Well hello there! Thanks for droppin' by!
I am so excited right now it is almost to hard to put this all into words. AHHH!
This is how this is supposed to go right?!
Okay, regroup. Here we go.
My name is Krystin Miller and I am the woman behind the words here at Designing the Branch! I am a bright-eyed 26 year-old (for another month!) entrepreneur from the wonderful Midwest. I was born and raised in Independence, MO, a suburb of Kansas City, MO. (Yes, Kansas City is in Missouri, not Kansas. Shocking, I know.)
Video Credit: The Independence Square >>.
Which, if you didn't know, Independence is not only the birth place of President Harry S. Truman, but also the starting point of the Santa-Fe, California, and Oregon Trails. Our town puts on a "little" festival every year on Labor Day weekend to celebrate; Santa-Cali-Gon Days is the name. Look it up, make a trip to come! It's worth it!
Click here to visit the festival website >>
Anyways, back to me!
I was raised by an Army of people who have always reassured me that I could do absolutely anything I ever wanted if I just set my mind to it. Ever since I can remember I have had the desire to create a place for myself in this world. One that only I was responsible for and one that I was proud of. The idea of being my own boss was also very appealing to me. Being able to motivate myself and push myself to achieve my own dreams without having to help others, who have no interest in my dreams, achieve their own.
After high school I attended the University of Missouri (Go Tigers!) where I started out studying Journalism. I was convinced this was my destined path after taking a Broadcasting class in school. However, I quickly realized that this was more of a hobby. I enjoyed the process, and the editing and design work on the backside of everything, but to be involved in the day to day working of a news room was not my niche. After talking to an academic adviser, in order for me to not lose ground in my coursework I decided to study Communications instead, with an emphasis on Public Relations. I was not entirely crazy about this decision, but it was something I could see myself doing, and it was better than having to backtrack. Can you guess what happens next?
.
.
.
YEP! How did you know?! I wasn't happy with this decision either. Apparently you can't base your future on how many college credits you're going to lose out of the deal. Who would have guessed?
It started to become very clear to me that I had no idea what I wanted to study. I knew that college was where I needed and wanted to be, but frankly I was done wasting time and money without having a direction. College is NOT cheap, am I right?! So I took some time off, decided to regroup, get to know myself and figure out where my place was.
Insert Christopher.
When Christopher and I met I was in the final stages of a terrible break-up. The kind of break-up that makes you think your life is seriously going to end. Like I said, I was working on loving myself, so I was in no place to date anyone. Through mutual friends we began building a friendship. One that quickly grew deeper and deeper. He has such a kind heart and is so genuine that being around him was motivating for me. It was apparent from the beginning that he was someone I needed in my life. As time went on our playful friendship blossomed into one of the best love stories there is. (I mean, I may be a little biased, but who's judging?!)
I stayed in Columbia with Christopher, working full-time and helping support him while he finished his undergraduate degree in Psychology, all the while searching for my place, my passion. I was bar tending, which was paying the bills, but I knew it was not my final destination. Once Christopher graduated we moved back to Kansas City to be around my family. Christopher is from the Saint Louis, MO area but after discussions we decided that it would be best to move to KC so that I could be around the people I needed in my everyday life to motivate me to find my place. We both found full-time jobs and started the daily routine.
Turning 25 was a game changer for me. At the time I thought my life was over. Quarter-Life Crisis.
I decided that any degree was better than no degree, I searched and searched for a learning model that would work with my full-time job and being a homemaker. I decided on Western Governor's University. It is an online school that is completely competency based. You prove that you have mastered a subject by performing well on a test, or simple task and you move on to the next area of study. Everything is done on your own time, at your own pace, with the help of Course Mentors, Student Mentors, and online resources.
Check them out if you are a self-driven individual with a desire to go back to school but have minimal time in your daily schedule to do so!
Here is their explanation of how they are different than other universities >>
I decided to get a general Business Degree with an emphasis on Human Resource Management. Something that would help me obtain a normal 9-5 job. Was it what I felt like I WANTED to be doing? No, of course not, but it was something that I felt like I NEEDED to be doing. I have been extremely successful in my course work so far. Just being a student again, working on my future and myself was exactly what I needed to get me out of my quarter-life crisis funk.
Once school was off and running it was time to start planning Christopher and I's wedding. I knew hand making most of the decor would save me some money, and I knew I was capable of most things, but the more and more I created and the more I taught myself, the clearer it became that this is my place. This was the "home" I had been searching for. My entire life I have been artistic. I enjoy designing things in my head and seeing them come to life with my own hands, whether that be crafting, refinishing, cooking, or baking. It just took me doing it with a purpose in mind and really feeling the joy it brought to my life for me to realize that it was my passion.
The only thing that was holding me back? GUTS.
Christopher and I wed in April. It was the happiest day of my life, not only because I was marrying the greatest man in the world, but also because the time and energy that I was dedicating to preparing for the wedding could be used to focus on my future. It was the first day of the rest of my life.
Just because, here are a few pictures. He's a hunk, ain't he?!
