From a young dreamer to a successful businesswoman: how passion, resilience, and authenticity shaped a brand that brings natural elegance into homes.
By Érica Roura
A Conversation with MIV Interiores’ Founder
Starting a business at 25 is no small feat, especially in an industry as competitive as interior design. Yet, Mireia Pla, founder of MIV Interiores, turned her vision into a brand that stands for authenticity, serenity, and timeless elegance. With over 20 years in the industry, she has built not just a company, but a philosophy, a way of transforming houses into soulful, harmonious homes through natural materials and carefully curated pieces.
In this interview for Altura, Mireia shares the highs and lows of her journey, the challenges of being a female entrepreneur, and the lessons she has learned along the way. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and the belief that passion is the foundation of any great venture.
Mireia, let us start from the beginning. You founded MIV Interiores when you were just twenty-five. What inspired you to take the leap into entrepreneurship?
“I have always had a deep appreciation for beautifully crafted spaces. From an early age, I was fascinated by the way interiors could evoke emotions. But beyond that, I’ve always had this desire to create something of my own, to shape a brand that reflects my values and aesthetics. I never wanted a conventional job. But I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do either. I studied Business Administration because I figured it would be useful, no matter what path I chose.
My passion for art and design led me to open a small store in Barcelona, where I displayed work by young artists. The challenge was not just about designing interiors but about redefining what a home should feel like. I wanted to move away from mass-produced furniture and bring warmth, personality, and authenticity into people’s homes. That idea fueled my journey. Then, on a whim, I traveled to Indonesia to source furniture. That was the start of everything.”
What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting MIV Interiores?
“I was young and, honestly, a bit naive about what I was getting into. But that was also a strength. I did not overthink the risks. I just went for it. In hindsight, I realize I made many mistakes, but my energy and passion carried me through. I was not afraid of failing because I was too excited about creating something of my own.
With all that in mind, the challenge was a mix of everything: finding the right suppliers, building a brand from scratch, and proving myself in a male-dominated industry. At twenty-five, you have the vision, but not necessarily the experience. There were moments of doubt, especially when dealing with logistics and financial planning, areas I wasn’t as familiar with. But I learned quickly, surrounded myself with the right people, and kept going despite the obstacles. The first years were tough, but every challenge made me more determined.”
Have you faced any specific challenges as a female entrepreneur in the industry?
“Absolutely. Interior design has a strong female presence in terms of creatives, but when it comes to business negotiations, suppliers, and large-scale projects, the landscape shifts. I had moments where I had to prove myself twice as much. There were instances where my opinions were questioned more than they would have been if I were a man. But over time, I learned to trust my expertise, stand my ground, and surround myself with people who value my vision, regardless of gender.”
Your brand has a very distinct identity. How did you shape the vision for MIV Interiores?
“MIV Interiores is deeply rooted in authenticity. I wanted to create spaces that felt timeless yet personal, and elegant but lived in. Our focus on natural materials like linen, wood, rattan, comes from a desire to bring warmth and sustainability into interior design. We combine Nordic minimalism with Mediterranean charm, and we carefully curate every piece to ensure it has a story. The brand is an extension of my own aesthetic values: calmness, elegance, and individuality.”
How do you balance creativity with the business side of things?
“That’s probably one of the biggest struggles as an entrepreneur. You start because of a creative passion, but running a business involves so much more, strategy, numbers, logistics. Over the years, I have learned to delegate. I still make all creative decisions, but I have a talented team handling operations, marketing, and finances. That way, I can stay true to the essence of MIV Interiores while ensuring the company grows sustainably.”
Has your vision for MIV Interiores changed over the years?
“Yes, and that is a good thing. When I started, I thought my designs would appeal to everyone. Now, I understand the importance of focusing on a niche, people who deeply appreciate the aesthetic and philosophy behind MIV Interiores. Finding your niche and staying true to it is more valuable than trying to appeal to everyone.”
What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their entrepreneurial journey?
“First, trust your instincts. The world will try to tell you how things should be done, but if you have an unobstructed vision, follow it. Second, be prepared for setbacks, entrepreneurship is not a straight road, and failure is part of the process. The key is to learn fast, adapt, and keep moving forward. Lastly, do your research, make sure your idea is viable, but do not let fear hold you back. You will never have everything figured out at the start, and that is okay. The important thing is to take the first step and adjust along the way.”
How do you deal with self-doubt or imposter syndrome?
“It’s something I still experience from time to time. Most entrepreneurs do. But I have learned to remind myself of how far I have come, to look at the brand I’ve built and the people who believe in it. Also, I focus on action, when I feel insecure, I dive into work, keep creating, and remind myself why I started in the first place. Confidence isn’t about never doubting yourself, it’s about pushing through the doubts and showing up anyway.”
What is next for MIV Interiores?
“We’re constantly evolving. I want to expand our collections, collaborate with more designers, and explore new markets. But most importantly, I want to keep inspiring people to create homes that feel uniquely theirs. It’s not just about furniture; it’s about crafting environments that nurture the soul.”
Finally, if you could sum up your entrepreneurial journey in one sentence to inspire other women, what would it be?
“Build something that reflects who you truly are, and success will follow. Passion is always the fuel in entrepreneurship.”
