We recently had the chance to connect with John Miller and have shared our conversation below.
John , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
There have been recent moments that have made me laugh or feel proud. First off, we just did a recent craft fair at a local church, and it was our best event to date. My mother and I have worked these events together and she usually takes center stage with the selling because of my anxiety. It was also my birthday and I have been recently trying to get more comfortable in taking the lead in speaking with customers. I’m not sure because it was my birthday or the fact that I won two big raffle baskets there, but i was very happy and comfortable. When a woman came up to us, she said that she had recently started a new job at a school and was admired by a lot of my designs that she liked and asked if I could draw a dragon. Funny thing is the school she was talking about just so happened to be my grammar school and this will another first for me since I have never drawn a dragon before, and I know she’s going to love it. Because it will be the way I draw things.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is John R. Miller and I had lived in Methuen Massachusetts my whole life and recently moved to Haverhill Massachusetts this summer. This was a big adjustment but I love my new home and I have my own “apartment” in our finished basement, and I even have a fireplace.
Recently, I became aware that within me my businesses had become two different sides. One side, as some of your readers may know, I am an children’s author and illustrator of two books that I wrote in my teens. The second side of my business is my designs for apparel and other items. This has grown over the past two years to a bigger part of my sales. I also have been asked to do a few custom designs which have all centered around hockey. The biggest one was being asked to design a t-shirt for the Puzzle Cup, an autism friendly event that I have attended and been a vendor for for three years now. It was received very well and I was so proud to have been chosen. My books came from when I was a little boy and I would play with my hands as a form of my stimming from my autism. I did not know that i had autism, I just knew I wanted to play and have friends and my hands, or my Handom Guys, were my friends and helped me cope with struggling how to communicate and make real friends.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The one person that I think clearly saw me was my Grammy. I was lucky that she decided to retire from her job early to take care of her new grandson. Later on, she was also caring for her husband with terminal cancer. I feel that I learned alot from her such as, her character, her unconditional love and support and how important that is. I am known for having really good hand writing and it is because my Grandmother worked with me, and would continue to push me forward when the letters were sloppy. We lost her a few years ago but her influence and love is always with me making me stronger every day.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
The time that I really wanted to quit multiple times was Tae kwon Do. I had just stopped Special Olympics where I had a few incredible years in Gymnastics. I was one off on gold medals from when the legendary Michael Phelps received his. I was getting older and wanted to take a break. . My mom mentioned that I should really start a another sport, to keep up my fitness and strength. We ended up finding Tae Kwon Do . This was not adaptive and even though they had worked with some individuals with challenges, I was one of the first to really become the spotlight for autism. My mom always shared my story, good and bad. I loved it at first, I was working hard and getting stronger. But as I received more belts in different levels my anxiety and my doubts came back. I felt like I was not good enough and it was too hard. My parents worked with me and helped me feel better about myself. Even though I went through these doubts and fears , I ended up going forward and receiving my black belt. I gave a heart felt speech about the process that brought down the house. At the same time, I was writing my first book. I have come to realize that even when I want to quit , that is not my nature, I just have to push through the fear, and continue to challenge myself. This is where my best self can shine.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I would say that family and the support and love they have provided throughout my life has been the most important item that has kept me going. I also have learned how much this matters as I have gotten older. My parents went above and beyond to help me succeed in life. The second item is my work ethic. I have always worked hard and never giving up has keep me pushing through. Even when it was tough and I did not believe in myself, especially after my autism diagnosis , I had my family to keep me grounded. My parents never let me feel sorry for myself and also feel like I could not succeed. I was just probably going to have to work even harder. This lesson has served me well in life, sports and my business. Having a kind heart and helping others. Again, my parents led the way for me to see that helping even a little is good for the soul and for the people you help. We always donated toys and books and clothes that we did not use to the shelters. My mom always shared my story, about the successes and the failures. Yes, plenty of bumps along the way, frustration, hurt, insecurity all never left. I think I was also just a kid that wanted everyone to win. I had been running my first race in Special Olympics and I was way ahead of everyone and I looked over and there was one other little boy, that was the closest to me, so without even thinking , I slowed down just enough so we could share the medal. Not sure why, but thought , he should win too. That is why my business and the message I have been spreading is important, everyone should feel valued and special no matter what.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story of my life that I hope people will tell about me is that I was a hard worker, kind, loving, funny, and creative. All of these traits helped build me : I have to include my autism. Sometimes it has been hard to have it, be different, struggle more. But sometimes, it has brought me so much, I feel that i am a better artist , and writer. I have a wonderful memory and thirst for learning more about subjects that I love. It has helped me have more empathy. Never though I would become a writer, an artist and a inspirational speaker but I have. Yes, my family helps me with some pieces of the business but it is my business. So many people, have told me that I inspire them. This is a wonderful legacy to have but to tell you the truth, I am inspired by so many of their stories, especially the children. Helping people reach their dreams even if it is just a little bit has been my honor and my joy.
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- Youtube: @Adventures in Handom8155
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