Mireya Villarreal didn’t set out to create an international brand; she simply followed her instincts, trusted her passions, and took bold steps when others might have hesitated. Today, she’s the CEO and founder of Pink Pewter, a global beauty accessory empire that started with a simple idea at her kitchen table. Her story isn’t just about business—it’s about resilience, creativity, and the unshakable belief that challenges can be transformed into opportunities.

Growing up in a close-knit Latino household, Mireya watched her mother turn a humble porch into a thriving salon. “My mom was a social butterfly who could connect with anyone,” Mireya recalls. Her mother’s drive and determination left a lasting impression. Mireya quickly learned that hard work was non-negotiable, whether it was helping at the salon, juggling college classes, or attending beauty school—an endeavor her mother enrolled her in without asking. “I didn’t want to be a hairdresser,” Mireya admits, “but my mom always said, ‘You need something to fall back on.’”

What started as a reluctant journey into hairstyling eventually became a love for making others feel beautiful. Yet, Mireya’s path took an unexpected turn when she began designing hair accessories for her daughter, who was born with little hair. Frustrated by the lack of appealing options, she channeled skills learned from her grandmother and started crafting her own. “I made them at my kitchen table and sent my daughter to school wearing them. People loved them and wanted to know where to buy them,” Mireya shares.

That spark of interest led her to create samples and approach local boutiques and salons. “The first shop said no, but I kept going. By the end of the day, I had purchase orders and no inventory to fill them,” she laughs. What seemed daunting became her motivation. She worked tirelessly, creating accessories by hand and fulfilling orders, knowing she was onto something special.

The real turning point came when Mireya saved enough money to exhibit at a major trade show in New York—a gamble that paid off in ways she couldn’t have imagined. Despite feeling out of place among the larger, more established brands, Mireya's small booth caught the attention of buyers from major retailers, including Chico’s and White House Black Market. “I didn’t know how to handle their requirements, but I told myself, ‘I’ll figure it out.’ And I did,” she says.

Mireya’s determination has been the foundation of her success, but she emphasizes the importance of relationships. “Relationships are your biggest asset. Be honest, deliver what you promise, and always listen to your customers,” she advises. That philosophy has guided Pink Pewter from handmade hair accessories to innovative products like the patented Never Let Go comb, designed to meet the practical needs of stylists.

Her story isn’t just about business triumphs; it’s also about giving back. During the pandemic, Mireya launched the Pink Pewter Foundation to support struggling beauty professionals. She also designed headbands to ease the discomfort of wearing masks for long hours and donated over 10,000 units to healthcare workers. “When you give from the heart, it comes back in ways you don’t expect,” she reflects.

Mireya’s success isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation, persistence, and passion. She’s candid about the challenges of entrepreneurship, including moments when giving up seemed easier. “Life isn’t always pretty; it’s up and down. But if you stay focused and organized, you can overcome anything,” she says.

Through it all, Mireya remains committed to empowering others. Her books and workshops share lessons she’s learned, encouraging others to pursue their dreams with confidence. “Passion sells,” she says simply, “and hard work makes it possible.”