Meet Linda Millar

We were lucky to catch up with Linda Millar recently and have shared our conversation below.

Linda , thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?

Self-discipline has always been a core value instilled in me by both of my parents. Growing up, I witnessed their strong work ethic as they balanced opposite shifts, took on weekend jobs, and worked extensive overtime, all to provide our family with the best possible life. Their dedication has had a lasting impact on my own approach to discipline and hard work.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I currently serve as the Director of Operations for our family business, JSM 801 Customs, which I co-own with my husband. He is the creative visionary behind the sneaker designs and customizations, while my role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including logistics, website development, order fulfillment, and social media management. I manage all of this while balancing my responsibilities as a mother of four and a wife.

Before joining the business full-time, I worked in Human Resources and Recruiting, and I continue to work as a Makeup Artist on the side.

For a long time, I was hesitant to leave the stability of a traditional 9-to-5 job, where I could rely on a secure paycheck, benefits, and paid time off. However, after the birth of my youngest daughter, it became clear that I could not continue working full-time, manage care for my newborn, and handle school pickups and drop-offs for my other children. With the support of my husband, we made the decision for me to take on the operational management of his sneaker business.

In a relatively short period, we’ve successfully built a solid business infrastructure while maintaining the flexibility to prioritize our family needs. This experience has given me invaluable insights into managing operations effectively while balancing multiple responsibilities.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I take great pride in my organizational skills. Throughout my education and professional career, I’ve relied on detailed planning to stay on top of my responsibilities. I consistently used a planner to map out my daily schedule—class hours, work commitments, and important deadlines. This approach provided me with a clear visual of my priorities, helping me stay organized and on track.

In addition to my organizational abilities, I have a strong social aptitude. My Bachelor’s degree in Communications has equipped me with the ability to effectively read and interpret body language, as well as communicate clearly, both verbally and visually. These skills have not only enhanced my ability to connect with others, but have also been invaluable in networking and building professional relationships.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

**Balance**

For those who know me, they understand how demanding my daily life can be. Currently, my mother is battling cancer, which is a completely new experience for our family. This is the first time we’ve faced such a challenge, and culturally, navigating the medical language and understanding the complexities of cancer has been a significant barrier for my parents. To help them, I’ve made it a priority to attend and manage every one of my mother’s appointments, handle all paperwork and communication for them, so I can better understand the process and support them through this difficult time. The emotional and physical toll of watching a loved one endure cancer is profound, and it requires a great deal of resilience.

Balancing this with running our own business is a constant challenge. Unlike a typical 9-to-5 job, I’m always working—coordinating with vendors and customers around the globe. I often stay up late answering emails and social media inquiries, managing logistics during the day, fulfilling customer orders, having design meetings, and making follow-up calls. In between, I handle household responsibilities like meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, and caring for my children. I’ve learned to hyper-focus on tasks that require more attention once my kids are in bed.

Of course, being a mother and wife adds another layer of responsibility. Ensuring my children receive the time and attention they need for their schooling, playtime, meals, baths, and bedtime routines is essential. I also make sure my husband, the primary designer and customizer for our business, is supported with the meals and resources he needs to stay focused on his creative work.

One area I continue to work on is carving out personal time. My love language is giving, so I find fulfillment in what I do. However, I make it a priority to schedule time away from work for my husband and me to focus on our relationship, which has been invaluable. I am grateful we have the ability to do this, as it helps maintain balance and keeps us refreshed.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jsm801.com and www.misslindamillar.com
• Instagram: @misslindamillar
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-millar-a2a5291b1?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

sneaker photos: @ad__snks