By: Amanda Huntsman

Photo Credit: Tiffany Summer Photography

For nearly two decades, friends and business partners Rita Miles and Hannah Olivieri have been immersed in the Newport Beach community. From shaping the beauty industry to supporting local charities and businesses, the duo represents everything our community is known for. As co-owners of Ms. Moxie Project Salon & Boutique, their business is a testament to their unwavering dedication, creativity, and passion. But beyond the scissors and color brushes, their journey has been one of perseverance, reinvention, and community—one that continues to evolve even in the face of adversity.

A Pathway to Passion

Hannah Olivieri’s journey began in Bloomington, Illinois, two hours south of Chicago. As a young girl, she found joy in hair and fashion, elements that she seamlessly integrated into her everyday life. After high school, she sought change and adventure, making the bold move to California. It was here in Newport Beach that she found her calling. Meeting a local hairdresser set her on a path to becoming licensed, leading her to an apprenticeship and, eventually, building a clientele at Images Salon. The experience solidified her love for making people look and feel amazing, and in 2005, she took a leap of faith, founding Salon 359. Initially a co-op with seven partners, the salon evolved over time, consolidating to a partnership of two—Hannah and Rita.

Rita Miles, a California native, has spent most of her life in Orange County, always by the coast. She knew from a young age that the beauty industry was her destiny. At just 17, she fast-tracked her career, securing a coveted apprenticeship at Allen Edwards-Fashion Island, a salon known for training top-tier talent. Four years of intense training molded her expertise, allowing her to build an elite clientele. Her career flourished at Images Salon, where she expanded her reach, stepping onto national stages, working on runway shows, and even making television appearances. When approached to joinSalon 359in 2006, she instinctively knew that the co-op model wouldn’t last long. Her intuition proved right. Today, she and Hannah remain the last two standing, and their rebranded Ms. Moxie Project is stronger than ever.

Facing the Flames and Rising Again

Perhaps the most devastating chapter in their story unfolded recently when Hannah lost her home and all of her belongings in the Altadena wildfires. The disaster didn’t just rob her of her house—it dismantled the life she had carefully built. The loss of her community, her routines, and the physical memories she had collected over the years left a deep emotional scar. Yet, through the ashes, she found an overwhelming outpouring of love and support from our community and beyond. Learning to accept help was a humbling experience, shifting her perspective on life. Now, she leads with intention—choosing simplicity, meaning, and calm as she rebuilds, one day at a time.

The fire also impacted their business. Their boutique's back stock—clothing, decor, and merchandise—was a total loss. Yet, just as they had done time and time again, they found a way forward, pouring their resilience and passion into rebuilding Ms. Moxie Project with renewed energy and gratitude.

Life in Newport Beach & Beyond

Although neither Rita nor Hannah were born in Newport Beach, they have spent 36 years deeply woven into the fabric of the community. Their careers may have brought them here, but it’s the friendships, the coastal beauty, and the vibrant local culture that have kept them anchored. Their salon has been a space not just for beauty, but for laughter, connection and support—something both women cherish beyond measure.

Outside of work, they share a love for family, traveling, adventure, yoga, meditation, and being in nature. Hannah is a proud mother to her son, Owen, and finds joy in the little moments—tending to her growing plant collection, sketching clothing designs, and hand-making leather clutches and wallets. She also enjoys hikes at Laguna Canyon and taking in a show at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

Rita, a devoted mother to her daughter, Sydney, and sons, Garrett and Landon, also embraces the role of doting grandmother to her granddaughter, Havana. She brings her background and love for design into all aspects of her life, whether it’s curating unforgettable celebrations, exploring her passion for travel, or capturing life's moments through storytelling on social media. Rita also enjoys scoping out the latest coffee shops in OC (she is a self-proclaimed coffee snob), yoga at Radiant Hot Yoga, and hanging out at the local beaches.

Looking Ahead

As Ms. Moxie Project celebrates 20 years, Rita and Hannah reflect on their journey with gratitude. They have weathered many storms—both literal and figurative—but its foundation remains strong. Their resilience, adaptability and love for their craft have cemented their legacy in Newport Beach.

While their careers brought them to this coastal city, the connections, experiences, and sense of belonging have made it home. Through all of life’s changes, one thing remains constant—Newport Beach is where they have built their lives, their friendships and their dreams, and it will always be where they find inspiration and community.

Fun Facts:

Hannah

Dreams about being a comedic actress
She has a self-proclaimed addiction to plants
She loves to dance and does so in her living room every day

Rita

She thrives on creating one-of-kind parties, leaving no detail out! She even custom makes backdrops (including the wood making), working on graphic design and creating party favors.
Although she travels around the globe, she is terrified of planes.
Many years ago, she was on the Price Is Right as a contestant and kept bidding over one of the other contestants who then wanted to fight her during every commercial. The episode landed on other networks for being “one to remember!”

Follow on IG @msmoxieproject