AUSTIN LORD/GATHER PORTRAIT STUDIO
Kirbee Miller
Whether they’re working behind a desk, in the field, or on the road, trailblazing women are paving their own way in Music City. Now they’re taking a break from their busy schedules to share their success stories with us.
THE DAILY HUSTLE
Simply put, I lead transformational conversations, the central aim of which is to connect people in a meaningful and enduring way. Many of those thought talks center around resilience, reinvention, and reimagining the pieces after unexpected events in life. I lead those conversations in a variety of settings: on stages as a keynote speaker and event host, over delicious food in a curated culinary experience, or during a guest appearance on television.
EARLY ASPIRATIONS
My path has not been traditional or linear. I took a more traditional path and spent time in the corporate pathway in healthcare technology, while exploring entrepreneurship in parallel. However, along the way I remained open to new opportunities and education about business. I did always want to use what came naturally to me on a consistent basis to connect people. Cultivating community and inclusive spaces has always been an essential component of my life path. The evolution of my entrepreneurial journey has afforded me the opportunity to become more connected to my passion and purpose.
CHALLENGES FACED
The weight of expectations was nearly debilitating: the expectations I placed on myself, the expectations of family, and the perceived expectations from society took up meaningful real estate in my head and heart. It was challenging to hear my own voice, let alone trust it. The “what ifs” associated with that collection of expectations made it challenging to have confidence in what to do next. Giving myself the permission to trust my vision and intuition was one of the single most transformational decisions to date.
THE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS
Utilizing my gifts and passion to be of service, enhance, and impact is success. I relate to Maya Angelou’s description: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” This summarizes the essence of what success is to me, which is deeply personal and requires significant self-awareness and acceptance. In the absence of a personal definition, the journey can feel elusive and lack meaning.
ADVICE FOR OTHERS
My recommendations for young women aspiring to be a relationship-centered entrepreneur is to invest in experiences that help you to discover more about your true self. Journal, take yourself on a day-date to discover new things, or enjoy your favorite things. This may feel a bit counterintuitive when we are talking about “career development,” yet I have found that enduring and real connections have developed in my life when I took the time to understand what I really desired, what I am good at, and what truly lights me up. On the path to designing a life that supports those aims, I have met the type of people that are aligned. Oftentimes people, especially women live as shadows of themselves striving to fulfill an “idea” of who they “should” be and are often met with unfulfilling relationships and pursuits. It is the greatest honor of a lifetime to be ourselves. Sadly, many people do not discover who they are outside of the roles they have been assigned.
Meet Kirbee Miller and other women in the local community who are the best in their fields at our annual Women in Business event.
>>> PURCHASE TICKETS
The mix and mingle reception will be held on August 18 from 5-7:30 p.m., to network with our Women in Business honorees plus 300 other local business professionals. Throughout the evening, we will be doing live Q and A sessions with each woman!