We were lucky to catch up with Jeslyn Miller recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jeslyn, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
When I was a child, my father shared an affirmation with me to help nurture my esteem and confidence.
He had watched a tv show that taugt him how positive affirmations could be used to retrain the way you talk about yourself and to yourself.
Every time we would talk he began calling me unique and lovely.
I resonated with the message so much that I began a business with the same name to help affirm other women and children that looked like me.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the owner of an online boutique that specializes in designing apparel, accessories, and stationery with affirming and uplifting messages and mantras.
As stated previously, affirmations are a powerful tool to retrain your perception of yourself and the world around you.
By incorporating affirmations into every Unique & Lovely design, my boutique empowers our customers to see the beauty in who they are and embrace what makes them stand out.
This year we have launched a new Hello Lovely affirmation planner, affirmation cards and journal prompts to help our customers integrate the power of positivity into their lives.
These new products are available for purchase on our website and in-person at the Spectacular Black Girl Art Show event in Baltimore , Maryland, Sunday March 24, 2024.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three most important qualities that have helped me on my journey are being disciplined, being determined and being a bit delusional (otherwise known as being a dreamer) lol.
These three qualities allowed me to persevere regardless of the obstacles that life threw my way.
To enhance these qualities, I would advise others to surround yourself with people that also exhibit these characteristics.
It’s easier to be disciplined and determined when you have people in your circle that also exhibit that behavior.
If you don’t have that in your immediate environment, then look for an accountability partner in your school, church, or online.
Being a dreamer is something I was born with. I always had a vivid imagination and as a creative person I leaned into dreaming instead of shying away from it.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents, and family, did for me was support my artistic expression.
When I wanted to go to school for Fashion Merchandising, my mother supported me. Even when she had no idea how I could make a living from that.
When I wanted to draw various family members bought me art kits with pencils, paint and oil pastels.
When I wanted to write my family bought me endless journals and gave me books from other great writers.
I would not be where I am without my family’s support in my various creative endeavors.
Their support gave me the confidence I needed to believe that I could do anything I put my mind to.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.uniqueandlovely.biz
- Instagram: @uniqueandlovelyllc
- Facebook: @uniqueandlovelyllc
- Twitter: @uniquelovelyllc
Image Credits
Main photo taken during Blacks In Business event hosted by Laurel Councilwoman Kyla Clark
