You know when something just lives in your heart for so long, and you finally get to bring it to life? That’s what Love, Rae Grace is for me: a piece of my heart, my creativity, and honestly, a wild dream come true.
I’m Melissa Miller, and this boutique isn’t just about pretty things (though I love those too). It’s about building something real, something rooted in my story, my family, and a whole lot of love.
The name comes from my daughters’ middle names: Charlotte Rae, Amelia Grace, and my youngest, Dahlia Love. Now, I love my sons just as fiercely, they just don’t have girly names that fit the boutique vibe! But trust me, the male version is coming: “Shop Michael Carter.” Just wait, it’s going to be amazing.
For now, Love, Rae Grace is my sixth baby (yes, SIXTH!) and even saying that feels surreal.
Who would’ve thought I’d be here, a mom of five, part-time Social Media Director for a healthcare company with 11 buildings, and now, boutique owner, director, creator, and all the things for Love, Rae Grace.
A little about me? I’ve always loved art and fashion. As a kid, I was constantly sketching designs, making outfits, dreaming up creative things. I might even dig up some of those old drawings from when I was around 8 (my twins’ age now!) just to show how long this dream has been in me.
That love for fashion led me to apply to FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology), and I got in, fully registered, ready to go. But life has a way of throwing things at you: fear, insecurity, anxiety, and way too many outside opinions. I let it all get to me and walked away from that path, thinking, “What are the chances I’d actually make it?”
I took a different route, spent years in healthcare and hospitality, which were some of the best years of my life, don’t get me wrong. And I’ve spent the last few years building a beautiful life with my family here in Spring Hill, Tennessee, where we’ve lived for almost six years now. We absolutely love it here. It’s become home in every way. Our kids love it, we’ve become part of the community, and we can’t wait to keep growing, connecting, and giving back.
I’m so grateful to be in a place where I can chase this dream, and I know how important that is for someone’s soul. I want to bring even more to this community, to collaborate, and to make great things happen with the amazing people around me.
Creativity just has a way of finding you again… When I became the Social Media Director at Arabella Healthcare, it sparked something. Creating content, capturing moments, it reminded me of who I’ve always been.
That’s when the idea hit me: Love, Rae Grace. A boutique. Something that felt like signing a love note. A way to bring my creative spirit back to life and share it with others.
What started as just an idea has become this dream I’m building, custom charm jewelry, boutique clothing, handpicked accessories. I went to my first market (MAGIC in Nashville!) and got to choose pieces I’m so excited to share with all of you. It was unreal.
But this is more than just shopping. I want Love, Rae Grace to be an experience, one that creates memories. Whether it’s a charm bar party, shopping with your daughter or best friends, or just finding that perfect outfit, I want it to feel special, fun, like something you’ll remember.
I’m already looking forward to the next MAGIC and Coterie event in New York this September, where I’ll be picking more fun pieces for fall, winter, and the upcoming seasons. I can’t wait to be at New York Fashion Week, and eventually head to MAGIC in Vegas next year. This year I’ll be skipping Vegas though, my biggest baby, Anthony, is graduating that same weekend, and we don’t miss that. Family before everything.
And trust me, this journey with Love, Rae Grace has just begun. I’ve had doubts almost every step of the way but this time, I’m determined not to let those thoughts stop me. I’ve changed so much over the years from childhood, to 18, 25, 30, 35… and when I’m 40, 45, and beyond, I hope I’m still out here chasing dreams, setting goals, and pushing my daughters, my sons, and everyone around me to do the same, all the way through this beautiful life.
Thanks for being here and I can’t wait to keep creating, growing, and sharing every step with you.
P.S. Stay tuned for the Glamball Machine™ a fun, one-of-a-kind boutique surprise that’s coming soon.
