PORCHE'BELCHER
Kirbee Miller found a way to bridge her love for food and community to create KiNiMi Kitchen, which she launched in 2017.
The go-to culinary expert and personality has built up an empire that includes cooking classes, TV appearances, pop-up shops, and an artisan popcorn line called KiNiMi Pop. But she’s not just a talented cook. This thirty-six-year-old multitasker manages each day as a wife, caregiver, entrepreneur and full-time employee in healthcare. And while some may struggle with such a staggering workload, Miller believes it has actually made her stronger. The multi-hyphenate chatted with us about passion for food and how it’s played a part in the significant moments of her life.
Best memories are in the kitchen: Food has always been a part of my story. Being in the kitchen and creating has been a part of every childhood memory. It was time that I got to spend with my mom, who was extremely talented in the kitchen, but also a homicide detective. I saw how it caused everyone, no matter what their schedule was, to slow down. Some of my favorite memories are in that space. I felt very early on that I could use my creativity and attention to detail in the kitchen, and it would bring people together, and it became a high demand.
Food is a connector: I love being able to host virtual and in-person culinary experiences with people from all walks of life, like literally all walks of life, and see how their titles and their issues kind of get dropped at the door, and we get to connect. I get to guide that experience to talk about the why behind the recipe and the ingredients and guide the conversation that cultivates those meaningful connections. We have so many opportunities to connect with people, but not that many that are truly meaningful. So that’s why I chose food and then launched into the culinary experience realm.
Being resilient: My whole world was rocked on New Year’s Eve 2018, when my parents were critically injured in a terrible car accident. I spent the next six months sleeping in the hospital, navigating being their bedside advocate, working, and running my company in the late hours. I ended up moving from my home to care for them. My mom is now paralyzed and unable to sit up independently and has a significant brain injury that has limited her ability to communicate. My stepfather’s mobility was significantly impacted, and he remains on a feeding tube. The day-to-day experience of a caregiver is extremely complex and demanding. Adversity truly introduces you to yourself. Through the tears, the fear, stress, and uncertainty, I know this pain is not without purpose. Seeing how drastically life can change in seconds has fueled my desire to pursue my passion and encourage others to do the same while living life to the fullest.
An idea that popped: I love popcorn, and it’s like a blank canvas for flavor, but honestly, there wasn’t a genius mastermind business decision behind that. One Saturday, I had to go to work on a big project. I thought, ‘We’re going to need some companion carbs to get through this. I’m going to make snacks,’ and it was in my kitchen at 3:30 a.m.; I created Cajun pop. My flagship flavor was born. I took it to that meeting. My colleagues told me not to come back on Sunday without it. Popcorn making is kind of like an emotional outlet for me to be creative in this space because, you know, I don’t want to be up and at work at this time, but if I have to be, let’s make it a little bit better.
Popcorn at the Grammys: This is a testament to relationships. I got a phone call from another excellent female-owned company, which is called Valued 365. She had an opportunity to be represented at the Grammys. She wanted it to be intentional to partner her virtual company with a company with tangible products that would leave an impression that was female, and then not just female-owned but also minority-owned. So she put out this request to her network, and then that’s how I got the phone call. I know what I want people to experience when they try the product, and I put it out there and let it do the rest. I felt very proud because it doesn’t have to make sense. It doesn’t make sense on paper that a small company in Nashville would get selected.
Fave Nashville Spots: The Cupcake Collection—get the sweet potato cupcake. Eddie V’s is a great new restaurant at 5th and Broadway to try. One of my go-to’s is Radish Kitchen, and they have delicious grain bowls. PennePazze is authentic Italian with in-house-made pasta.