Conversations with Mia Montero

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Montero.

Hi Mia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi! My name is Mia Montero, and I am a Christian singer/hat maker from Louisiana based in Tennessee. I started writing music at the age of 16 years old, releasing my work for people to enjoy ever since. I’m currently 22 years old, and still writing Christian music, but also, making hats. I fell in love with hat making last year, working for a hat maker as a sales associate in my hometown (before I moved to Tennessee). I knew nothing about hat making – never understood or really knew about the craft and what it took to make the piece of art. I would ask lots of questions, and probably annoyed my boss many times haha, but it was so fascinating to watch a hat go from an idea to a story. I told my boss how I would love to learn about the hat making process. He was so encouraging and helped me find the right tools and gave me some tips and tricks he was gifted by another hatter. I’ve been practicing and mastering the craft since then – carving my own techniques that are making me a stronger artist and defining me as a hat maker. My hats and music go hand in hand with one another – each telling a story. As my music represents who I am in Christ, my hats reflect off of that. Being from Louisiana, I wanted to call myself something that meant something deeper than just a name. The Louisiana Magnolia, symbolizing strength and love, couldn’t reflect a better message. Never in my life did I think I would get to be a singer as well as a hatter. I didn’t even know hatters were a thing, and they only existed in Wonderland. That’s the beauty of trusting Christ. He will not only provide, but will show you things you could’ve never imagined. People may know me as the Christian singer, Mia Montero, but as the Hatmaker, I am The Magnolia Hatter.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a bit rocky, but nothing God can’t get me through. Starting a business is usually a bit stressful, especially as a young adult, who’s still trying to figure out the whole “adult thing”. It’s all about taking one step at a time. That’s been the most stressful part – is to be patient and not rush the process.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What I think sets me apart from other hat makers, is not only my Louisiana culture being defined through my style, but also how I am a Christian singer. I think the two are brought together real nicely, and show me for who I am. I’ve never felt more like myself.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Patience! It is so hard finding patience, but I’m learning to enjoy the learning process, and am so excited to continue to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: miamontero.com
• Instagram: @miamonteromusic / @themagnoliahatter
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miamonteromusic  / Facebook.com/themagnoliahatter 
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/miamonteromusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/miamonteromusic

Image Credits
@lindsaykatephotography (on image of myself with blue blazer)