Just before our wedding we found out that we were going to be an Aunt and Uncle. My little sister is pregnant with a baby girl, due any day now. She is my best friend and one of the greatest women I have the pleasure of knowing, so of course I had to throw her the best baby shower of all time! It was Dr. Seuss themed and it was a hit! During the shower friends and family a like were complimenting me on the work I had put into the theme. Their tons and tons of inquires about not only my future and if I had considered using my talents, but my actual services as well is what really got me thinking. Could I really pull this off? Could I quit my now part-time job and pursue my dreams? After loads of contemplation and the loving, never-endless, support of my wonderful family and my amazing husband, I decided to do it. Take the leap into entrepreneurship and achieve my dreams! I put in my two weeks at my local bar tending gig and went full-blown.
It have been "unemployed" for three weeks and I have never worked more in my life. I wake up early and stay up late in order to maintain my studies and put in the work needed for starting a local business from the ground up. (I went to bed after Christopher twice in the past week, which hasn't happened in years!) With the help of my amazing student mentor, Art Hunborg, I have also decided to change my business emphasis (yes, that's the third time for those of you counting.) from Human Resource Management to a general Business Management degree. This will not only give me a Bachelors of Science degree for the simple fact of being a professional, it will also teach me the ins and outs of running my own business and managing myself properly as I move forward. The best part you ask? I have never been happier. I wake up every morning with more excitement for the day ahead than ever before, knowing that I have not one minute of free time.
Okay, regroup. Here we go.
My name is Krystin Miller and I am the woman behind the words here at Designing the Branch! I am a bright-eyed 26 year-old (for another month!) entrepreneur from the wonderful Midwest. I was born and raised in Independence, MO, a suburb of Kansas City, MO. (Yes, Kansas City is in Missouri, not Kansas. Shocking, I know.)
Which, if you didn't know, Independence is not only the birth place of President Harry S. Truman, but also the starting point of the Santa-Fe, California, and Oregon Trails. Our town puts on a "little" festival every year on Labor Day weekend to celebrate; Santa-Cali-Gon Days is the name. Look it up, make a trip to come! It's worth it!
Click here to visit the festival website >>
Anyways, back to me!
I was raised by an Army of people who have always reassured me that I could do absolutely anything I ever wanted if I just set my mind to it. Ever since I can remember I have had the desire to create a place for myself in this world. One that only I was responsible for and one that I was proud of. The idea of being my own boss was also very appealing to me. Being able to motivate myself and push myself to achieve my own dreams without having to help others, who have no interest in my dreams, achieve their own.
After high school I attended the University of Missouri (Go Tigers!) where I started out studying Journalism. I was convinced this was my destined path after taking a Broadcasting class in school. However, I quickly realized that this was more of a hobby. I enjoyed the process, and the editing and design work on the backside of everything, but to be involved in the day to day working of a news room was not my niche. After talking to an academic adviser, in order for me to not lose ground in my coursework I decided to study Communications instead, with an emphasis on Public Relations. I was not entirely crazy about this decision, but it was something I could see myself doing, and it was better than having to backtrack. Can you guess what happens next?
.
.
.
YEP! How did you know?! I wasn't happy with this decision either. Apparently you can't base your future on how many college credits you're going to lose out of the deal. Who would have guessed?
It started to become very clear to me that I had no idea what I wanted to study. I knew that college was where I needed and wanted to be, but frankly I was done wasting time and money without having a direction. College is NOT cheap, am I right?! So I took some time off, decided to regroup, get to know myself and figure out where my place was.
Insert Christopher.
It's funny how when you learn to love yourself, other people learn to love you the right way.
When Christopher and I met I was in the final stages of a terrible break-up. The kind of break-up that makes you think your life is seriously going to end. Like I said, I was working on loving myself, so I was in no place to date anyone. Through mutual friends we began building a friendship. One that quickly grew deeper and deeper. He has such a kind heart and is so genuine that being around him was motivating for me. It was apparent from the beginning that he was someone I needed in my life. As time went on our playful friendship blossomed into one of the best love stories there is. (I mean, I may be a little biased, but who's judging?!)
I stayed in Columbia with Christopher, working full-time and helping support him while he finished his undergraduate degree in Psychology, all the while searching for my place, my passion. I was bar tending, which was paying the bills, but I knew it was not my final destination. Once Christopher graduated we moved back to Kansas City to be around my family. Christopher is from the Saint Louis, MO area but after discussions we decided that it would be best to move to KC so that I could be around the people I needed in my everyday life to motivate me to find my place. We both found full-time jobs and started the daily routine.
Turning 25 was a game changer for me. At the time I thought my life was over. Quarter-Life Crisis.
I decided that any degree was better than no degree, I searched and searched for a learning model that would work with my full-time job and being a homemaker. I decided on Western Governor's University. It is an online school that is completely competency based. You prove that you have mastered a subject by performing well on a test, or simple task and you move on to the next area of study. Everything is done on your own time, at your own pace, with the help of Course Mentors, Student Mentors, and online resources.
