MiziAtelier: The Woman Behind the Brand

An interview by Kristina Todorova, Founder of The Co-created Hub.

MiziAtelier is redefining modern millinery through sustainable craftsmanship, timeless design, and mindful creativity. Founded by Mizi Atkins Gardner, a former senior banking professional, the brand creates handcrafted headwear that blends sustainability, style, and individuality. In a world moving away from fast fashion, MiziAtelier proves that luxury doesn’t have to cost the earth - each piece is designed to be worn, treasured, and loved for years to come. Kristina sat down with Mizi to explore how creativity, conscious design, and mindful craftsmanship are shaping the future of fashion and well-being.

MiziAtelier is redefining modern millinery through sustainable craftsmanship and mindful creativity. What inspired you to build a brand at the intersection of luxury, sustainability, and mindfulness?

In recent years, there has been a clear shift away from fast fashion. Trends often fade when they are driven purely by aesthetics, but true sustainability must be rooted in thoughtful design and responsible practices. At MiziAtelier, sustainability is not a trend; it is a guiding principle. Each piece is carefully designed and crafted using responsibly sourced materials, often complemented by vintage trims that carry a sense of history and timeless beauty.

For me, luxury is closely connected to intention and craftsmanship. When headwear is classically designed and thoughtfully made, it naturally becomes more sustainable because it transcends seasonal trends. This philosophy aligns with the idea of quiet luxury - pieces that can be worn, treasured, and revisited for many years to come. Through MiziAtelier, I wanted to create headwear that embodies mindfulness, beauty, and responsibility in equal measure.

Before MiziAtelier, there was a very different chapter in your life in finance. You have openly spoken about your experience with burnout and the level of pressure that women in senior corporate roles face in their jobs. How did creativity become your pathway to healing?

After 35 years in banking and finance, I came to understand that without a clear mind and a rested soul, it’s impossible to sustain the relentless pace the industry demands. I realised I needed something restorative at the end of each long day, something that allowed me to slow down and breathe.

Creativity became that refuge. I discovered a deep sense of calm while designing headpieces in the evenings, often accompanied by classical music. In those quiet moments of making, I found a different kind of productivity - one that didn’t drain me, but instead nourished my spirit.

What would you say to women feeling stuck or burned out in high-pressure careers?

Put yourself first! Respect your own needs before the demands of a job. There are 24 hours in each day: 8 for sleeping, 8 for working and 8 for YOU ... Use them wisely! Even if you have personal commitments outside of work, you can still carve out time for yourself. 

At MiziAtelier, every piece is designed to enhance confidence and individuality. How can something as seemingly simple as a hat transform how a woman feels about herself?

Something as simple as a hat can feel transformational because it doesn’t just sit on your head; it changes how you see yourself and how you believe the world sees you. A hat literally frames your face, which is the focal point of human interaction, and draws positive attention with intention.  A hat can serve as a mini version of a transformation that helps one “step into a stronger version of themselves.”  It can provide a subtle layer of protection in social situations.

In a fast-fashion world driven by trends, you champion longevity and conscious couture. Why is sustainable luxury not just a trend, but a responsibility, especially for modern consumers?

Modern consumers are increasingly redefining luxury as quality over quantity, longevity over disposability, and ethics over excess. This shift positions sustainability as an evolution of luxury rather than a contradiction of it. If something is truly luxurious, it should not cost the earth its future. Sustainable fashion can therefore not only look good, but also do good.

Each of your pieces is handcrafted, with no two alike. What does preserving traditional craftsmanship mean to you in today’s highly commercially driven fashion landscape?

Preserving traditional craftsmanship means holding on to the values that once defined true luxury - care, patience, and attention to detail. Each of my pieces is handcrafted; individuality is part of their beauty and their value.

Traditional luxury emphasised craftsmanship, longevity, and heritage, think of houses like Chanel or Hermès, where quality was intended to last for decades rather than seasons. Sustainability simply extends that philosophy. When something is thoughtfully designed and carefully made, it naturally encourages longevity and a deeper emotional connection with the wearer. In that sense, preserving craftsmanship is not only about honouring tradition, but also about creating pieces that resist the cycle of fast consumption and can be appreciated for many years to come.

Your business balances couture, rentals, bespoke styling and well-being services, and philanthropy. Was it always important for you to build a brand that integrates luxury with longevity, impact and access?

Luxury has historically signalled status in the present, but sustainable luxury signals care for the future. This is an important part of what MiziAtelier stands for, not just as a brand but also in terms of its business model and initiatives.

Many women, whether mothers or not, often feel culturally and socially connected to future generations, and that awareness naturally influences how we think about consumption and responsibility. Responsible consumption aligns with long-term thinking rather than short-term indulgence. It transforms luxury from reflecting “What do I own?” to expressing “What do I stand for?”.

Beyond the atelier, through your upcoming charitable foundation and community workshops, you will be dedicating time to mentoring underprivileged communities and aspiring young creatives. What do you hope to achieve by engaging in such initiatives, and how can creativity be used as a tool for positive change?

Through mentoring and hands-on workshops, I hope to provide more than technical skills. I want to offer confidence, exposure, and the belief that creativity can be a viable path - not just a hobby, but a source of dignity, income, and self-expression. When someone learns to create with their hands, they also begin to see their own potential differently.

Creativity is a powerful tool for positive change because it builds problem-solving skills, resilience, and self-worth. It gives individuals a voice when words may feel insufficient. It can transform frustration into beauty, uncertainty into innovation, and limitation into possibility.

Ultimately, my goal is to create safe, inspiring spaces where young creatives feel seen, supported, and capable of shaping their own futures. When we invest in creativity, we invest in confidence, and confident individuals go on to strengthen communities.

You now offer “Mindful Creativity & Millinery” workshops to corporate organisations and senior leadership teams. Why do you believe a creative practice is essential for executives and high-achieving women?

Executives operate in constant decision-making mode, often without space to pause and reset. A creative practice interrupts that cycle. It slows the mind, reduces stress, and opens the door to clearer, more innovative thinking. For high-achieving women especially, mindful creativity offers restoration in the midst of pressure. It’s not about making hats, it’s about creating space to reflect, recharge, and lead with greater clarity and intention.

Mindful creativity is not about making things; it is about making space - space to think, to reset, and to lead with greater awareness. And leaders who are grounded, imaginative, and self-aware ultimately make stronger, more sustainable decisions.

On International Women’s Day, what message would you share with women who want to build brands rooted in meaning, creativity, and impact,  but are afraid to take the leap?

I would say this: if you feel that you can build something meaningful, don’t ignore it. Fear is natural, but it’s often a sign that you’re stepping into growth. You don’t need perfect timing or complete confidence to begin.

Start where you are, stay true to your values, and let purpose guide you. Impact is built with patience and integrity. Take the leap. The courage you’re looking for is found in the doing.

Introducing Kristina Todorova x MiziAtelier

We are proud to present Kristina Todorova x Mizi Atelier - a collaboration rooted in a shared commitment to helping women strengthen confidence and feminine power through style and individual expression. Kristina models select pieces from MiziAtelier’s new collection, showcasing the timeless elegance of the brand.

Visit MiziAtelier for the full collection.