We had the good fortune of connecting with Sydney Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sydney, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My journey to starting my own clothing brand began with my desire for more unique and expressive clothing to wear to music festivals and my everyday life. I found that many of the clothes available didn’t fully fit my style or express who I am. Also, being a college student on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford to buy the eye-catching, unique pieces I wanted. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and started painting designs onto clothes I already had in my closet. By adding my own artistic flair, I was able to transform them into pieces I truly loved and was proud to wear. This love for creativity and self-expression naturally evolved into my business, where I now get to share that vision with others who are looking for clothing that is unique, handmade, and bold.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply tied to my emotions and serves as an outlet for expressing and sharing my spirit with others. Each piece reflects my innermost feelings, drawing inspiration from music, nature, and the visions I experience during weightlifting and yoga.

Music has been my best friend and guiding force for as long as I can remember. It has played a crucial role in helping me discover myself and continues to inspire my creative evolution. The energy, rhythm, and diversity of music help shape my artistic vision, and I aim to convey the joy and emotional depth it brings into my life through my art.

My personal struggles with mental health inspire me to serve as a light for others. It’s crucial to recognize that our shared struggles and emotions unite us as human beings. While we all face pain in some form, discovering our own passions and purpose allows us to channel the love and support the world needs. Embracing true self-love is vital—this means taking care of your body, being mindful of what you feed it, how you move it, how you speak to it, and honoring the commitments you make to yourself. Be confident in carving your own path and avoid comparing your journey to others because no one is you, and that is your magic.

My art is more than a product—it’s an extension of my soul. Each hand-painted piece of clothing is unique, infused with the energy and emotion I pour into it. The process is a continuous learning experience where every project teaches me something new. Consistency and perseverance are key; progress is made one step at a time. Embracing change and letting go of self-doubt allows me to push forward each day.

I believe this is only the beginning of my journey, and I feel incredibly grateful to be on this path. Let’s keep living and learning!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I just moved to San Diego a couple months ago so I’m still discovering all that this vibrant city has to offer. Some of my favorite places so far include Kate Sessions Park, Torrey Pines, and Sunset Cliffs and I’ve been loving exploring Ocean Beach, North Park and Hillcrest. I haven’t eaten out much yet, but my favorite spot so far has been Kindred for the amazing vegan food and unique aesthetic of the restaurant.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shoutout to my older sister Keeley, who is an incredibly talented photographer and entrepreneur. She’s been such an inspiration to me, always chasing her creative dreams with passion and drive. Whenever I face self-doubt, she’s always there to remind me of my strengths, and encourage me to keep pushing forward. I’m so thankful to have her in my life, and I admire her in so many ways.

Website: https://sikosyd.etsy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sikosyd

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.