I am very happy to introduce myself to La Contessa’s readers.
Nella Miller of Nella Miller Design, honoured and slightly curious as to how this sweet woman thinks I might interest you with my story!
At any rate here we go!
I have been married to the same man for 50 years, and the mother of two grown sons, who are my life and joy, living and gardening in the same home for 47 years… truly unheard of these days..I was born in Italy and grew up in Canada from the age of two ..I received my degree as a radiological technician, but left that career path to stay home and raise my two sons. Living in the country in a small town led to loads of time for home crafts, cooking and playing Martha, a huge influence on me, at that time, and being on a budget as a young wife, I made everything myself! I took every course and craft out there! By the time the boys were in high school I was working in retail, design and manufacturing and setting up trade show booths, as well as expanding a painted line of garden containers and potting benches sold across Canada. I opened a destination lifestyle store called Acorn Lane Vintage Living, a dream come true, in our carriage house for 3 years and subsequently moved it to historic Jordan Village, for another 12 years.
It was featured on a HGTV program called The Treasure Makers, in Country Gardens magazine and Canadian House and Home.. an honour and thrill for me. To quote Dolly Parton .. If you done it, it ain’t braggin ! I closed the store to help take care of my Mom, and a few years later fell into an 8 year stint as a wedding/event florist and the beginning of
the opportunity to make one of the most important days of a couples life, beautiful and magical and to be able to bring all their dreams to reality…
something which added so much to my creative journey..
I am forever grateful to every beautiful bride that chose me for that role.
After set up at my last wedding event,
May 2019, I was 69 years old.
I live in beautiful Niagara wine country, on a 5 acre parcel of the Niagara Escarpment surrounded by award winning wineries and lush orchards and vineyards…also known as the Golden Horseshoe on the shores of Lake Ontario, Canada.
I am currently in a state of flux, wondering what my next chapter will be professionally..
I truly believe the minute you stop creating, learning, sharing, loving your life, your story will end!
How would you define your own style?
I would define my DECOR STYLE as ENGLISH COUNTRY STYLE.
Elegant English style, with a relaxed country feel.. layered interiors, with collections accumulated over time that have meaning to me in some way… I always bring something back home with me after our travels, porcelain, fabric, art to frame, silver, linens..anything that speaks to me in some way.. I’m not a purist, it doesn’t need a pedigree ..I just need to love it!
I will always find a spot for it!
Do you have a muse in this world or do you stick to your gut instincts?
My fashion sense is a cross between Helena Bonham Carter and a Chanel “ esque “ Penelope Cruz.. elegance with an edge..I’m always torn between the two extremes… e.g..I love opera but I also like listening to the Rolling Stones! I never match anything, and tend to add something quirky to my outfit at the end! I keep everything that I love or is a designer piece..I’m still the same size, so everything good will eventually come around again.. I’m small framed and my fashion sense over the years hasn’t really changed.. I turned one of my son’s bedroom into a walk in closet..
Right now it is a mess!! I need to purge and reorganize..I’m sure I’m not alone!
Are you enjoying this time in your Life?
If you could change one thing about AGING what would it be?
I find this time in my life, entered into the 70’s as not the easiest…I can’t seem to find my next path..am I relevant? Am I useful in my skill set? I’ve always been productive, financially and creatively and I still feel I have so much to contribute and share. Covid has slowed everyone down the last few years, and I feel so disconnected and irrelevant. If I could change one thing about aging it would be the phrase “anti aging”assigned by society, the media, fashion magazines etc.. Aging is a fact of life! A part of the cycle of one’s life..everyone will get there! The privilege of growing older…I hate to use the cliche, but it has brought courage and strength, I never thought I had.
What are your FAVORITE color combo’s?
You can have MORE than one!
My favourite combos are colours to wear, that work with black are neutrals…white, taupe, camel, lace, velvet, silk and linen.. I love black and think it is best with my skin tone! My olive Italian skin!
Favorite accessory……..WHY?
My favourite accessory is earrings and bracelets. I’ve always worn my hair long, so it gives me the freedom to wear big, bolder shapes.. and of course being Italian, my ears were pierced by my Aunt Carlotta before age 2! Running a close second are shoes… hard to resist a new pair of shoes!! Favourite designers for shoes Dolce e Gabbana, I love their fearless, unapologetic creativity, I would wear almost anything they design if I could…and a new Italian shoe line called A.S.98.. so fashionable and fabulous, beautiful leathers, and Geoxx for comfort, and style. Can’t go out without my lipstick! I have been wearing Clinique Black Honey since it was launched in the 70’s! So creamy…and used with lip liner Plum by Mac, a constant in my makeup bag.
