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Kylie Epperson talks with interior designer Tara Miller, founder of Heartland Interior Design, about building a commercial and residential firm in Nebraska that now has national and international projects. Tara shares her path through UNL's interior design program, graduating into the 2013 recession, learning sales as an architectural/design rep, and eventually going full-time in her own firm as client work grew. They discuss entrepreneurship realities like backend operations, hiring support (like bookkeeping), sticking with business long-term, and why social media and founder-led branding matter today. Tara also расскаunts how an Instagram connection led to designing Boot Barn's corporate headquarters, including a fast timeline and material-themed floors (stone, leather, iron, timber).

00:00 Welcome to Boldly Grounded

00:48 Meet Tara Miller

02:05 Design Passion and Roots

04:32 Tubing Nebraska Style

08:06 Why Start a Business

09:03 Interior Design School Path

11:47 Early Career and Pay Reality

14:10 Bootstrapping the Firm

20:51 Entrepreneur Strengths Mindset

24:27 Social Media as Sales

25:16 Social Media Burnout

26:20 Founder Led Branding

29:15 Follow to Grow

31:04 Internet Overload

33:15 Dopamine and Mental Health

35:52 Postpartum Reality Check

39:19 Boot Barn Design Story

47:45 Designing by Materials

50:52 Where to Find Tara

51:56 Closing Message

Connect with Kylie @boldlygroundedpodcast or @kylieepperson_. Or check out her website at www.kylieepperson.com

Launching on Fat Tuesday during her birthday month, Kylie Epperson reflects on turning 35, explains what Lent is (a 40-day Christian season of preparation for Easter rooted in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving), and shares how her faith has deepened over the past 4–5 years. She talks through practical Lent fasting ideas she's seen (including social media, negativity, speed/busyness, and comfort fasts) and outlines her personal plans: giving up refined/added sugars and artificial sweeteners, considering going gluten-free, and letting go of the weight of other people's opinions and negative self-talk. Kylie also shares what she's adding in—weekday Mass, confession, a Blessed Is She Lent devotional (including a kids version), and prayer support through the Hallow and Ascension apps (including rosary walks). She encourages listeners to share what they're giving up and adding in for Lent, mentions the tradition of Catholic fish fries, and closes by inviting listeners to connect on Instagram.

00:00 Welcome to Boldly Grounded (Show Intro)

00:48 Fat Tuesday, Turning 35 & Lent Around the Corner

02:18 What Lent Is: Ash Wednesday, 40 Days, and the 3 Pillars

03:56 From "Checking Boxes" to a Real Relationship with God

07:00 Fasting Beyond Food: Social Media, Negativity, Comfort & More

09:23 My Lent Plan: Giving Up Sugar (and Maybe Gluten)

12:05 Catholic Fish Fries: A Friday Tradition & Community Builder

13:14 Letting Go of Others' Opinions + What I'm Adding In (Mass, Confession, Devotionals)

15:35 Wrap-Up: Why We Do Lent & Invitation to Share Your Plan

16:46 Final Outro & Stay Boldly Grounded

Join the Rural Rising Wait List here: https://kylieeppersonevent.myflodesk.com/v3mbctxhej

Follow Kylie @boldlygroundedpodcast or kylieepperson_

Kylie Epperson, host of Boldly Grounded, reflects on the transformative experience of the first Rural Rising Retreat. She discusses the importance of trusting one's gut and staying true to personal values. Kylie recaps the retreat, which brought together female rural entrepreneurs to share insights, support each other, and seek the next right steps in their journeys. Key takeaways include the importance of clarity through action, understanding discomfort as valuable information, and being present in various aspects of life. Kylie also emphasizes the unmatched energy and support from the retreat and encourages listeners to take bold steps in their own lives.

00:00 Introduction to Boldly Grounded

00:43 Reflecting on the Rural Rising Retreat

03:06 Purpose and Impact of the Retreat

09:01 Key Takeaways and Lessons Learned

15:55 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

18:57 Closing Remarks and Stay Connected