20-year-old a fashion creator, a second-year marketing student at Hampton University, and the daughter of Mielle Organics founder Monique Rodriguez, she’s also a brand founder herself. “I know that I have to have my own identity,” she tells Her Campus in an exclusive interview. “Growing up with parents that have become so successful, I want to strive to be the best version of myself.”
Outside of her full slate of classes (five this semester, and “I’m also planning on taking two classes this summer to be ahead”), Rodriguez is also the founder of D.I.M.E. (Dreaming • Inspiring • Moving • Evolving), a community-first ecosystem designed to solve the Gen Z creative’s biggest hurdle — finding connection. “A D.I.M.E. girl is someone that inspires, she is a dreamer, and she is always evolving in each phase of life,” Rodriguez says. “[My community] wants to know how they can tap into making content or starting a business, and turn a dream into a vision for the world to see.”
While the influence of the Rodriguez family’s success is undeniable, Rodriguez is focused on carving out a legacy that is entirely her own. “Without Mielle, I don’t know if I would be here as fast, but I have to have my own identity,” she says. “My mom was so passionate about the science behind hair care — that’s not really my passion. My passion is creating and producing content. I’ve created my own identity by building the D.I.M.E. brand, and honing in on my community.”
At the same time, having a successful business owner as a mom has helped Rodriguez learn a foundational lesson that serves as the backbone of D.I.M.E.: “Know your worth. Know that in any room you walk into, you deserve to be there,” Rodriguez says. “When people see that you are successful and passionate, they want to be surrounded by you because they want to know what makes you different from everyone else. Stay within your core values, know who you are, and trust God.”
Building a brand while maintaining her status as a full-time student requires a level of dedication and time management that Rodriguez admits can be taxing to keep up with. “I have my days where I’m like, ‘How am I going to make it?’ But I’ve seen what my parents have done, where they started … and where they are now, and it inspires me. If they can do that, I can do that 10 times better by having the faith and the discipline.”
But as someone with so much on her plate, Rodriguez also recognizes the need to relax and reset. “I’m pouring into my community, I’m pouring into my friends and family, but it’s so important to pour into who you are,” she says. When it comes to self-care, for Rodriguez, it’s all about “going on walks, going on drives. Last weekend, I drove to D.C. with my friend and we went to the spa, we did shopping, we got matcha.”
As she looks toward the future, Rodriguez is focused on the power of staying on course. Her advice for those looking to follow her lead is simple: “Stay consistent,” she says. “Prioritize being authentic, creative, and having ambition — but most importantly, be consistent. If you aren’t consistent, the work won’t show and you’ll just be stuck.”
She credits the culture at Hampton University for a “standard of excellence” that has her aiming high. Her environment pushed her to turn her dreams into reality without waiting for the “perfect” moment. “If you have a dream, you need to write the vision, make it plain, and just go for it. If you always say, ‘I’m just going to wait for the right time,’ you’re just going to continue to wait,” she says. “If you fail, just get back up and try again. God has a plan for you, and if you get denied, it’s just God delaying you for something better.”
These responses have been edited for length and clarity.
What’s your current favorite fashion trend?
Jogging pants with heels on the bottom. I think people have really been like making jogging pants really stylish. That’s something that I love.
What’s your current favorite TikTok trend or sound?
I would say my favorite sound is “E85” by Don Toliver.
What’s your go-to matcha order?
It’s from Blank Street. A strawberry iced matcha with oat milk.
Go-to outfit for a long day on campus?
Definitely a workout set from Alo, because I’ve just been in the mindset of, like, “I don’t want to dress up anymore.” I just want to wear workout clothes.
Your most-used emoji right now?
🤭
What’s the last thing you texted your mom?
Let me see. “At freshman fashion show,” because she had called me.