Meet Mila Esté | Define YA Initiative Founder & High School Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mila Esté and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mila, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting Define YA was that I realized there was a certain type of community I had not yet seen and felt was missing. I believed in the benefits of an open-armed community that would push young people to have thought-provoking conversations and allow them to learn about the world, others, and themselves. Art, in all its forms, is (and has been) a mechanism by which I have gotten to know myself and a lens through which I better understand the world; so, this is something I wanted to share. Additionally, I saw my peers yearning for a space where all these feelings, experiences, and connections could be manifested. With an immense lack of proper arts education and access in the school system, students have been left without a portal into the art world. Ultimately, youngsters have been left out of the flourishing Miami art scene, that should (and can be) a place for all, we just need to make sure we make it one. That being said, I felt uncertain at the beginning of the process of starting the business. Like any startup, one can never fully ensure that consumers will find the business necessary and worth their time. Therefore, I prioritized educating others on the benefits of arts education, how it’s been neglected in the school system, and the real solutions that exist to heal such a deep rooted issue. Once I felt like my intentions with the business were fully set and my goals were ambitious, yet realistic, I departed on the journey that has become Define YA.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I definitely wouldn’t say my journey to where I am now has been notably difficult due to the incredible support system I have and the many opportunities that have presented themselves to me. I believe it is important to recognize that my life has been filled with privileges that have facilitated many aspects of my journey, especially in regards to the beginning of it. However, there have been a series of obstacles that I have faced that have taught me professional, as well as personal, lessons. One such obstacle was my age and experience. Many (if not all) adults with whom I have worked, have had either a formal arts education, or have acquired years of experience in the field. Although everyone I have worked with understands the limitations of my age and experience, I have always needed to work an extra mile to fully understand certain topics, processes, and institutions revolving around the art world, in hopes of ensuring success and progress for my business. Through my experiences though, I have accepted that my “limitations,” although valid, are not what define me or my business. My efforts to constantly educate myself further and reach new heights is what really counts. Ultimately, my age and experiences (although different from a conventional arts community leader) are what give me a different outlook on the situation I am advocating for and leading others in. I have found that my youthfulness is a tool to better work with experts in their fields, as they appreciate what we (the youth) have to say and value our perspectives. Additionally, being of the age of those I am leading gives me an advantage in that I understand the interests, struggles, perspectives, and priorities of the youth and am able to organize events and produce content accordingly. Define YA: Youth for the Arts.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit Miami I would first take them to grab a bite at Forno Pizza in South Miami for a family friendly and relaxed dining experience. I particularly like this spot because of its great location: in a cute strip in South Miami where residents come with their families. An activity I would plan to do would definitely be to show them around Miami Beach. However, not necessarily just the beach and the tourist attractions (which are always worth participating in), but also the more residential area that I believe has much to offer. Great restaurants, interesting people, and overall a more relaxed vibe than other areas in Miami Beach. One afternoon I’d definitely take my friend to get some sushi and then watch the sunset in Key Biscayne, which I think is the best spot to do so. If on a Sunday we want to do some exercise, I would offer biking to the Pinecrest Farmers Market, where we can get fresh Argentinian empanadas, smoothies, ceviche, Venezuelan food, and many other things. This way we can exercise by biking, grab a bite to eat, and visit one of Miami’s biggest jems: Pinecrest Gardens. If on another day they’re still in the mood to bike I would take them to ride all the way to the Key Biscayne bridge, which includes great views and a truly tiring cycling workout. For a more art-related activity, I would bring my friend to the Bakehouse Art Complex to visit one of the many groups that have amplified artists and have given so much to the Miami art community. Of course, it wouldn’t be a week with me if we didn’t visit an art museum or gallery, therefore, I would make sure we swing by PAMM to experience some great views, eat well, and immerse ourselves in some beautiful artworks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Most definitely my loving mother, Natalie, or as I call her: Ma. Not only is Ma an incredible mother, but she is also an incredible ceramist. Growing up with an artist mother is a very particular experience in that you see the “behind the scenes” of an artist’s life: the good, the bad, and the ugly. With my mom, there was not a weekend or a vacation that passed where we didn’t visit a gallery or where I wasn’t persuaded to go into the studio to help her with something. Ma always made sure that I had the proper context to whatever we were seeing, and ensured I wouldn’t shy away from asking questions and challenging ideas. Growing up, she taught me valuable lessons about how art is, by nature, made for everyone and can be created with anything. As I got older she began explaining more nuanced concepts present in the art world, that often intimidate, or even scare, individuals out of the art space. Ultimately, Ma never wanted to “paint the picture” that the art world was simple or fair, and today I understand how valuable this was. The arts education that I didn’t get from an institution was taught to me chiefly by my mother, who always encouraged me to use the internet and other methods to find the information I was longing for. When I had the idea to start Define YA, I wanted to ensure a space where all questions are legitimate–like my mom has always made me feel–and I wanted to establish a community that would advocate for artists like Ma. Artists that have dedicated their lives to making the world better through their art and advocacy for arts education. Although others have greatly contributed in supporting and mentoring me in my journey, I wanted to dedicate my shoutout to my mother, Natalie, because she’s the one that supported me unconditionally. Since before the inception of Define YA to my first successful event, Ma has been by my side.

Instagram: defineyainitiative

Other: email: defineyainitiative@gmail.com

Image Credits
Eugene Francisco, Aquiles Este,