For many fans, Mikha Lim is best known as one of the standout members of P-pop phenomenon BINI.
Beyond music, the 22-year-old performer is now stepping into entrepreneurship with the official launch of her own activewear and lifestyle brand, MILI.
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Mikha revealed the inspiration behind the brand and her vision of building a label that can thrive independently of her celebrity status.
MILI CLUB: FROM IDEA TO REALITY
According to Mikha, the concept began taking shape in the middle of 2025.
While she admits she initially had little knowledge about running a business, she was determined to pursue a bigger vision.
"It started probably mid-2025. The journey was like a roller coaster ride.
"I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew I had one goal: to be one of the top activewear brands in the Philippines, and if we want to go bigger then the whole world.
"Like what I've learned in BINI, it's okay to dream big. It's better to dream big."
Interestingly, MILI did not begin as an activewear concept.
Mikha initially thought of launching a wellness studio, but she decided to rearrange the order of her priorities.
"Start with the activewear brand and build the brand first, then start a studio."
THE BIRTH OF MILI CLUB
Every brand name has a story, and for Mikha, MILI felt like the perfect fit from the start.
Suggested by a friend, the name is derived from the first two letters of her first name and her last name.
"MILI was actually suggested by a friend. I tried searching for other name options, but every time I said 'MILI' out loud, it just rolled off my tongue so naturally that nothing else compared."
The simple yet personal connection immediately resonated with her.
When asked if there were other options, Mikha admitted she could barely remember them.
"Honestly, I don't even remember the other names. There wasn't much competing with how good the name MILI sounded and meant to me."
For Mikha, MILI is about more than attaching her name to a product line.
The brand's name also serves as an acronym for its four pillars: Move, Inspire, Lifestyle, Intent.
"I wanted MILI to exist without being an in-your-face 'this is BINI Mikha's brand.' I want it to exist beyond me," she explained.
"I want people to love the brand not because of me, but because of what it offers and its quality."
She said the four words were carefully chosen.
"Movement is every where, it is needed. To inspire is something we unintentionally do but helps other people.
"We want people to inspire people to have a healthy lifestyle that is lived with intention."
Among the brand's four pillars, Mikha admitted that "Intent" is the one she connects with most deeply.
"I'd say I resonate with everything, but if I had to choose just one, it would be Intent."
According to the singer, being intentional has become a guiding principle in both her personal and professional life.
"There's intention in everything we do, or at least there should be, because that's what makes life worth living."
MILI CLUB's FIRST FORM
MILI's debut collection, First Form, "is very much a reflection of how I like to dress."
It features clean silhouettes, matching sets, and neutral, earthy tones, staying away from flashy branding and oversized logos.
"I didn't want huge logos everywhere. I want MILI to eventually be recognizable because of the design, the details, the fit, and the quality."
Versatility was also a key priority when developing the collection.
"I wanted everything to feel easy to incorporate into everyday life.
"You can work out in it, but you can also run errands, travel, meet your friends, or just spend the whole day in it."
Mikha explained that the pieces were designed with different comfort levels and personal preferences in mind.
"She cited the Flow Set's shrug as an example, noting how it offers extra coverage while allowing wearers to style the pieces in multiple ways.
"I used to be really insecure about my arms, which is why I love having the shrug with the Flow Set.
"You can wear the top on its own, add the shrug, style the pieces separately. It gives you options depending on what makes you feel good."
Ultimately, Mikha wants MILI to be accessible not only to fitness enthusiasts but to anyone leading an active lifestyle.
"The person I had in mind wasn't necessarily someone who's in the gym every single day. It's for anyone who moves. Everyone moves differently, and I want MILI to fit into that."
Here's a look at the collection and its prices.
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