Cecie Mestre shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Cecie, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I wake up at 5 a.m., and before anything else, I say “thank you” three times. It’s a simple ritual, but for me, starting the day in gratitude sets the tone for everything that follows.
Then I head to a 6 a.m. boxing class—it’s high-energy, intense, and the best way for me to clear my head and connect to my body first thing. If I have a few extra minutes, I’ll squeeze in a quick five-minute meditation before heading out.
Those first 90 minutes are a mix of mindfulness and momentum—they ground me, energize me, and get me ready to lead.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I wear many hats—literally and figuratively. I’m the founder of Themedresser, a Miami-based fashion brand best known for our hand-painted hats, which I design in-house and produce with artisans in Mexico. These hats have become our signature and helped put Themedresser on the map here in Miami’s vibrant fashion scene.
Over the past six years, the brand has grown into a curated lifestyle boutique featuring clothing and accessories from independent designers around the world. Many of our pieces are one-of-a-kind or collaborative exclusives you won’t find anywhere else.
Beyond the boutique, I work as a fashion stylist, collaborating on lifestyle campaigns for major hotels and brands.
I also curate fashion pop-ups and events that bring the world of Themedresser into unexpected spaces—from beach resorts to historic homes.
At heart, I’m a storyteller—helping people use fashion as a form of self-expression, confidence, and personal celebration.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My mom taught me everything I know about work ethic. From a very young age, I spent my summers working alongside her—I can still remember being on the job at 12 years old. By the time I was 16, I launched my first business, inspired by the example she set every day.
As a single mom raising three kids, she hustled relentlessly to provide for us, juggling every challenge with fierce determination.
Watching her navigate those struggles has always inspired and empowered me to work hard—not just for myself, but to create a stable, loving future for my own children.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
(Laughs) I think every founder or entrepreneur has felt like giving up at some point in their journey. I’ve definitely had those moments. But when those thoughts creep in, I pause and sit in gratitude. I remind myself of everything my business has given me—personally, professionally, and for my family.
More than that, it’s about the community I’ve built: my employees, the designers I collaborate with, and all the people who depend on what I do. Giving up wouldn’t just be walking away from my dream—it would be letting down everyone I’m proud to support and uplift. That keeps me moving forward.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I’ve always aimed to be authentic with my audience—whether that’s through my out-of-the-box get-ready-with-me videos or behind-the-scenes glimpses into my work. Authenticity is really important to me.
That said, there’s a significant part of my life that doesn’t show up much on social media: my family. My children and I deeply value our privacy, and I make a conscious effort to protect that by keeping their lives mostly off the internet.
Family is a huge part of who I am, but my social media primarily focuses on my business and creative work. So while my public self is genuine, there’s a quieter, more private side that’s just for those closest to me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Honestly, I’ve never been one to like being told what to do. More often than not, if someone tells me what to do, I do the opposite. I’ve always forged my own path and trusted my own vision.
That independent mindset is exactly what’s made my business successful—I don’t chase trends or copy anyone else’s playbook. My brand wasn’t handed down or built on someone else’s blueprint; I built it from the ground up, on my own terms. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themedresser.com
- Instagram: @theme_dresser
Image Credits
photographer: Pablo Salazar
