In an era of technological innovation and mass interconnectedness, there’s never been a better time to turn your passions into a career. For Chloé Miller, a 2012 graduate of the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communications, her fervour for entrepreneurship has led to the creation of three companies.

Her first company, Miller + Miller, launched in 2015 and is “a talent management representation firm connecting feature film and commercial filmmakers with advertising agencies” to create social media, web, and film campaigns as well as television commercials. In 2018, Miller created AND, SWIPE RIGHT, a company that specializes in dating and relationship consultancy. In addition to curating online dating profiles and providing relationship consulting, Miller hosts “Dating Hotline”, “a Q&A style modern dating podcast sharing high-value dating techniques.”

Miller also started Electrified Wellness, an energy-focused company, to provide relaxation and stress-relieving advice. Even though she has a lot on her plate, Miller perseveres by using her passion to fuel her workday and stay motivated. 

"It does sound like a lot, and at times it is, but all of my businesses were built with the same vision - to help others succeed,” said Miller. “I’m a problem solver at heart and I love creative problems. Modern dating requires a deep understanding of creative online presentation, fine-tuned online communication skills, and presentation skills for that in-person meetup. All of these are skills that I learned from my journalism degree [at UI] and furthermore, my passion for stress reduction and wellness started with the Relaxation Techniques elective I signed up for while at Iowa. The entrepreneur in me knew there was a market for these businesses but my problem solving skills wove them together to present a holistic solution.”

Online dating has become a large part in many people’s social lives and with it becoming less stigmatized, Miller has tapped into the ever-increasing market. Following the end of a long-term relationship, Miller noticed how often she was talking about dating and giving advice to people. After pivoting conversations into a company, Miller offers personal styling, coaching through situation simulations, and texting support. 

"The most rewarding part is getting the phone call or the follow-up email explaining how my advice helped them overcome this challenge and that they were able to work things out with their partner,” said Miller. “Their sense of relief was expressed through their appreciation and that’s when I knew this is something that I need to focus more of my energy on so I can help more people.” 

With Miller finding a passion for relationship advice, she utilized the skills she learned at SJMC and started a podcast, saying “I wouldn’t have been able to build my podcast without my journalism degree, I wouldn’t know how to share content in an engaging manner that builds an audience”. Podcasts have become a massive part of the digital landscape and Miller uses her platform to share advice and stories beyond those she consults. 

"Podcasting is one of my favorite aspects of my business,” said Miller. “It’s such a growing industry and especially now as there’s an overwhelming amount of visual content to choose from with all of these streaming services competing for your attention. Podcasting is a way to cut through the noise and find your community. Watching my podcast listeners grow has been so rewarding, receiving DMs from people with messages like ‘you were so raw in this episode and thank you for sharing this. Your authenticity is inspiring me to hold on to hope and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one going through bad days.’ Feedback like that is exactly why I do it.”

In 2019, Miller was named an honorable nominee for Forbes 30 Under 30. Part of her was disappointed when she discovered she wasn’t an official winner because her nomination was submitted too late, but Miller made the best of it. After all, she was nominated for a very select group.

"The conference itself was beyond anything I could have imagined,” said Miller. “I met so many incredible people, networked with people I never would have met without this opportunity, and I now have business friends in a variety of industries across the country. Finding my community of other entrepreneurs in Chicago was difficult but the Forbes Under 30 summit opened the door to like-minded individuals who were passionate about building careers that they loved.” 

After finding great success in her twenties, Miller has plenty of advice for students gearing up to apply for internships and jobs. Miller was the first University of Iowa student to work an internship at Comcast SportsNet Chicago (now NBC Sports). While it was a sales internship, Miller realized that the experience was essential for diversifying her professional skills. She advises students to “build a playground” and learn different skills rather than trying to move to the top in one specific aspect. 

"Also, chase your dreams and build a professional vision board,” said Miller. “At 22 I didn’t know how I was going to be a Forbes 30 Under 30 recipient but I knew I wanted to be one so I put it on my vision board every year of my twenties. Holding to that goal directed my professional decisions and encouraged me to take the leaps of faith necessary with being an entrepreneur.”

Miller has decided to go back to school in order to prepare for the next phases of her companies. She will be earning her Master’s Degree form Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, in Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Counseling and will apply for a therapist license following her graduation. 

"My intention with this continued education is to further my coaching and therapy skills through professional training and to ensure holistic help to my AND, SWIPE RIGHT and Electrified Wellness clients as they navigate life’s challenges,” said Miller.