Can you share your FAVORITE skincare routine and products?
I love and use Emminence products for my skin, 100 percent natural, made in Hungary ..wonderful serums and reasonably priced and good for my skin at this age..I try them all! Currently I’m loving Citrus and Kale potent C and E serum and Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer…my aesthetician Diana @allessandrosalon is knowledgeable and skilled and I trust her with my face! I get a facial every few months, but don’t go overboard at this stage, if you haven’t looked after your skin, it’s not going to make a huge difference now! Genetics play a significant role in my book, if you’ve got good genes thank your mother! I don’t do any procedures, it’s not for me, but I totally support anything a woman does that makes her feel good and look beautiful!
If you HAD to sell one skincare product which one would it be and why?
The most noted feature that changed overnight was my eyes..
They lost their sparkle, my big, dark brown eyes changed almost overnight..nuff said!!
What happened to your eyebrows??
They disappear!
I find extra mascara and liner is better than shadow and an overly made up face doesn’t work for me..
I’m still trying to find the perfect set of eyelashes!!
Sunglasses are a great asset for mature women, and I’ll splurge on a great pair when possible!
Anna Wintour was certainly on to something!!
Back in THE DAY what was your favorite department store?
Today, what is your FAVORITE ON-LINE shop to visit?
Growing up my favourite store was Wallace’s in our home town St.Catharines..
The Italian community where Linda Evangelista, the supermodel grew up!
(CONTESSA saw her in FRANCE and nearly fell off her chair at the cafe!I was about 20 years old.)
We didn’t have a lot of money, but my Mom bought us the best she could afford, twice a year, Easter and Christmas.. new coat, hat, shoes and gloves! In high school it was the Model.. where everyone my age shopped …where I bought my wedding dress.. the first one I tried on! With my best friend Maria, just the two of us.. !! I bought my wedding shoes at Holt Renfrew, a Canadian department store in Toronto similar to Saks or Bergdorfs…a pair of white heels that laced around the ankles.. I was 21…When I started working it became Roseanne’s , my first Diane vonFurstenberg leopard wrap dress … I loved it! My Mom bought my wedding trousseau at that store.. those were the days of proper outfits to suit the occasion..so stressful… don’t you think? Love it much better today! I did wear hot pants to my bridal shower, and high platform sandals, looking like Cher..with my long brown hair down to my waist! My Mom was not impressed! After I got married, I sewed my own clothes from Vogue pattern books, I still have kept a few.. when I opened my own store, shopping wholesale opened up a whole new world to me! Trade shows in the States and bigger cities made shopping fun and definitely more affordable..I started wearing pieces that had longevity and style… but always the same… an edge to everything.. fringes, animal prints, polka dots..I love to cover up…so coats, jackets, long swishy skirts, maxi dresses and well fitting pants work for me! Fall dressing is my favorite season for clothes.. I think a woman can be interesting and seductive without baring every inch of her body..
Unfortunately, I just don’t have good luck on line, hardly ever!! I love Anne Fontaine, Sarah Pacini and Ralph Lauren, and of course Dolce è Gabbana and the tailored precision of Chanel… study the classics and make your own rules..
How I’ve always done it!
Any ADVISE for women “OUR AGE”?
DO this but not that………..
I don’t have any words of wisdom for women on maturing…age gracefully, just accept it and focus on your health, agility and mental well being.. and love those who you love and love you back…work if it makes you happy and fulfilled, regardless of age.. we can mentor, inspire and encourage younger women to be their best at any age!
Be an example to emulate!
Can you tell us from your past decades what made YOU HAPPY?
YOUR 20’s ~
YOUR 30’s ~
YOUR 40’s ~
YOUR 50’s ~
YOUR 60’s ~
I was at my best and happiest in my 50’s.. my sons were adults and on their own, I opened my shop, Acorn Lane Vintage Living.. it became everything I dreamed it would be.. I felt at the top of my game then..
I know YOU LOVE YOUR GARDEN from your INSTAGRAM posts.
Can you tell us about it?