Check them out if you are a self-driven individual with a desire to go back to school but have minimal time in your daily schedule to do so!
Here is their explanation of how they are different than other universities >>
I decided to get a general Business Degree with an emphasis on Human Resource Management. Something that would help me obtain a normal 9-5 job. Was it what I felt like I WANTED to be doing? No, of course not, but it was something that I felt like I NEEDED to be doing. I have been extremely successful in my course work so far. Just being a student again, working on my future and myself was exactly what I needed to get me out of my quarter-life crisis funk.
Once school was off and running it was time to start planning Christopher and I's wedding. I knew hand making most of the decor would save me some money, and I knew I was capable of most things, but the more and more I created and the more I taught myself, the clearer it became that this is my place. This was the "home" I had been searching for. My entire life I have been artistic. I enjoy designing things in my head and seeing them come to life with my own hands, whether that be crafting, refinishing, cooking, or baking. It just took me doing it with a purpose in mind and really feeling the joy it brought to my life for me to realize that it was my passion.
THIS is what I wanted to do. THIS is what I needed to be doing.
The only thing that was holding me back? GUTS.
Christopher and I wed in April. It was the happiest day of my life, not only because I was marrying the greatest man in the world, but also because the time and energy that I was dedicating to preparing for the wedding could be used to focus on my future. It was the first day of the rest of my life.
Just because, here are a few pictures. He's a hunk, ain't he?!
Just before our wedding we found out that we were going to be an Aunt and Uncle. My little sister is pregnant with a baby girl, due any day now. She is my best friend and one of the greatest women I have the pleasure of knowing, so of course I had to throw her the best baby shower of all time! It was Dr. Seuss themed and it was a hit! During the shower friends and family a like were complimenting me on the work I had put into the theme. Their tons and tons of inquires about not only my future and if I had considered using my talents, but my actual services as well is what really got me thinking. Could I really pull this off? Could I quit my now part-time job and pursue my dreams? After loads of contemplation and the loving, never-endless, support of my wonderful family and my amazing husband, I decided to do it. Take the leap into entrepreneurship and achieve my dreams! I put in my two weeks at my local bar tending gig and went full-blown.
It have been "unemployed" for three weeks and I have never worked more in my life. I wake up early and stay up late in order to maintain my studies and put in the work needed for starting a local business from the ground up. (I went to bed after Christopher twice in the past week, which hasn't happened in years!) With the help of my amazing student mentor, Art Hunborg, I have also decided to change my business emphasis (yes, that's the third time for those of you counting.) from Human Resource Management to a general Business Management degree. This will not only give me a Bachelors of Science degree for the simple fact of being a professional, it will also teach me the ins and outs of running my own business and managing myself properly as I move forward. The best part you ask? I have never been happier. I wake up every morning with more excitement for the day ahead than ever before, knowing that I have not one minute of free time.
I am in charge of my life. I am in charge of my own destiny.
And it is the absolute greatest feeling in the world.
(Just for the record, it might also be because I have more time to drink coffee and hang out with this cutie!)
My Furbaby, Millie Girl.
So what brought me here? To annoying all of you wonderful people with my work? I figured, what better way to connect with my business audience than to let them see inside my home, kitchen, and studio. To let them control what I write about, what they are included in, and give them a peek of what it looks like to create their customs.
This blog is an invitation for all of you to take this journey with me, as I begin achieving my dreams.
So here we go! First of all I would like to start off by congratulating you for making it this far. I feel like I've been writing this post for days so I can only imagine how you all feel reading it. Take a break and pat yourself on the back.
.
.
.
Okay, break times over. Back to work!
Take some time to look around and acclimate yourself with the site. Then, find my social media links on the right side, under my beautiful face, and connect with me! This site, along with my others are all a work in progress still, but feel free to share away! The quicker the word gets out the better!
If you're feelin' real frisky, grab you a button from the right side over there to show your support on your blog or other website platform!
Also, feel free to inquiry about any work. Although I am still getting situated and getting my feet wet, I am always down for a little fun!
You will quickly notice that my brand name is Willow Branch Designs. However, in order to create a unique online presence I have decided to operate my blog, and a few other platforms, under Design the Branch. I mean, that's what we are doing here, right?! Designing the Willow Branch? Don't let the two names fool you though, we are one in the same!
Lastly, comments, constructive criticism, suggestions, and support are always welcome!! Let me have it!
If you're feelin' real frisky, grab you a button from the right side over there to show your support on your blog or other website platform!
Also, feel free to inquiry about any work. Although I am still getting situated and getting my feet wet, I am always down for a little fun!
You will quickly notice that my brand name is Willow Branch Designs. However, in order to create a unique online presence I have decided to operate my blog, and a few other platforms, under Design the Branch. I mean, that's what we are doing here, right?! Designing the Willow Branch? Don't let the two names fool you though, we are one in the same!
Lastly, comments, constructive criticism, suggestions, and support are always welcome!! Let me have it!
ENJOY!
and again, thank you for taking valuable time out of your day to get to know me and my story!
Hope to see you back soon!
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