Superior Woman--Spring 2021

her business moved forward, Millner made that a large part of her focus.
“I had gotten myself to a point in the business where I wasn’t needed
necessarily,” she explained. “I would design stuff in advance with my
assistants making the production, so to have that freedom in business
to where you’re not needed in any particular area allowed me to do this.
I have a great staff that can do everything and because I have enabled
them to do what the business needs to succeed, my only role is designing
jewelry, which gave me the opportunity to do this whole mask thing.”
As part of her business, Millner has given back to the community
by designing specific jewelry pieces designated for area non-profits and
donating part of the sales price back to the organization. So far, the
business has donated more than $40,000 to various local non-profits.
“I can’t just make money and be so happy that ‘Hey, I made a bunch of
money;’ it’s a little bit hollow. I’ve got to give back because that’s how life
works; you give back, and then you are successful. You can’t just take, take,
take,” she said.
Subsequently, she has folded in her mask business as an additional way
to give back. She has developed designs for various local non-profits where
$5 or more of the purchase price is donated to specific organizations.
“I’m excited about the fundraising with masks,” Millner said.
“Obviously, it started because people were afraid and needed to be
protected, but now this is a fashion accessory that protects you, but never
in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d spend 80 hours a week
making something that’s kind of a medical device and a fashion accessory.
Everybody needs them and they are going to feel better about something
that no one really wants, but if you can give back, it makes people feel a
little bit better.”
So far the U.P. Children’s Museum, the Upper Peninsula Animal
Welfare Shelter, The Hiawatha Music Festival, the Vista Theater and
others have been beneficiaries of the fundraising mask program.
Designs and a running count of mask sales and donations are on
Millner’s website: www.bethmillner.com
I love being able to solve challenges.
I have a passion for the U.P.;
“I
”
feel like an advocate for the U.P.
46.5° North
Da U.P., Eh?
Tees. Hoodies.Gifts.
Other Colors Available
Lake Superior
Unsalted ~ Shark Free
Women’s/Men’s Tees ~ Hoodies
Other Colors Available
www.43DegreesNorthGifts.com
www.43DegreesNorthGifts.com
SPRING 2021 SUPERIORWOMAN.NET 23