Modesty, Motherhood, and the French Riviera: My Conversation with Mia Adler

Every once in a while, I sit down with someone whose story immediately pulls me in. That is exactly what happened during this episode of The Jamie Geller Show with the fabulous Mia Adler.

Watch our full conversation on YouTube here!

Mia is a Jerusalem-based fashion designer, entrepreneur, and mom of two. But if you rewind her story, she grew up on the sunny beaches of the French Riviera with absolutely zero knowledge of her Jewish roots. It wasn’t until a chance trip to India—and a very special hamsa necklace her grandmother used to wear—that she uncovered a hidden family history that changed everything.

A Journey Back to Ourselves

Mia’s path from the South of France to moving to Israel and eventually launching her own modest fashion brand is so inspiring. But what really touched my heart was her honest take on the journey to modest dressing (tzniut).

She admitted to me that it took her ten years after discovering her roots to truly feel like herself in modest clothing.

I know that struggle so well. When I first became observant over 25 years ago, I went straight from one extreme to the other. I started hiding behind big, shapeless “garbage bag” clothes because I didn’t know how to balance my new lifestyle with my personal style!

Mia and I talked about how true modesty isn’t about hiding. It’s about dignity, authenticity, and royalty.

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Here are a few moments from our chat that really stayed with me:

• Finding Your “Uniform”: Mia shared how French and British tailoring inspired her to create timeless, high-quality pieces made of 100% natural fabrics like linen and cotton (essential for that hot Israeli sun!).
• Dignity Starts Within: Clothes are just the outer layer. True modesty starts in the soul—with how we speak, how we carry ourselves, and how we treat others.
• The Shift of Motherhood: Mia opened up about starting her brand right after having her first child and how motherhood completely reshapes a woman’s identity.

Taking Small Steps

If you’ve ever felt like you’re struggling to find your footing—whether in your personal style, your career, or your spiritual growth—Mia gave the best advice: don’t rush it, and don’t feel guilty.

Real, lasting growth happens in tiny, baby steps. You don’t have to change your entire life overnight. Try putting on a skirt just for Shabbat, or take a few minutes to learn why we do what we do. When you understand the deeper meaning behind a tradition, it stops feeling like a restriction and starts feeling like a frame that protects your joy.

I promise you, this episode will leave you feeling inspired to embrace your own unique path:

WATCH: Mia Adler on The Jamie Geller Show

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

Mia’s story is a beautiful reminder that no matter where you start, it is never too late to reclaim your identity and build a life that feels authentic to you.

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments: Have you ever gone through a season where you had to rediscover your personal style or identity? How did you find your balance?