Muyly Miller shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Muyly, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
You know, am I walking a path or just wandering around? I’d say I’m walking a path – a nice, flat, winding one, not some big mountain. And at the end of it all, I want health, connection, and those everyday happy moments.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Muyly Miller, and I started building The Muyly Miller Company from the ground up back in 2011. It’s been quite a journey, and I’ve been fortunate enough to turn my passions into some thriving ventures. After building my wedding and event planning business, I then created WedUtah, an online magazine that I hoped would be full of inspiration, and after growing it, I was able to pass it on to new hands.
You might have seen me on local TV, like “2 News Fresh Living” or “Fox 13’s The Place,” where I’ve had the chance to share some baking tips. I was even honored to win a blue ribbon at the Utah State Fair and bake a special cake for Governor Herbert. Teaching is something I truly enjoy. As an Associate Instructor for cake decorating at the University of Utah’s Lifelong Learning programs, I offer classes in cake, cupcake, and other dessert decorating—you can find my upcoming schedule on their website. I’ve also been working on developing more new classes there and trying to stretch my sugar art skills even further. I also love bringing these classes to private parties and corporate events, aiming to make learning fun and accessible.
My background is quite varied; I’ve studied cosmetology, worked in real estate, and even as a securities broker. These experiences, I believe, have given me a unique way of connecting with people and noticing new opportunities, like my interests in children’s fashion and cookbook writing. Beyond my entrepreneurial endeavors, I also try to give back to my community, including my part-time role as a family lead and early childhood advocate for the state of Utah, and my involvement as a board member of Love Lake City, a nonprofit focused on supporting individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and addiction.
I live in beautiful Cache Valley with my husband and two kids.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
My path to motherhood was incredibly tough, even before my baby arrived. My husband and I struggled to conceive, enduring medication and constant check-ups. The pregnancy was a roller coaster of scares, and delivery brought terrifying complications. After all that, I expected relief and instant love, but instead, my baby’s arrival felt ill-timed.
We had extensive follow-ups for her due to the difficult pregnancy and delivery, leading to a longer hospital stay. She was a “high crier,” and as a new mom, I felt completely lost, frustrated by the lack of solutions. Bringing her home was a relief, but the reality of a baby set in, and I wasn’t in love. My days became a series of tasks: feeding, napping, changing, then housework and a quick shower. I felt mean, sad, and unemotional towards her. Even trying to get outside felt like a huge effort, and a comment about my diaper bag on a walk only deepened my feeling of inadequacy. Motherhood was far from the glowing experience I’d imagined.
It wasn’t until my five-month postpartum check-up, when a nurse casually asked how I was doing, that I finally broke down. I confessed, “I am not well. Everything is gray. I’m not happy with my baby, and I’m not happy in my marriage.” That’s when I was diagnosed with postpartum depression and prescribed an antidepressant. Understanding that my hormones and brain chemistry were separate issues was a lot to take in.
Recovering meant learning to slow down. My baby, at that point, felt like a “situation” to navigate. I started a little Etsy shop making baby leggings and headbands, and my baby modeled them. This creative outlet was a turning point. It brought me closer to her, making me touch and hold her more, and see her through the lens of my camera. This, combined with medication and doctor guidance, helped me understand motherhood better. Leaving a job I loved for my husband’s desire for me to stay home was a huge life change, but the Etsy shop and photographing my baby helped me discover my nurturing side, allowing me to truly see her. What once seemed like daunting daily tasks took on a new meaning of being present, and I began looking to the future for more moments of fulfillment and love.
I wish I’d had that connection and understanding from the beginning, and I feel regret that she didn’t have the same mom in her first few months as my second baby did. But I’m so grateful I was able to correct myself, connect with her, and embrace motherhood. Once I overcame PPD with doctor guidance, it was as if the world opened up to me in a more positive light, revealing the vibrant joys and connections I had longed for.
Ultimately, I overcame postpartum depression by finding flexibility in my thoughts and actions, and a unique path to connect with my baby. It’s a testament that recovery is not only possible but can lead to a deeper appreciation for life and motherhood.
Remember, every parent’s journey is unique. If you’re struggling, please reach out for help. There’s support available, and you don’t have to go through it alone.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
In the early stages of building and branding my company, I recognize that I was, at times, quite self-centered. I now know that I may have inadvertently alienated some people, particularly in the early 2010s as I was trying to establish myself in the wedding and event industry. A specific instance that still causes me regret is taking sponsorship money and allocating it towards promotional items instead of ensuring all my volunteer vendors were properly tipped.
This experience has been a significant “wound” that I carry with me. While I’m sure those vendors have likely forgotten the incident over the past decade, I haven’t forgiven myself. This past action serves as a constant reminder and has profoundly shaped my current approach.
How I’ve Healed:
I’ve channeled that regret into a commitment to ensure that everyone I work with now feels seen, credited, and fairly compensated. In all my current endeavors, I make it a priority to acknowledge, pay, and nurture anyone who provides assistance or contributes to my work and content. This includes ensuring proper credit is given and that their efforts are genuinely appreciated. This shift in perspective and practice has been my way of healing that past wound and building a more equitable and respectful foundation for my work.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would tell you that while I have a broad network, there are truly just about five people who deeply understand me: my husband, my mom, and some incredible women. They know I have a strong drive for creative business ideas and are always the first to encourage me, saying, “I know you can pull it off.” They also know that my babies are my absolute life, and I never let scheduling interfere with important moments that require my presence. These friends are the ones who will respond to my most unexpected vents at odd hours and always ensure I feel seen and supported, especially when I’m facing a crisis.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Working in human services is always slow to pay off.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mmc_bakesandcakes
