When You Don’t Smile for the Camera

This week, a reel of me stepping out of a BMW in a formal dress—silent, composed, and fully in my presence—sparked an unexpected firestorm. The comments came fast: rude. Ungrateful. A bitch. A witch. Fat. All because I didn’t smile or thank the driver in a staged, editorial moment.In this episode, I unpack what really happened—and why this kind of backlash is bigger than a reel. We’re talking about the rage that erupts when a woman refuses to perform politeness. When she’s confident without being grateful. When she dares to take up space without softening her edges.Let this be a reminder: presence is powerful. And you don’t owe performance to be respected.Luxury Rebellion, the website launches on June 10. Click here to get early access to get a closer look inside Mikaela's world.

What if everything changed the moment you showed up in full color?Luxury Rebellion wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t gone to Trinidad Carnival. In this episode, I’m taking you inside the experience that cracked me open. The feathers, the freedom, the joy, the heat and how Trinidad Carnival helped me remember who I really am.I share the three unforgettable moments that shifted everything, how I reconnected to my joy, and why showing up boldly in your body is a rebellion in itself.If you’ve ever felt like you were performing for the world or holding back from your glow, this episode is your permission slip to live out loud.Joy is a rebellion. Boldness is a birthright. And Carnival? It’s a portal.And if you want to sign up for The Rebellious Woman, the presale ends Saturday, May 24. Click here to join.

In this episode, Mikaela reflects on the beauty and boldness of Bermuda Day — what it means, how it shaped her, and why honoring your roots is a deeply rebellious act. Whether you're from a small island or a big city, there’s power in remembering who you are and where you come from.Click here to join The Rebellious Woman at the presale rate.

I didn’t pitch the New York Post. I was just living… and that was enough.In this premiere episode of Luxury Rebellion Podcast, I share the story behind my unexpected feature in the New York Post — not for launching something, not for selling anything, but simply for choosing joy, pleasure, and presence.I take you behind the scenes of the NYC trip that was just about taste - dining, exploring, living well - and how that led to national media coverage without trying to “go viral.”This episode is about the power of being seen for who you are, not what you produce. It’s a love letter to the woman who knows her lifestyle is the story.Your taste is your voice. Your glow is the pitch. Just live.And to learn more about The Rebellious Woman, click here. Presale is open un til May 24!

In this episode, Mikaela Ian and guest Kristin White discuss creating an authentic brand, purchasing a bookshop, creating her dream career, activism, her pilot TV show and much more.  Highlights: Defining Luxury as Freedom and Access to Resources Kristin describes luxury as the ability to choose how she spends her day and access resources that allow her to enjoy life's pleasures. Aligning Personal Brand with Business Kristin emphasizes the importance of being unapologetically herself and aligning her personal brand with her business, which helped her attract the right audience and opportunities. Transition from Youth Development to Owning a Bookshop Kristin discusses her career shift from working in youth development to owning a bookshop in St. George's, Bermuda, which later evolved into a reflection of her personal interests and activism. Connect with Mikaela: Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠@mikaelaian⁠⁠⁠ YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠Built For Luxury ⁠⁠⁠ Connect With Kristin: Instagram: @itskristindotcom Website: www.lonstoryshort.life

In this episode, we welcome Tahauya Jackson, a self-worth and comeback coach and the founder of the Hey Girl Heal community. Tahauya shares her personal journey of healing, the importance of self-worth, and redefining luxury as a state of peace and happiness. Redefining Luxury (1:27) Tahauya discusses how luxury isn't about material possessions but about peace, happiness, and living authentically. The Healing Journey Healing allows individuals to see themselves truly and overcome past traumas, such as childhood wounds or relationship issues. Overcoming Shame and Building Self-Worth Tahauya advises daily affirmations of self-worth, identifying personal needs and values, and continuous self-reflection. Connect with Mikaela: Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠@mikaelaian⁠⁠⁠ YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠Built For Luxury ⁠⁠⁠ Connect With Tahauya: Instagram: @tahauyatalks

