Lara Miller started her women's clothing business in 2005. Her sophisticated, symmetrical designs are now sold in more than 50 stores around the world. But she faced plenty of ups and downs along the way.
Full Story: Grind, Hustle & Payoff7:58
Everything from how Lara Miller oversees daily operations at her clothing line, to her greatest entrepreneurial rewards.
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Competition: When Rivals Can Be Partners1:49
Lara Miller shares resources with other eco-friendly designers in Chicago, and competes on a global level.
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To-Do Lists: How to Juggle Daily Tasks1:16
Lara Miller doesn't always find time to knock everything off her list, like bookkeeping and projections.
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Validation: When A Customer Wears Your Design1:12
It's still a surprise when Lara Miller spots someone dressed in one of her garments.
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Escape: Take a Break0:55
Lara Miller jogs and visits the beach to relax from the pressures of her hectic work schedule.
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Mentors: Learning from Other Designers1:27
The eco-friendly fashionista says she could not have launched her business on her own.
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Inspiration: Coming Up with New Clothing Line Ideas1:40
Lara Miller's creative inspiration comes from architecture, Russian dolls, and Mexican textiles.
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Character: Believe Nothing Is Impossible1:04
"I'm happy-go-lucky, and I'm ambitious."
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Failure: How to Cope with Mistakes1:47
Lara Miller rolls with the punches, even when mishaps are outside her control.
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Addiction: The Entrepreneurial Spirit0:44
The designer likes to talk to other business owners who share her drive.
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Lessons: How Lara Miller Moved Past the Start-Up Phase2:18
With positive feedback about her clothing line, designer Lara Miller thought business was going strong. Then she checked the books.
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Workshop: A Look Inside the Chicago Fashion Incubator1:36
A tour of a cooperative design workspace, where Lara Miller is executive director.
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Sleep: Trade Shows, Long Hours & Schlepping1:53
The Chicago designer talks about what the day-to-day entrepreneur lifestyle really entails, including the upside.
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Product: Selling Your Own Creation1:07
Lara Miller says the reward is when she sees people wearing her designs.
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Operations: How A Creative Runs A Company1:48
"Can I just be the creative director of my company, please somebody rescue me."
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Grind: Managing Time, Creativity & Lists2:54
How Lara Miller runs her clothing line, from Excel spreadsheets to fashion design.
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Hustle: How Lara Miller Navigated the Economic Crisis3:25
Even through the economic crisis, she learned from her mistakes and kept up her spirits.
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Payoff: Living A Dream Every Day2:35
Trep Life Video | Her brand has gone global, but Lara Miller still finds the most joy the way she started: designing clothes.
