Abbie Miller is Brookfield Chamber's Business Person of the Month

The Brookfield Chamber’s Business Person of the Month recognizes an exceptional business member. The monthly recognition is given to a Chamber member that excels in the areas of business excellence, community engagement and entrepreneurial spirit. This business person is saluted by the Brookfield Chamber’s board of directors and featured on our website, Facebook page, and LinkedIn group.

Name: Abbie Miller, Owner

Company/organization/address: Stories Framed Photography, 890 Elm Grove Road, Village Court, Elm Grove, WI 53122

Website: www.storiesframed.com

Industry: Photography, focusing on families, kids, tweens, high school seniors, and headshots

What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?

I am so happy that I made the leap to leasing a studio space. Not only do my clients, potential clients, and others see my business in a new light, I manage my business differently – which is something I wasn’t expecting. I now have a division between work and life that didn’t really exist before the move to a large studio.

How many years have you been in business?

I started Stories Framed Photography six years ago, in January. We’ll be holding a grand opening | anniversary celebration in January 2018. I can’t believe how quickly six years went by!

What advice can you give to struggling business owners?

The most important thing you can do as a business owner, struggling or not, is to know your numbers. Also, to run a truly successful business, you need to know that your craft, your product or your service is only part of the equation. You need to know the business of running a business – or get help!

As someone doing business in the metro Milwaukee area, how does the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce help you?

The Brookfield Chamber has provided a deep and continually growing network of relationships to rely on. Not only do I get support, guidance, and business from its members, I have also developed some really great friendships through the chamber. All of this makes my membership truly priceless.

Do you have any advice for new business owners?

As a new business, the best advice I could give is to be strategic in everything you do. Everything from expenses to marketing should be thought out with the end in mind.

What would your colleagues be surprised to find out about you?

I think people would be surprised to know that even as a photographer, I hate having my own photo taken! That, and in my past life, I was a high school Spanish teacher.

How long have you been a Brookfield Chamber member?

I have been a member of the Greater Brookfield Chamber of commerce for precisely 11 months.

Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in Brookfield, and the leading business organization representing the interests of business in Brookfield and the surrounding area. GBCC recognizes the value in creating collaborative partnerships with other chambers in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. These partnerships expand the reach, influence, and visibility of the Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce and provide additional benefits to its membership.

For more information, please contact Carol White, President, Greater Brookfield Chamber of Commerce, at 262-786-1886 or carol@brookfieldchamber.com. www.brookfieldchamber.com