A girl and her little (online) shop that could

If you haven’t seen, or worse, heard of Seektheuniq.com, then missing out is an understatement. I highly recommend getting on your laptop pronto to scour one of the most well-presented, well-edited and showcased online shops that’s sprung up this year. The constant “sold out” labels are an indication of how fast people gravitate towards the site’s covetable, yet affordable goods — so much so that I myself almost gave up on getting my hands on one of their super chic tunics. Luckily, I snagged one and it definitely won’t be the last.

When you chance upon the owner, or “commander-in-chic” as she calls herself, you will instantly see where the inspiration came from. Mikka Padua is a walking, talking, perfect advertisement and model for her distinct mix of goods, lovingly curated and personally packaged in the most adorable way.

I had the privilege of meeting her years ago in Singapore Fashion Week during my magazine days and I was instantly drawn to the United Pop coat she had on, a piece from The Ramp I had been eyeing myself. There is such a thing as fashion serendipity between two fanatics and that’s exactly what transpired. I began to follow her blog during her Singapore residency for her honest accounts of juggling motherhood while still staying fashionable and enjoying being a girl. There was something about her tone that drew me (in my single glory), to follow her adventures. I was suddenly inspired to think of fun ways to entertain my future toddler, however far-out I thought it was. So it was my delight to discover that she was the brain behind this burgeoning business. It couldn’t have been a better vehicle for her to share her love of fashion and pretty things and has since become a platform for serendipitous moments among kindred spirits, evidenced by her tie-ups with other lovely labels.

Mikka let us in her cozy home/office, and gave a glimpse of her totally unpretentious and charming life. Her easy demeanor and genuine interest in the team reminded me that fashion people could be friendly and accessible. An anti-diva, supermom who makes her customers feel like she’s their best friend.

YSTYLE: How did you end up with this job?

MIKKA PADUA: So apparently you don’t just stumble upon your dream job. It takes years of learning and chalking up experiences both good and bad. I started a career in merchandising for jewelry and then beauty but it was fashion that excited me the most. I was a buyer for The Ramp Crossings for several years and later moved on as senior buyer for Rocket Internet’s Zalora. In between, I co-founded Chicify.com, an online fashion retail startup. 

I have always believed in the future of e-commerce. That and fashion are two things I am very passionate about. And it was after my stint with Rocket Internet, the world’s largest internet incubator, that pushed me to take an entrepreneurial leap and build a startup of my own from scratch. I found my niche and I know my market very well. I work with a lean yet highly driven team who knows the value of a good find and the thrill of seeking it. 

What are you currently working on?

Right now I’m working on the launch of our home category. We will be introducing our new purveyor of the Uniq who shares with us the belief that stylish women keep even more stylish homes. We are also wrapping up our holiday collection and have a little surprise in store for our seekers.

Who taught you how to dress?

I didn’t know I wanted to be in the fashion industry until after a few years out of college, although I have always been interested in dressing up. I loved looking at my mom’s and her sister’s old pictures. They seemed to be always dressed up and effortlessly pulled together. Fashion then may have been a lot different than it is now, but I guess that influenced my early love for it. 

How would you describe your style?

My style evolves but through time it also gets a little wiser. Now, I only stick to pieces that I’m most comfortable with and get the most style mileage from. I like mixing things up — clean, architectural lines with something boho; a preppy striped shirt with a statement skirt; a structured jacket with ripped jeans... those are my style formulas. I don’t ever go head-to-toe in one look. Modern eclectic would probably best sum up my personal style.

Where do you shop?

You don’t have much excuse to shop elsewhere when you have your own store. Though I tend to be a little forgiving when traveling abroad. I like to pick up pieces that remind me of that city or that little corner I stumbled upon. I love the flea markets in London and Barcelona and was easily smitten by local artisans in Marrakesh. 

I mix my finds with closet staples of chambray and crisp white button-downs from J. Crew, jeans from Uniqlo, and basics from Zara. I’m all for high-street, but will only go for those that give value for money. 

The recent collaborations of designers and high-street main players, both foreign and local, have also been very exciting. 

What’s the last thing you purchased?

 I just purchased coffee table books on travel and design from Amazon last night and a pair of Renegade Folk sandals from Seek The Uniq. (Yes, I shop from STU and go through the whole process from browsing to checkout!)

Who inspires you?

I get inspired a lot by powerful women shaking the fashion and e-commerce scene nowadays. The likes of Jenna Lyons (J. Crew), Sheryl Sandberg (Facebook), Marissa Myer (Yahoo) and Natalie Massenet (Net-a-Porter)­ — these women are rocking the e-commerce industry and they’re doing it in style!

Favorite wardrobe piece you keep turning to?

It has got to be the crisp white button-downs. I can never get enough of them. I even raid my husband’s closet for them sometimes. 

Most insane garment you’ve ever purchased?

A very complicated Maison Martin Margiela x H&M shirt dress I snagged for $20 at H&M in Union Square, San Francisco. It’s a little too avant garde for my style, but definitely a piece for keeps. Never mind if it it will never see the light of day. 

Favorite city?

San Francisco, Paris, and pretty recently, Marrakesh.

 Favorite drink?

Chardonnay and Mrs. Mule­ — my own version of the Russian mule. 

Favorite labels?

I’m biased towards my own but, I look up to labels like Chloé, Dries Van Noten, Alexander Wang, Céline (because of Phoebe Philo) and I absolutely adore the design duo behind Valentino now. 

Favorite gallery?

I was in awe the moment I stepped in the Hermitage in St. Petersberg, Russia. It was nothing short of grand.

Favorite Sunday afternoon haunt?

Sundays are reserved for family brunches and running errands, like picking up bread and flowers at the nearest market.

Favorite vacation destination?

My husband and I are enamored with Morocco having spent a few days there recently and are planning another trip back! We want to explore other parts of North Africa. The people are so warm, amazingly creative, food is great, and I’m not even gonna start about the shopping.

Photos by Cholo dela Vega

Assisted by Nikki Ruiz

Makeup by Ria Aquino for MAC Cosmetics

Hair by Kenneth Agbayani for Bench Fix