In this episode of the Built for Luxury Podcast, we sit down with Aubrey Aluna-Ortiz, a financial advisor with 101 Financial based in Hawaii. Aubrey shares her unique perspective on luxury, emphasizing the importance of financial freedom, time, and location flexibility over material possessions. She provides insights into achieving positive cash flow, planning for major purchases, and making mindful spending decisions to build a life of true luxury. Key Takeaways: Redefining Luxury: Aubrey emphasizes that true luxury is having financial freedom, time, and location flexibility, rather than just material possessions. Positive Cash Flow: Understanding and maintaining positive cash flow is crucial for achieving financial goals and avoiding debt. Budgeting and Planning: Proactive budgeting and mindful spending habits are essential for financial control and achieving long-term goals. Financial Goals and Motivation: Identifying personal financial goals and understanding the reasons behind them helps maintain motivation and make necessary sacrifices easier. Connect with Mikaela: Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠@mikaelaian⁠⁠⁠ YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠Built For Luxury ⁠⁠⁠ Follow Aubrey Aluna Ortiz: Instagram: @aubreyaluna

In this episode, Mikaela Ian and guest Brandi Nicole explore personal style, luxury, and the importance of fit in clothing.  2:35: Brandi discusses her unconventional journey into the fashion industry, transitioning from a career in education reform to personal styling and coaching. 4:42: Brandi shares her personal struggles with weight gain due to health issues and the impact it had on her confidence and wardrobe. 7:22: Brandi reflects on the intersection of style, fashion, and fit, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's body shape and proportions. 9:13: Brandi distinguishes between style and fashion, highlighting the personal nature of style and the pressure imposed by the fashion industry. 11:12: Brandi emphasizes the significance of fit in clothing, advocating for a focus on how clothes make individuals feel rather than adhering to specific sizes or trends. 13:53: Discussion on the misconception that fashionable clothing requires a hefty budget, with Brandeis stressing the importance of fit and personal style over brand labels. 18:39: Brandi challenges the notion of universal fashion "must-haves" and encourages listeners to consider their individual body shapes and preferences when selecting clothing. 22:35: Brandi shares her personal journey with body image and shorts, highlighting the importance of embracing one's body and challenging societal norms around clothing choices. Note: Timestamps are approximate and may vary slightly in different podcast platforms. Mikaela is hosting a free training on Sunday, May 5th at  11am EST called Luxurious Lifestyle Blueprint. She will share her three-step system to creating a luxurious lifestyle on your terms. Click here to register. Connect with Mikaela: Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠@mikaelaian⁠⁠⁠ YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠Built For Luxury ⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Brandi:  Closet Edit Challenge (free) The Style Society membership - waitlist Style for Smart Cookies - free Facebook group Email Newsletter sign up Instagram

In this episode, Mikaela Ian addresses the lies you’re telling yourself as to why you can’t have a luxurious lifestyle:  Lie #1: It's All About Money: Addressing the misconception that luxury living is solely dependent on financial wealth. Mikaela emphasizes that luxury is subjective and can be attained through various means beyond monetary wealth. (2:05-4:43) Lie #2: Life Circumstances: Mikaela challenges the notion that certain life circumstances, such as being a single parent or going through a major life transition, prevent individuals from achieving their desired lifestyle. She encourages listeners to prioritize self-care and pursue their aspirations regardless of external factors. (4:49-6:41) Lie #3: It's Too Late: Discussing the common belief that age limits opportunities, Mikaela debunks this myth by citing examples of individuals who achieved success later in life. She urges listeners to challenge self-imposed limitations and embrace the potential for growth and fulfillment at any stage of life. (6:48-9:57) Note: Timestamps are approximate and may vary slightly in different podcast platforms. Connect with Mikaela: Instagram:⁠ ⁠@mikaelaian⁠⁠ YouTube:⁠ ⁠Built For Luxury ⁠⁠ Mikaela is currently building a new membership community called Luxurious AF. It’s for women who want to stop playing small and give themselves permission to create a luxurious life on their terms. Click here to join as a founding member ahead of the launch and get special pricing: https://mikaelaian.simplero.com/purchase/205019-Luxurious-AF/special/DzeE4NJWmhSqfCPLbwu42Try

In this episode, host Mikaela Ian share five mistakes that are holding you back from creating a luxurious life on your terms. Highlights: Mistake 1: Lack of clarity on what a luxurious life entails. Clarity is crucial for manifestation. (1:51) Mistake 2: Failure to shift mindset and overcome limiting beliefs about what's achievable. (5:13) Mistake 3: Absence of boundaries leading to people-pleasing behaviors. Boundaries are essential for self-preservation. (8:19) Mistake 4: Settling for low standards, hindering the attraction of high-quality experiences. (10:04) Mistake 5: Postponing luxury until a certain milestone, instead of embodying it daily. (12:24) Learn more about Built For Luxury Accelerator: https://mikaelaian.simplero.com/bfl Connect with Mikaela: Instagram:⁠ ⁠@mikaelaian⁠⁠ YouTube:⁠ ⁠Built For Luxury