Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari Brock.
Hi Kari, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Kari and Miss Millie was our little girl. She was our 12 years old dachshund who was paralyzed. She had IVDD, but that didn’t slow her down! She was a spunky yet cuddly little diva. On your worst day, she was able to easily bring a smile to your face. Now to me. I have been happily married to my college sweetheart for eleven years and we have two little guys, Weston (5) and Barrett (4). I have been making and designing jewelry for about eight years now. Sadly, Miss Millie passed away in December of 2020. She lived the best little life. When choosing a name for my jewelry business, I knew it needed to be something as unique as our little girl. The Millie b mission is to bring a smile to everyone’s face through jewelry and clothes just as Miss Millie did for our family. And Millie b. was born!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth… haha… there are always bumps in the road or others trying to hold you back, but you have to figure out how to maneuver around them and keep on moving. Also, business doesn’t just knock at your door. There is a lot of grinding and hard work behind the scenes, but it’s 1000% worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have always been a creative person from a very young age. Millie B. has gone through quite a few different avenues in order to finally figure out my true passion and craft. It all began with infinity scarves. I taught myself how to sew and I would make custom infinity scarves from the softest jersey knit material. Then it evolved to bracelets. Then earrings and necklaces got added to the mix. Now, I am strictly a jewelry designer and maker. I have expanded the brand with clothes, but I do not design or manufacture these. I think one of the things that sets Millie B. apart from other brands is our true ability to create something just for you. I really do love creating special earrings for weddings, or custom bracelets with your children’s names on them, as long as you can look at your piece of jewelry and it makes you smile, then I have done my job.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Although I do consider myself very knowledgeable in the jewelry-making world, I love learning new things. I am a continuous learner, always trying to find the best ways to create new products or designs. That’s how you grow… and you’ve got to grow to succeed. I also focus on treating everyone, regardless of it’s a retailer or a customer, how I would like to be treated. Good customer service and respect goes a long way and people notice that.
Pricing:
- We have products in all price ranges. Our pieces range from $15 to $74.
Contact Info:
- Email: themilliebdesigns@gmail.com or hello@milliebdesigns.com
- Website: www.milliebdesigns.com
- Instagram: @milliebdesigns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/milliebdesigns
Image Credits:
Liz McShane, owner of Repurposed Photography
