Conversations with the Inspiring Mackenzie Miller (formerly Moore)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mackenzie Miller (formerly Moore).

Mackenzie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am grateful for all of my experiences. They have shaped who I’m becoming,

A Colorado native, I grew up in the suburbs of Denver with three brothers and my wonderful parents. My mom is a nurse and my dad is a photographer. While my mom worked part-time and stayed home with four kids, I watched my dad support our family through the lens of his camera. I give him a lot of credit for my own passion for art and business.

I went to college (at CSU go Rams!) after high school and chose a major (English). I wanted to write a book someday, but lacked confidence to become the author I desired to be. I chose the “safe” route and got my teaching license instead. After student teaching at Columbine high school, I struggled immensely to find a job in 2009’s recession. This is when I started designing clothing (my other passion). I never got another teaching job (though I tried diligently) and the opportunity to attend art school (tuition-free!) presented itself. I started the fashion design program at The Art Institute on July 9, 2012 (my 25th birthday).

After graduating from design school, I founded “The Far Side Emporium” with a friend; a local pop-up art market that had about 50 artists and makers. The mission was to create an affordable space for artists to break into the Denver Art scene. I found the investment (usually about $500 per booth) on local markets to be too high for beginner creatives (like myself) and prohibited us from sharing art with others. Our market usually charged about $50. I worked on this project while simultaneously working at Marco’s Coal Fired in the Ballpark neighborhood to make ends meet.

While I loved “The Far Side” immensely, I couldn’t justify keeping it going. After two years, we dissolved the business and I went to work on various design projects for the restaurant. I spent the next two years creating merchandise, organizing art installations, and event planning for Marco’s. I am very lucky that Mark and Kristy Dym saw my potential and let me roll with most of the BIG creative ideas I had including; a 4-wall immersive mural on the back patio, Beats & Brunch (DJ at Saturday brunch), and monthly local art curation.

2019 was a transition year for me as I launched “Grow Positive Thoughts”(@growpositivedenver), quit my “day job” at the pizzeria, and turned my attention to my own businesses.

I consider myself a “hybrid professional”. I am a designer (fashion and otherwise), writer, curator, and event planner. I am an advocate for creative professionals.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I struggle to give myself permission to live a creative life when it doesn’t seem “practical” at times. For example, I cried a lot before enrolling in design school because I didn’t want to “waste” my time (or money) on a second bachelor’s degree, despite my passion for it. It didn’t feel like I was “climbing the ladder” properly. My head was getting in the way.

What I have realized is this… “Life is about the journey, not the destination” It’s not about the piece of paper, but the experience that got me there. The people I met, the things I created, and the time I spent are more valuable than any credential or material possession I own. When I am living a creative passionate life, I get the most value from my time. I try to keep this in mind.

I can also suffer from “Imposter Syndrome” – defined as anxiety or self-doubt that results from persistently undervaluing one’s competence and active role in achieving success.

Most creatives are really hard on themselves and I am no exception. I find it difficult to manage my anxiety when trying something new or complicated (even though I KNOW I am qualified).

A friend recommended that I start documenting my achievements (big or small) in a list. Now, when I feel imposter syndrome coming on, I refer to the list and remind myself of everything I’ve already accomplished. It’s simple but HUGE for me.

Finally, I’ve learned the tough lesson that I can’t do everything on my own. (And I really don’t want to.)

The more I have reached out for help, the more successful I have become. Every person has a unique set of skills and it’s my job to discover and utilize those skills for the greater good. My advice: Assemble a great team that compliments your skillset.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into @GrowPositiveDenver & MackMo Designs story. Tell us more about the business.
As I said, 2019 was a big transition year for me.

I am a fashion designer by trade. I design, pattern, cut and sew all of my garments. This year, I took on custom garment projects while designing for my private label MackMo Designs. I have recently found a passion for sustainable design after writing a book about a “clothing swap” (out in 2020!) and discovering the true fashion crisis at hand.

www.growpositivethoughts.com & @growpositivedenver began as a blog, but is becoming a community of positive individuals, spaces and gataherings. I intend to provide space for positive experiences and creative growth in the Denver community. I curate local art walls in public places, write about important positive Denver influencers, and bring light to all of the good things happening in our city. In 2020, my husband and I will launch “RiNo Art House” – a curated short term rental and event space featuring local Denver artists.

I am passionate about making sure creative/positive thinkers are seen and heard in the Denver community.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I think female entrepreneurs have a tendency to take fewer risks and don’t ask for help. I was shocked to hear that in 2017, women only got 2.2% of total venture capitalist funding for the year. Are women being overlooked by VCs or not asking for money in the first place? It’s an issue that needs to be addressed. There are brilliant women around every corner with amazing ideas. Why aren’t they being funded?

Also, Women who are in competition with other women are missing out on opportunity. It’s important for women to seek each other out and help each other grow.

Denver has a strong female community that is growing by the second. Female focused work spaces and resource groups are starting to pop up. I have participated in community days and Charley Co (all-female membership) and The Riveter (built by women) co-working spaces and both were inspirational experiences where I found great community contacts.

Pricing:

• Grow Positive Thoughts Tshirt – $32 (website)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.growpositivethoughts.com/
• Email: mackenzie@mackmodesigns.com
• Instagram: @growpositivedenver
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growpositivethoughts/
• Other: https://mackmodesigns.com/

Image Credit:
Photos by Les Baker (personal) and Brien Hollowell (fashion shots)

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