Two weeks ago, I had the honor of attending Mixed’s 4th birthday dinner. Mixed is a vibrant clothing brand that also spotlights creative women and entrepreneurs who are shaping their own paths. The dinner was hosted by founder Nasrin Jafar, and it was a sit-down dinner with about 40 guests.
And by guests, I don’t mean fancy A‑listers or influencers with a million followers. She invited her own customers, regular people who are the lifeline of the brand. I found this so inspiring and refreshing. It was clear that her goal wasn’t just to celebrate four years of business, but to truly appreciate the people who are the real backbone of her brand.
I was really inspired. The energy in the room felt intentional: a mix of celebration, connection, and purpose. Nasrin and I are just starting to get to know each other, but I’ve worked closely with her team, and they are some of the most genuine, lovely, and talented people I’ve met. They all seemed so proud to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
What really struck me is that this kind of community starts at the top. When leadership is grounded and values‑driven, it radiates through the team, the product, and ultimately, the customer experience.
My takeaway from this dinner was clear:
If you want to build a brand with longevity, loyalty, and integrity, your core values need to touch every decision you make. It’s so easy to stray when things get busy or stressful, but community and connection don’t happen by accident. They are built, intentionally, one interaction at a time.
It gave me a glimpse of what I hope to create for KAEIU in the years to come.
With love,
Maria