Like the shop itself, Mija’s owners are a whole lot of different things at once. Zahra Banzi is a dancer, a dance and Pilates teacher, and owns a macrame brand, Migramah. Whereas Estrella Bonilla is a graphic designer, the owner of Rabbel Mag, and makes tie-dye clothing at her brand Soltees. After their creative pursuits, it was natural that these two best friends would someday create something together. Mijas, a term of endearment that means “my daughters” in Spanish, came naturally – it’s a language they both associate with their mothers who spoke it to them growing up. They also extend it to each other and their friends. Before the space was Mijas, it was Wax Wrap Berlin – a female and queer-owned business. Keeping in this legacy, Mijas stocks things by queer, BIPOC, and women makers. Everything in-store is made by more than 30 Berlin-based creatives. The stocklist is anything and everything you would probably love to have in your home or buy as a gift for someone else.
Döner kebab postcards by Pepita Glück, Good Socks that give socks to the homeless, ceramic squiggled candle holders by Lisaland, bold bags by Rayas. Mugs, mirrors, jewelry, tarot cards, prints, and calendars exist. Dresses, scrunchies, bags, soap and candles. (read more)The relationship with the makers is also essential to Zahra and Estrella. They work with artists on commission and keep an ongoing relationship with them. They also host events in the space, from talks on women’s health to regular candle-making workshops. This space does it all, but if you’re still confused, Estrella sums it up quickly: “Our slogan is Mijas: a shop of things. The extension of that is a shop of things you don’t need but are beautiful to have.”
Text & Photos: Savannah van der Niet
Mijas, Liegnitzer Str.34, 10999 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Tue–Sat 13–19h
@shop.mijas
