For Oleema and Kalani Miller, the ocean has always been more than an idyllic backdrop—it’s been a constant muse. Growing up in the laid-back surf town of San Clemente, CA, the duo’s sun-kissed upbringing included days spent in bikinis, catching waves (Oleema was once a professional surfer), and dreaming big. This foundation ultimately inspired MIKOH, the swim and ready-to-wear brand they’ve built into a globally recognized name.
Seventeen years into the business, Oleema’s design sensibility and Kalani’s business acumen remain the perfect counterbalance. The brand continues to capture attention year-round with designs that lean into feminine confidence with modern, wanderlust-ready style.
With their newly launched Summer ‘25 collection ready to shop, The Newsette sat down with Oleema and Kalani to chat about their unique relationship, finding confidence within, and their favorite pieces.
You’ve built a business and a brand as sisters. What’s one thing you’ve learned about each other through working together?
Kalani: Oleema is one of the most determined, hard-working, [and] badass women I know. I am lucky to have her as my business partner, sister, and best friend. Being sisters and business partners, we quickly learned our strengths and weaknesses. We’re a great team, and at the end of the day, I know she always has my back.
Oleema: Working with my sister and my best friend has definitely taught me more than I could have imagined—but, if I could pick one thing, it’s the ability to compartmentalize. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that we’re sisters and best friends—that comes before being business partners any day. After over 17 years of business, we are as close as the day we started and have grown so much throughout the years as individuals and as partners.
What do you each bring to the table that makes the MIKOH partnership work so well?