Sienna Bentley

Building a product-led brand is no easy feat.

For sibling co-founders Mikayla and Alex, creating a brand that redefines modern luxury is a rewarding endeavour that embodies how giving up traditional corporate life can become success from nurturing one’s creative roots. Making that pivot and giving in to the creative pull is a risk, but Mi Bolsa London proves that it’s worth it.

Mi Bolsa London was inspired by their shared upbringing, in which their artist father instilled in them a deep appreciation for creativity and authenticity.

The brand fuses vibrant flair with timeless elegance, creating designs that embrace individuality and are handcrafted to prioritise quality, ethics and sustainability.

What inspired your pivot from corporate life in London into the world of fashion, and how have you transferred those skills into your creative output?

My background in mathematics and early career in finance gave me a strong foundation in structure, problem solving and strategic thinking. But creativity has always been part of my life – it’s something I shared with my brother growing up, and something deeply inspired by our father’s legacy as an artist and entrepreneur.

The pivot into fashion was really about creating a space where logic and beauty could coexist. The discipline that I gained from corporate London has absolutely shaped how I approach brand building, but Mi Bolsa London is also a deeply personal creative outlet – a way to express emotion, identity and elegance through design.

How did your time in South Korea inform and inspire your approach to creativity, and how does that cultural intersection show up in your designs?

My time in South Korea had a profound impact on how I think about aesthetics, detail and intention. Working on a luxury resort development project allowed me to see how beauty and function can merge seamlessly. Korean design sensibilities often reflect restraint, refinement and balance – values that now flow into our collections.

At Mi Bolsa London, we strive for that same harmony: bold yet minimal, expressive yet timeless. The cultural influences from South Korea encouraged me to appreciate craftmanship not just as technique but as storytelling.

You created Mi Bolsa London with the mission to redefine modern luxury – not as a status symbol, but as a reflection of personal expression, artistry and meaningful craftmanship. How do you strike that balance in each design?

For us, every design starts with meaning. Whether it’s a handbag or a piece of fine jewellery, we aim to create something that resonates emotionally and artistically. We use high-quality materials – solid 14k gold, natural gemstones, ethically sourced leather – but it’s never about excess. It’s about intention. We want our pieces to feel elevated but also approachable – luxury that invites rather than intimidates. Our goal is always to reflect the individual, not a label. That balance between expression and refinement is what defines our aesthetic.

What does ‘luxury’ mean to you in a world where trends and values are constantly evolving?

To us, luxury is about authenticity. It’s not about status – it’s about creating something that feels personal, thoughtful and lasting. In a world where everything moves quickly, luxury is the ability to slow down and choose with care.

Our customers don’t chase trends – they invest in pieces that feel like a true extension of themselves. That’s the kind of luxury we believe in: emotionally resonant, responsibly made and crafted to last beyond a season.

How do you navigate honouring traditional craftsmanship while pushing boundaries with modern, perhaps even experimental, techniques?

We work closely with skilled artisans and ateliers, who bring generations of expertise to every piece. That traditional craftsmanship is the foundation of our quality – but we pair it with a modern, imaginative design approach. Whether it’s a removable strap on a structured bag or a reinterpretation of a classic Toi et Moi ring with unexpected gemstone pairings, we aim to bring innovation through subtle, thoughtful details. It’s about respecting the craft while evolving its expression for today’s world.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when launching your brand, and what advice would you give to young designers and entrepreneurs starting out in the industry?

One of the biggest challenges was staying grounded in our vision while navigating the practical realities of launching a product-led business – production timelines, supply-chain complexities and all the behind-the-scenes details that are invisible to the customer.

My advice would be: lead with purpose. Build your brand from something real. There will always be external pressures, but your clarity of intention will guide you through. Don’t be afraid to start small, stay selective and grow thoughtfully.