WOMEN TO WATCH

LAUREN MILLER

OWNER
MRS. POLKA DOT

I have owned three businesses in completely different industries. It was time for a change, and I found myself at Mrs. Polka Dot. We are a personalization boutique and pride ourselves in helping create unique and high-quality items for our sweet customers. I often say we’re a sort of monogramming therapist. We’re not just a pick-a-color-and-font type store; we work with our friends to create something unique and timeless.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

BEST CAREER MOMENT SO FAR:

This is one that is one of the most bittersweet. My sweet mama just passed away, but she was able to celebrate me being honored with this little feature. She kept worrying about me finding something to wear.

FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN LITTLE ROCK:

My husband (who works for the city) and I love the opportunity and excitement here. We begrudgingly came here, and now couldn’t imagine a better place to call home. Little Rock is the best big, small town I know!

MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB:

At MPD we celebrate life events. We know babies’ names before they’re born, we celebrate weddings, graduation, sorority recruitment and even more somber moments too. It’s about life, and it’s what endears us to our customers and them to us.

BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED:

Romans 8:28

I WISH I KNEW HOW TO:

Juggle. I always tell people (when they ask what I do) that I’m a “professional” juggler. I just wish I had the skills to back it up.

ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE YOUR 18-YEAR-OLD SELF:

Skip the tanning bed and don’t cry over boys!

WHAT IS A TYPICAL WORKDAY LIKE?

Up early to get kiddos ready. If no one cries (including me) that’s a win. Work like heck, pick up kids and off to something we’ve signed up to do. Laughs, dancing and lots of prayer sprinkled throughout always help.

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?

In business, my dad. In life, my mama.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

NEIGHBORHOOD:

Pleasant Valley

HOMETOWN:

Jonesboro

LAST GOOD READ:

I’m the mom of a toddler; I’m reading “The Up and Down Book”

FAVORITE FOOD:

Great steak and grilled veggies

FAVORITE LUNCH SPOT:

Burge’s or Delicious Temptations

FIRST THING YOU DO AT THE OFFICE:

With coffee in hand, I head to the store and get things done! I make sure all orders get out on time and then start the day. Lots of planning, networking and fun. I love the promise of a new day at MPD!

LATEST SPLURGE:

A purse, of course. How cliche.

THINGS YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WORK:

Spending time with my husband — we love escape rooms. Cookouts, day trips and making memories with the people who let me be me

DREAM VACATION:

I’m easy — our family farm in NWA

FAVORITE SONG:

Anything Jimmy Buffett

SPONSORS