Our Mission
To create a warm, welcoming space to conduct business, meet with clients, network, and grow each other’s businesses. We are dedicated to supporting other professionals in advancing their career and enhancing their personal life.
The old saying of “it takes a village” applies to so many aspects of our lives and we understand that balancing a career, family and a social life can be a challenge. We’ve created a space that allows you the needed flexibility to make it all work and we want to support you along the way.
What does Grit & Lavender mean to us?
Our Grit is our hustle. It’s our grind every day to do our best work; and even in failure, we get back up, we learn, adjust, then we try again. We don’t play it safe, we follow our big ideas, set stretch goals and push ourselves to follow our hearts until we make our dreams come true.
The aspect of Lavender in our business is our authentic connection to each other. It’s the acknowledgment that we are not in this alone. It’s the love & support we receive through building relationships, creating connection, and living an authentic life. By sharing and supporting those around you, they will in turn, share and support you. We try to focus ourselves in the abundant mindset. There is plenty of work and success to go around. It will feel that much sweeter bringing up a few friends with you along the way. Our community has your back and supports you in reaching for the things that matter most.
Meet Natalie!
Natalie Miller is the owner & founder of Grit & Lavender Meeting Rooms and Grit & Lavender Financial Planning located in Brighton, Michigan.
Natalie established both businesses in 2019 with a vision to create a warm, welcoming, environment for members & clients to feel at home and comfortable while conducting their business or personal matters. Her attention to detail and the ability to anticipate her clients & members needs makes her a client experience force in the local community.
Natalie is also very active in her local community and is involved or volunteers with a number of local and national organizations.
Locally, Natalie is a member of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce; a former President & current board member of the Whitmore Lake Chamber of Commerce; & a Board Member for the Livingston County Chamber Alliance’s Rising Professionals Group, Whitmore Lake Community Scholarship Foundation Board Member; Mediate First Practice Group Member and has participated in a number of other community events and organizations over the years.
Nationally, Natalie is an associate member of the XY Planning Network and NAFPA (National Association for Personal Financial Advisors), and the Kinder Institute for Life Planning. Natalie is also very involved with several organizations that help women grow in their careers and start their businesses. Please reach out to Natalie if you would like to learn more about her additional community involvement.
Early Career
Natalie Miller started her professional career in 2003 working for a local excavating company where she learned all aspects of the business from daily trucking dispatch and job costing to payroll & accounting. Natalie was laid-off from the construction industry at the start of the Great Recession and took that opportunity to complete her bachelor’s degree in International Business & Management with focus in Economics, Spanish & Liberal Arts at Northwood University in Midland, MI. Natalie emerged with her degree at the bottom of the economic downturn with student loans & a salary that was less than her pre-degree earnings. In early 2010, Natalie entered the next chapter in her career when she entered the financial industry, working for firms such as Chase Bank, the JPMorgan Private Bank, Merrill Lynch, PNC Bank & Mass Mutual before creating her own financial advisory firm, Grit & Lavender Financial Planning.
Natalie is very focused on continuing education and improvement. She is constantly increasing her knowledge and skillset. Currently, she is a candidate for the Certified Divorce Financial Analyst© (CDFA©) and the Certified Financial Planner (CFP©) Designation and is actively studying to complete both courses as soon as possible.
Family
Natalie Miller is married to an incredibly supportive husband, Douglas Miller. Doug is also a member of Grit & Lavender for his work at The United Association (UA) as the SME for all things Medical Gas. Doug is a medical gas instructor, who also participates in the development & implementation of ASSE & NFPA-99 Medical Gas Codes. Doug is primarily a member of Local 190 (Ann Arbor, MI) Plumber/Pipefitter Union & is their Medical Gas Instructor.
Together, Natalie & Doug have a spitfire of a daughter, Lillian & their family dog, Bailey. They both grew up in the area and now reside in Brighton, MI. The whole family stays busy with their careers, family and really understand what it is like balancing a dual-career household and traditional family demands. When the work is done, they like to spend time outdoors, eating good food and traveling whenever possible. You may even catch us on a staycation at one of the local campgrounds on occasion. If you see us out and about, please say hello.
Meet Carolyn!
Carolyn Poiner is the Grit & Lavender Community Manager. She will be your first point of contact anytime you come into Grit & Lavender. Carolyn left a career in the health care industry in 2022 to start the next phase of her life. She is a wonderful asset to our community. She will really help you stay focused on reaching your goals, she can even take some of the items off your plate because they are not a good use of your time. Please introduce yourself to her when you stop by.