Elise Miller and her husband are the proud owners of Lake Country Bed Barn located in Hartland. Since March 2014, they’ve been serving the Lake Country community. As they approach their ten-year anniversary, they couldn’t be more grateful for the support received. Their journey here began in 2009 when they made the decision to move to Lake Country, and in 2011, they planted roots by purchasing a home in this beautiful area. While they always appreciated the surroundings, it wasn’t until they opened their business that they truly felt a deep connection to the community. Now, Lake Country has become more than just a place of business – it’s their cherished home. Their two daughters attend school in the Hartland-Lakeside district, and they actively participate in the community through their membership at St. Charles.
About Elise Miller
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the proud parent of two daughters, aged 10 and 8, and I’ve been happily married to Nick for 11 wonderful years. Our household is bustling with life, including a beloved dog and two charming cats. Excitingly, we’ll soon be expanding our family with the addition of chickens!
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
Owning a business has provided me with invaluable opportunities to engage with my community. Currently, I am honored to serve on the boards of the Hartland Chamber of Commerce and the Library. Additionally, I am the chair of my book club, where I foster a love for reading and discussion. I’ve also dedicated my time to volunteering with organizations such as the Downtown Business Improvement District, Oconomowoc Newcomers and Neighbors, and various affiliated groups, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to the vibrant fabric of our community.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Each day brings new challenges and experiences, making every day unique in my role as a business owner. Wearing many hats means I continuously learn about diverse aspects of running a business, expanding my knowledge in unexpected ways. My background as a teacher instilled in me a profound love for learning, which remains a driving force in my life and keeps me deeply engaged in what I do. Moreover, I thoroughly enjoy connecting with a wide array of individuals, as each interaction provides invaluable lessons and insights that enrich my personal and professional growth.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
Being open to the possibility of failure is crucial. While success is always the desired outcome, acknowledging and learning from mistakes is what ultimately leads to growth and success. As a business owner, this resilience becomes even more critical because there’s no one to compel you to keep trying when things don’t go as planned. Embracing failure as a part of the journey and using it as an opportunity to refine strategies and approaches is key to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
There’s immense satisfaction in assisting our customers, and receiving their heartfelt “Thank You” fills us with genuine joy. Recognizing that customers have numerous options when it comes to mattress shopping, we strive to convey our sincere care and appreciation for their choice in selecting us. Their authentic gratitude is truly invaluable to us, reinforcing our commitment to providing exceptional service and ensuring their satisfaction.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
For some time now, one of our goals has been to transition into a larger space, and the timing has finally aligned perfectly! On February 20th, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be relocating to the Sendiks Shopping Center in Hartland. This move will grant us nearly double the space, allowing us to offer our customers a wider selection of brands, comfort options, and price ranges. As we settle into our new location and establish our rhythm, our next objective is to hire our first employee. This milestone will not only facilitate smoother operations but also enable us to take some well-deserved family vacations. We’re excited for this next chapter and the opportunities it brings!
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Get Connected! I’ve discovered that my most valuable resource lies in the relationships I’ve cultivated. During this relocation process, we relied on our network of contacts to bring our new location to fruition. I’m passionate about supporting fellow business owners and forging new connections. If you’re a new entrepreneur seeking assistance or simply looking to connect, I’m here to help and eager to network!
Elise Miller & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
The highlight of Lake Country for me is undoubtedly the lakes themselves! This region boasts stunning natural beauty, and we take full advantage of it. Our family loves to explore the lakes by paddleboarding or kayaking, immersing ourselves in the serene surroundings. Even during the winter months, we continue to embrace outdoor activities like sledding and hiking. Additionally, we’re regular visitors to Nixon Park Beer Garden during the warmer seasons, relishing in the vibrant atmosphere and community spirit.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Lynn Minturn, Director of the Hartland Chamber of Commerce, is a remarkable individual whom I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with during my tenure on the board. Her meticulous attention to detail is truly impressive; she leaves no stone unturned and demonstrates exceptional organizational skills. Lynn’s willingness to lend a hand knows no bounds; she goes above and beyond to assist and connects you with the right resources when needed. Leading a dedicated team of volunteers, she orchestrates remarkable events that contribute significantly to the vibrancy of Hartland. Lynn’s influence extends far beyond the surface; she plays an integral role behind the scenes in many community initiatives.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
We’re fortunate to have an abundance of dining options here in Lake Country, making it quite a challenge to choose just one favorite. When I’m in the mood for an upscale experience, Palmer’s always delivers with its exquisite cuisine. For consistently excellent meals, I can’t recommend Creole Cafe enough – I’ve never been disappointed. And when it’s time to unwind with a cocktail, you’ll often find me at Tabi’s or Gristmill, enjoying their cozy atmospheres and delightful drink selections.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
When asked, my husband described me as “an excellent and creative cook/cocktail maker.” In addition to my culinary skills, I have a passion for gardening and have honed my abilities in food preservation, which complements my cooking endeavors perfectly.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
I’m an avid reader, and over the past year, some of my favorite books have included “Mad Honey,” “The Fourth Wing,” “Verity,” and “Long Bright River.” As for guilty pleasures, I can’t resist indulging in soapy reality TV shows—they’re my guilty pleasure!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughters are my top priority. I strive to be a positive role model for them, demonstrating what it means to be a kind and compassionate individual.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
My lifelong dream has been to visit Australia, a desire that has stayed with me since childhood. Now, all I need is the opportunity and resources to make it happen!
Q: What makes you the happiest?
I thrive in social settings and genuinely enjoy being around people. My husband and I delight in hosting gatherings, and for my birthday this year, I requested a simple yet meaningful gift: a party with my closest friends.
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Be honest. It’s the easiest way to be happy.
Where to Find Elise Miller
Email: hello@bedbarnwi.com
Phone: (262) 563-1647