I cannot close without telling you about my garden.. I really started to garden after my Dad passed away.. it has saved me many times, been my refuge, my therapy, my safe place from the world.. I could live out there every day in the summer! I consider it my canvas.. I grow dozens of hostas and rhododendrons.. it is a shade garden and really it’s more about texture than varieties and species…however I love peonies and roses and hydrangeas.. and the list goes on…I’m so grateful for this beautiful spot on earth I get to call home! I learned almost everything from my Mom..she could grow anything.. she loved the earth and knew how to work it, till and augment it, to make it fruitful and abundant..the rest I learned from books on famous and not so famous gardeners, and their gardens.. my preference is the English garden style…
I collect vintage garden books..
I LOVE THEM!
Thank you Elizabeth, for pushing me out of my comfort zone..
You are so kind and have an open heart..
I can tell, even though we have never met…I hope your readers find this post inspiring and interesting..
Oh my gosh, how did I miss this! I ADORE NELLA! We have been “blogging friends for years. I featured her garden on my blog back in the day! It was so nice to hear more about her. I didn’t realize she was retired from wedding her wedding flower business! I am really behind! Anyway thank you for featuring the wonderful Nella!
I’m really late replying. I wrote previously but fell asleep before hitting “send”.
I loved reading about Nella and she’s Canadian, too! She is a lovely person and I love her attitude
about aging. I rarely think of myself as old but I did the other day when my Grade 9 dance date walked up my driveway.
I had not seen him since that date — he has a white beard and looks llke Santa Claus and I wondered why he was looking so old until
I realized he’s my age. Thanks for doing the interview, Nella.
Thank you Kim.. being honest and open are always some things I’ve attempted to be in my life.. it has served me well! I continue to to live a life filled with beauty and gratitude in a very uncertain world.. most days it seems to work for me! Gratitude is the key! Xx
My pleasure! I loved doing the interview ! And your story here is so cute! But I totally get it and understand when those moments happen and we wonder what happened and where did time go!! Life happened and we have to live each day as our best day!! Hugs..xx
I’m so late to comment, but I wanted to say reading this was an absolute joy. What a lovely person Nella is. I think she’s inspiring and her attitude about anti-aging is so right! Aging is what makes us better with each year. We need to think of it that way. Love this post and we need more voices like her. Love it. xo
Thank you Kim.. being honest and open are always some things I’ve attempted to be in my life.. it has served me well! I continue to to live a life filled with beauty and gratitude in a very uncertain world.. most days it seems to work for me! Gratitude is the key! Xx
Thank you Kim.. being honest and open are always some things I’ve attempted to be in my life.. it has served me well! I continue to to live a life filled with beauty and gratitude in a very uncertain world.. most days it seems to work for me! Gratitude is the key! Xx
I am very late to your party this time. I don’t seem to have time to blog or to read blogs. Not sure where the time goes. Each time I decide I should sit down and writ =e something, it’s already late evening and I am longing for bed. In summer I lose the little routine I have.
Nella sounds like a wonderful woman, very creative and energetic. Thanks for sharing her with us.
Thank you so much Elizabeth for introducing Nella and for you always thoughtful questions. Nella has led such an interesting and jam packed life. Her creativity shines through in all her various endeavours.
The garden is simply beautiful , must check out Instagram .
Thank you so much Jill! You can thank the Contessa, for her kind invitation to share in this beautiful community of women on her blog! I’m honoured and happy !
Elizabeth,
I don’t always take time to comment, but this post was just what I needed to hear today. Thank you!
How wonderful to meet Nella and to be inspired on a day that was not my best.
She’s physically beautiful, but most importantly, she’s an authentic inspiration. And to another woman about her age she’s a reminder to keep going and find a new challenge to bring us joy.
Candace , reading this warmed my heart! We are all in this together…and everyday can be challenging as we age..I ‘m so happy this post came on the right day to inspire you in the best way! Much love…XX
Wow. What a beautiful person. I so enjoyed this interview. Thank you Elizabeth for introducing us.I don’t do instagram but this makes me want to figure it out. Janey
Thank you Janey! I’m so happy that my life experiences, so far, have been so well received by Elizabeth’s lovely followers.. I find it difficult to put myself out there, and this experience here on the blog has really helped me realize how the connections with likeminded women feed our souls, and sustain us in good times and more difficult ones! XX
Thank you for sharing with us another ageless beauty. Nella has the whole package: beauty, style, creativity, authenticity, courage and talent. I enjoyed her story and answers to the questions.
