We recently connected with Kari Brock and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kari thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I actually have a background in healthcare, nothing related to jewelry! I earned my bachelors of science degree from the University of Georgia and a masters degree in occupational therapy from Brenau University. I am an occupational therapist and worked full time in nursing homes and acute care for 8 years. Millie B. was always a side hustle during this time. After attending 3 wholesale trade shows, my orders were beginning to pile up. I had made a promise to myself that I would not step away from healthcare until I was able to replace my full income for 3 continuous months. Well… on the third month, I said goodbye to healthcare. Millie B. has now been my full time job for almost 2 years.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

HI friends! I’m Kari, owner and designer of Millie B. Where does our name come from? Millie was our 12 year 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 12 years and we have 2 little guys, Weston (6) and Barrett (5). I have been making and designing jewelry for about 10 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 everyones face through jewelry and clothes just as Miss Millie did for our family.

And Millie b. was born!

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 to sew and I would craft 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.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative is when people you’ve never met become great customers and share your products with their friends and family. For instance, when someone gives a Millie B. piece as a special gift. The fact that others love and adore my craft just as much as I do, is the best feeling in the world.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

There is not one specific book or educational piece, but instead EVERY book and/or piece of business education material I can get my hands on have been extremely helpful. I have a medical background, so the business/entrepreneurial world was foreign to me. I have learned a lot about marketing, business management, and finances. On average, I probably listen to a business podcast or attend an online class that is business related once a week. All of this combined, has helped me to make smarter decisions related to my business. You can never learn enough!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.milliebdesigns.com
• Instagram: @milliebdesigns
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/milliebdesigns
• Linkedin: Millie B. Designs

Image Credits
Liz McShane of Repurposed Photography