Meet Jeslyn Miller | Graphic Artist and Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeslyn Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeslyn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I owe the creation of my business to my mother.

At one point I was spending hundreds of dollars of my money, and hers, on a graphic tee obsession. One day she said to me “instead of spending all of this money buying someone else’s designs you could be making your own.”

That comment was all it took to plant the seed in my head. Then I went off to research how to start my own business.

As far as how I came about naming my business, that is thanks to my father.

As a child he used to call me “Unique & Lovely,” an affirmation that he created to nurture my self-esteem. When it came down to finding a name and mission behind my business, that affirmation sprung to mind and in August of 2015 Unique & Lovely, LLC became official.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is a reflection of my experiences, the experiences of those around me and those that look like me. I think that’s what sets me apart the most from others. I don’t to strive to make things that look or say things that everyone else is saying. We are all a unique compilation of our experiences and I attempt to honor what makes each and every one of us different through my one of a kind designs and affirmations.

What I am most proud of is that people, complete strangers, resonate with the messages that I put out into the Universe. It’s one thing to agree with the thoughts that come into your own head but it’s an entirely different thing to see a diverse group of people being moved by that same message.

My journey to get to where I am professionally may not make sense when you look at each job separately lol. But together each opportunity provided me with the insight to create and run my business.

Over the last ten years I’ve been a Floorset/Sales Associate, Customer Service Rep, Customer Service Trainer, Flood Insurance Trainer, Risk Management Specialist, and Program Analyst. It was far from easy being a creative in some of those cookie cutter positions. I often overcame the frustration I would feel at work by pouring into my business where I had complete control. It provided the perfect balance for me.

What I learned along the way is that there are multiple paths that one can take and still end up at the same end goal. As an entrepreneur that also works a full-time job, I can still achieve success just like someone who works a full-time job or only works for themselves. There is no right or wrong way to follow your purpose, you just have to do what is right for you.

I want the world to know that being your authentic unique self is the best way to live your life. What makes you special, is what makes you unique and what makes you unique makes you lovely.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
It’s been a while since I’ve last been in Atlanta, but one of the most memorable places I visited when I was there was the Georgia Aquarium. If my friend and I were visiting the area we’d definitely have to spend some time there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a shoutout to my parents, Robin Miller and Greg Williams, Unique & Lovely would not exist without you. I want to shout out to my tribe (my family, my friends, my coworkers) that have supported me from day one. I want to give a shout out to my mentor Tyauna Bruce who literally went from teaching me in high school, to still teaching me in life. I also want to shout out the owner of Cookie Wear and Tee Con, Michelle “Noodles” Smith for giving me a place to physically sell my merchandise, meet new customers, and expand my network and business knowledge.

And last but not least I want to shout out Chantilly “Cleva Thoughts”. She has been a day one customer and an advocate for Unique & Lovely. I quite literally would not have had this interview without her mentioning me. She embodies true Queen behavior!

Website: www.uniqueandlovely.biz

Instagram: www.instagram.com/uniqueandlovelyllc

Twitter: www.twitter.com/uniquelovelyllc

Facebook: www.facebook.com/uniqueandlovelyllc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7uRZfAyqGEexuEFh2P3X7w

Other: www.tiktok.com/uniqueandlovelyllc

Image Credits
Tracy Von Photography Dj Candikrush Jeslyn Miller Andre & Tiffany Modeste