Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stacy Miller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stacy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

When I first imagined Scout & Gem, it grew out of years of searching for pieces that felt unique, cool, modern, and beautifully made — but still affordable and accessible. I kept thinking, why is it so hard to find things that feel special without the luxury price tag? I knew there had to be a way to curate those items and bring them to people who wanted that same balance of style, quality, and attainability.

At the same time, I had spent many years in a corporate job, and the burnout had become impossible to ignore. I needed something that felt more sustainable from a work-life balance perspective — but even more than that, something that brought fulfillment, creativity, and genuine connection with people. I wanted to build something where I could be present, creative, and part of a community.

That spark really began to take shape when I opened my small space at the Batavia Boardwalk Shops, which is a group of 12’x12′ seasonal shops that are open Mother’s Day through Christmas. Even in that tiny footprint, the response was big. People gravitated toward pieces that had personality — items they couldn’t find anywhere else, pieces that were beautifully designed but still accessible. I realized that what I had been searching for personally was something other people were craving, too.

Today, having my permanent storefront in downtown Geneva feels like such a gift. I feel genuinely fortunate and happy to be here. I get regular visits from the friends and clients I made in Batavia, and I’ve already welcomed so many new faces — some who have been back multiple times in just these first few weeks. That kind of support and connection means everything to me.

One of the things I care about most is the experience people have when they walk through my door. Whether they’re looking for a gift, something special for their home, or they just want to browse, I want the space to feel warm, inviting, and sensory. The smell, the lighting, the music, the textures — people often tell me it feels like they’re visiting someone’s home because of the energy in the shop. That atmosphere is intentional. I want people to feel relaxed, welcomed, and inspired the moment they step inside.

That’s really the heart of Scout & Gem: thoughtful curation, meaningful connection, and a space that feels good to be in. And every day in Geneva continues to affirm that this was the right path — one that blends what I love, what I believe in, and what truly resonates with the community.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up in Downers Grove, and some of my favorite childhood memories are the days my mom and I would come to Geneva to shop. We didn’t have a lot of money, but I learned early on that you don’t need much to create a space that feels special. My bedroom became my sanctuary — the one place I had control and comfort. I painted it myself, sewed curtains out of bedsheets, and found little ways to make it feel warm and calm. Growing up in a household that was a bit chaotic at times, creating that sense of home became incredibly important to me.

That instinct to “nest” never left. As I got older, I poured that same energy into my home, shaping spaces that feel welcoming, cozy, and full of intention. And eventually, that translated into my business. Before opening Scout & Gem, I worked in a field that touched on design, landscaping, and creativity — but only in small ways. I always knew I needed something that allowed me to express that part of myself more fully.

Creating Scout & Gem became the answer to that. Not just for the products I curate, but for the environment I’ve built inside the shop. The warmth, the scents, the textures, the energy — that’s all rooted in the little girl who learned how to create comfort and beauty with very little. Now, I get to share that feeling with others.

Another big part of what makes this so meaningful to me is the connection. I wasn’t fortunate enough to have children, so the relationships I’ve formed through the shop have become incredibly special. I’ve had customers come back to show me wedding photos of kids I’ve heard stories about for years. I’ve had children bring me handmade gifts. I’ve met pets, watched families grow, and shared life moments with people who started as customers but have become friends.

Those connections are something you simply can’t get online or at a big-box store. They’re invaluable. They’re the heart of what I do.

For me, Scout & Gem is more than a shop — it’s an extension of the home I’ve always tried to create for myself: warm, inviting, personal, and full of meaning. And I feel incredibly grateful that I get to share that with the community that meant so much to me even when I was a little girl wandering the streets of Geneva with my mom.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

By far, the best source of clientele for Scout & Gem is community events and word of mouth. I love planning events and creating opportunities for people to visit the store, whether it’s a special shopping night, a seasonal celebration, or collaborating with other small businesses for specialty pop-ups in the space. Bringing in other makers and creators not only adds excitement and variety for my customers, but it also strengthens connections within the local business community.

I think the environment I’ve worked to create — warm, welcoming, and positive — naturally encourages people to share their experiences with others. Many of my clients have told me they first heard about Scout & Gem from their hairdresser, the barista at the coffee shop next door, or through a friend who gave them a gift from the store. I love that the shop inspires these connections and referrals because it means people genuinely want to bring that experience to someone else.

Word of mouth and community engagement aren’t just marketing tools for me — they’re a reflection of the relationships and energy I strive to cultivate every day in the store.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I stay connected with my clients and build brand loyalty by fostering ongoing relationships both online and in person. My social media presence has been a steady, intentional effort, and I love seeing new followers discover Scout & Gem and engage with the brand. I also send weekly emails highlighting new product launches, in-store events, and updates, which keeps clients informed and engaged.

I focus on offering fair, consistent pricing rather than relying on frequent sales, reserving promotions for end-of-season events. This builds trust and confidence, as customers know they can access the pieces they love any time. Combined with the warm, welcoming in-store experience, these efforts create a sense of connection and community that encourages repeat visits and word-of-mouth referrals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://scoutandgem.com/
• Instagram: @scout.and.gem
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-miller-3299458/