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

TAIMIA, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

One of the best things I could’ve ever done to extend my gratitude to a customer, was to name a collection after her. The “Dwyla Collection”… This super special customer supported my business over 50 times and has shared my brand with so many others.

I always remind myself that people don’t have to spend their hard-earned money with my business, or share my brand on any platform. And it really is the greatest feeling to see them enjoy and style LML accessories. In any way I can accommodate my customers – I do. . For ex: If there’s a delay with an order – I communicate the issue, so the customer stays informed. Sometimes I’ll even include a small complimentary gift for the wait, or issue a small discount towards their next purchase. This assists me with regaining the customer’s trust when their understanding and patience feels challenged, while still being mindful and practicing my own boundaries in business. I try my best to remain diligent by engaging effectively – especially on social platforms. Regardless of how much bigger the brand becomes; we will always provide exceptional customer service.

Through the years I’ve established some of the most meaningful relationships along the way with a few. They are a part of LML’s story and growth. I will always express an immense amount of gratitude to each and every supporter for continuously showing up for LML.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Well, I’ve always had a profound love, almost an obsession for accessories. Even in my teen years. But it was never a passion that blossomed because I wanted to emulate what someone else was doing. Which obviously there’s nothing wrong with being inspired, however, I just genuinely enjoyed taking the simplest outfit and elevating it with accessories. How it all started you ask? Well, the short version is… I vividly remember, I had just left the mall from grabbing some accessories from Icing (all the 80’s babies should remember that store, lol) I was sitting in my car, and said to myself “You love accessories so much. Just play around with a few designs of your own.” And, so, I did just that.

From there I learned jewelry making basics via Youtube along with a couple of in-person courses on leather crafting/design. I was able to acquire so much information and skills during the duration of those courses – I eventually became a Leathersmith. I learned how to mold, cut patterns, dye, hand-stitch, any style/size wallet, holster, handbag, tote etc.. The list goes on! Oddly, I was always intrigued by the endless ways leather was used. But, I also knew that I didn’t want to start and end with “just” leather-inspired jewelry. So I chose to specialize in leather accessories – which would then leave the door open to expand the brand and offer an array of different pieces. So of course – that’s when the name Lil’ Miss Leather materialized. I started the brand in my 20’s, so of course I chose a name that was catchy, and resonated with my personality and style. There were so many ebbs and flows during the whole production of bringing the vision to fruition. First, was learning the craft; then generating funding for a website: graphics: product, packaging. I can go on… And just overall introducing my brand to others. Not even knowing what that looked like for me. This was long before social media gained any popularity. But one thing I was certain of, was my innovation, my eye for detail – and unconventional ideas.

That is what made myself and my brand so amazingly unique. Not to mention my deep passion for photography and creative direction – thanks to my modeling days back in South Africa eons ago. I took some of the same skills and tips I learned from other photographers from the front of the lens, to behind it. Fun Fact: I scout my own models: style and photograph them. Shoot days are full of much inner excitement because I get to step outside the box, and just submerge in my creativeness.

What I want the followers / fans / potential customers to know is, from the beginning I have always been intentional and authentic about the direction of LML and what I represent. Individuality. I solely operate from a space of love and devotion for my brand and to customers. To treat them with the same kindness, and reciprocation I want to receive when I support any other business. I want people to know that I do my very best to produce the best product.

Even on bad days, or during slow quarters – I deliver. And always will. Being creative is a gift that I will always continue to refine, nurture, and embrace.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Wow, ok. So, transparency time: An experience where I had to pivot in life was when I impulsively relocated from Atlanta, Ga to Dallas, Texas. All within a 5-week window. This was such a tumultuous time in my life. I was engaged and soon-to-be married, but it all ended so suddenly & terribly. It ripped me to complete shreds and was so traumatic to say the least. I felt like I was in survival mode and needed immediate change. And that meant putting all that happened “for” me in my rear view (literally).

So, once the wedding was off – and to gather some sort of mental clarity for my sanity (what I had left of it), I flew to Dallas where I have lots of family (my sister being the closest) and searched for a new space. Boom, I found one. I returned to Atl – packed my boxes, plants and bags. I rented a U-Haul and said farewell. Before my departure I said a long prayer and took a permanent road trip to Dallas – my new home. During this time my business was flooded with orders and doing exceptionally well. I mean, I was overwhelmed! But I didn’t get to relish in any of that, because I was so drowning in grief. Once I arrived safely to Dallas — within the next few days I had to move fast and unpack my equipment, to begin fulfilling orders.

With all the unexpected that happened, I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath. In between the wave of emotions, fears, and having no idea of what the next chapter of my life would look like, I still made the decision to trust that I was covered by God, and my steps were ordered during this unknown transition. I’d even communicated with my customers that I was experiencing an egregious hardship that required a little patience (on their part) while I caught-up on orders. This is yet another reason why I am extremely grateful for them.

After some time passed, and I got settled-in my new space; I sat with myself. I knew that all of this needed to be done, and that my future self would thank me. Since I’ve relocated, I cultivated some refreshing relationships; experienced all things new and welcomed the present.

So that pivot – was one for the books. Insanely challenging, yet so internally rewarding. At that time, I knew that trusting myself and God was the best thing I could have ever done, and will continue to do.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My recent journey of relocating is a representation of nothing but resilience. I learned how to lean into self. Once I left my old life in Atl, I was forced to have a hard talk in the mirror and gain a new sense of identity. In the midst of that, I had also experienced a neck injury that required a minor surgical procedure. It was essentially wear-and-tear from all the years of being a Leathersmith. So, I was forced to take a step back from my workspace, put the tools down and explore private design/manufacturing that didn’t require the use of my hands;but my eyeballs (ha-ha).

And so… Here we are, still thriving! What’s on the horizon for LML you ask? Reinvention. I am currently planning to transition over to my new brand “Glimpse by Miller”. An online collective and curation of all things aesthetically pleasing. Which I am excited to share more of with everyone very soon.

In closing, if I could give any advice to anyone – it’s to remember how colorful you are. Do whatever you need to, to remind yourself and figure out your “Why”. Take a moment to catch your breath, take inventory on what is or isn’t serving you, and always do your very best – regardless of what that looks like to others. Even if there’s some fear there. If it feels good, act on faith. It’s all about enjoying the ride. This human experience.

You don’t need any validation from anyone else. It is all within.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lilmissleather.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/lilmissleather
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/lilmissleather

Image Credits
Photography/Styling: Taimia Miller