Kathy! Thank you! I’m so happy you enjoyed my story… as we age I think it’s important to share our stories.. my grandmothers never stopped telling stories, I adored them.. they mesmerized me as a child, and even later in my life with tales of their lives in Italy and then as immigrants in Canada and the States.. I wish these opportunities still existed and were available to our young women today..so rewarding…xx
Simply spectacular, Nella is! I will need to reread this post, there was so much to absorb… she is remarkable. So many interests, talents, and life experiences, all told with such warmth, honesty, and humility. ADORE her flower arrangements and her magical, woodland gardens!! Forwarding this post to Devyn (my daughter).. she will swoon!! Flowers are so important at a wedding and right now she is surveying the floral landscape for inspiration–which Nella is–inspirational in so many respects.
XO Debbie
I’m so happy and humbled by all the lovely comments..the garden has inspired me in my most of my endeavours over the years.. that is another story! I take my cues from Nature, have become its student..so grateful I have been set here to be the steward of this beautiful spot! Much love.. thank you, sending love..xx
Hi Elizabeth,
Oh my! What a beauty and so creative and clever, too! I love Nella’s style and her garden is incredible. I dream about having a garden that lush and wonderful. Working on just making it prettier!
Wonderful introduction to an interesting, vital soul.
Xo Heidi
What a wonderful read this was. You have long been an inspirational friend and look forward to what the coming years will bring. Feeling very proud of you.
Loved every word! You have so much to offer with regard to your life experience, zest for learning, and finding your own style. I agree that u stop living when u stop learning and being creative. Also, love your take on aging… the lucky ones get to do it. Gardening is something that I want to get back into for sure. It was maybe 17 years ago that we did a major back yard renovation. Now that it’s had time to mature, the canopy of trees and architectural structure from the boxwoods have made it a garden w more shade. The dirt is calling out to me to help it become soil again.
Elizabeth, thank you for sharing your friend with us. XOXO
Trish! I really think when we stop learning and sharing we stop living, in a sense! I’ve always felt the need to create.. sharing beauty, my idea of it, at least… we are afforded so much in the way of experiences, talent and even just stories to tell.. so much to give we don’t even realize it! This is the meaning of creativity to me.. we all have it! Thank you for this!
Thank you, Elizabeth, for featuring Nella. She once had a blog that was a feast for my eyes and gave us so many beautiful ideas. I was so disappointed when she discontinued it.
Faye, I did enjoy posting on my blog… I stopped for a variety of reasons, mainly life got in the way. I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you for this!
What a fun and inspiring read! Nella! Beautiful inside and out. 69 years old. What?! I would have said 39. Love her story, career progression, and outlook on aging. We’re all doing it … might as well accept and embrace it. Just had a peek at her Instagrqm. Stunning. Her gardens. Enthusiastic new follower! xo
Ever since I met you years ago at Acorn lane..you have inspired me and I fell in love with your style…I have many purchases in my home from your store that I cherish to this day…
What a beautiful woman and so accomplished!! Thanks for sharing this lovely lady here, LA CONTESSA. She is certainly inspiring! Her garden and home…so beautiful. Love that her fashion inspiration is Penelope Cruz in Chanel with an ‘edge’ (I’m paraphrasing a bit). LOVE the image that created in my mind. 🙂
Lisa, I’m touched by such kind comments.. they inspire me to keep sharing beauty and ordinary things with one another… it’s the connections we make every day that are so meaningful!
Hi Elizabeth,
Oh my goodness I’m so taken back with the extraordinary gifts that Nella has. The garden is just so lush and beautiful. Looks like a resort. What an interesting career and life she has shared.
When Nella took time out to stop working to take care of her mother that told me what a unselfish, kind, giving person she is. A daughter with a heart of gold.
Thank you for sharing such a gifted and lovely lady with us. I can understand your attraction. You are both gifted.
Wow such a great interview. I agree with several other readers that she is like your Canadian kindred spirit! Her garden reminds me of yours Elizabeth. Thanks so much for sharing Nella’s interview with us. So inspiring!
Thank you for this very interesting interview. What a beautiful woman & beautiful garden. I also hate the word anti-aging because their is no such thing. We all age & should feel privileged to do so. We need to start thinking like European women. I am a gardener but I must say this garden made me swoon.
Mary Ann, so glad to hear this from you.. the words anti aging make it sound like a disease or worse..North America seems to be the only continent with this going on.. ageism is so prevelant in our society.. makes me sad..
Elizabeth, you and Nella are twins separated by a border! Her garden, her philosophy on aging, and and design, and fashion, and life…you’re two peas in a pod! I love her garden!!! Those photos made me want to move to Canada or anywhere with lush green gardens. This was a great post!
What a wonderful interview! Enjoyed it tremendously. Very much my style. Now I’m curious if Nella’s A.S.98 shoes are signed by the designer? He used to come (before covid) every year for a special evening at the small shoe boutique where I live near Montreal and sign everyone’s shoes and bags. Nella definitely has an edgy side because A.S.98 is not for everyone! First time I’ve seen them mentioned. Also love Sarah Pacinni clothing.
Lea! I definitely have an edgy side! The AS 98 brand is just new to me and carried by a lovely new boutique in our area called YOKA.. my shoes are not signed, but I’m waiting for the new fall line to arrive in the store! Thank you for this !!
Nella you are such a beautiful, magnificent, creative and inspiring woman! Your garden looks like a beautiful paradise. I loved meeting you! Thank you Elizabeth for featuring another amazing rockstar of a woman!
THEY ARE ROCKSTARS ALL OF THEM………for being exposed here!
SO happy to find these ladies and share their beauty and talent with all of us!
I think SHE LOOKS INCREDIBLE!
XXX
All I can say is WOW. Nella’s florals are absolutely gorgeous. And what an interesting life. Thank you for letting us have a window into her beautiful work and business!
MY PLEASURE GRAY……..
THANK YOU FOR HIGHLIGHTING MY CAFTANS ON YOUR BLOG TODAY TOO!YOU LOOK FANTASTIC IN IT WITH THE FRENCH DO DAH AS I CALL THE MOTIFF!
WE NOW DO COTTON AS WELL AS LINEN WHICH I USE MORE AROUND THE CASA.
THEY WASH SO WELL TOO……………
NOW BACK TO NELLA!ISN’T SHE A BEAUTY!!?
XXX https://www.thestateofgray.com/blog/caftan
Bellissimo grazie Elisabeth splendida Signora e sono d’accordo con lei su tutto ,in effetti perché non accettare il passaggio delle stagioni…… così è e si vive più tranquilli ci sarà sempre qualcuno più bello più alto o basso più giovane più magro ecc ecc non ci facciamo condizionare dalle decisioni di altri io ho74 anni e vivo i miei momenti con gioia e serenità.viva viva Nella ed Elisabeth grazie.
Dora Renata! Sei esatta con tutti ragioni!! La vita non è semplice, le gioie sono semplice, la bellezza dove la troviamo è diversa per tutti.. ma esiste per tutti..grazie per queste bellissime pensieri…con molto affetto..xx
“If you’ve done it, it ain’t bragging” as Dolly said. You have certainly done it! This is why Contessa thought you would be interesting for her readers. Appears you have had the gift of creating the life you wanted and then lived it. What could be better than that. Living your best life. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures along with your story.
DEE!
SHE WANTED TO DO A VIDEO FOR THIS POST BUT THAT COULD NOT HAPPEN AT THIS TIME!
TALK ABOUT CREATIVE!!!
SHE IS LIVING HER BEST LIFE………I AGREEE!!
XXX
Dee, it is never simple, is it? For years I would dream about wanting this or that, thinking it was up to someone else to provide it for me.. my husband.. God.. the universe…until my late forties when I had the confidence to believe in my own power…I don’t know when that exact moment was, but I knew I could do anything I put my mind to..It’s remarkable how things line up for you when you put in the wholehearted effort!! A support system is so important for women in business, and I had one! So lucky!
Nella,
You finally realized you could actually get paid for what you had always done well and loved.
So enjoyed your post. Happens all the time with women. Finally! Lol
Thank you for introducing us to Nella…
I’m so looking forward following her beautiful IG account!
Clinique Black Honey? I almost forgot how lovely this lipstick is…I’m going to order some ASAP!
xx
Stephanie
Tendrheart4
Loved your post! I couldn’t agree more with continuing “working” as you age. My career was in retail (53 years with the same company, I started while still in high school!). When I retired I taught at one of our local colleges and for a monthly Antique Market. COVID eliminated both of those jobs, I now do a monthly Fashion Book Club and a monthly Fashion Film Club as well as a weekly Fashion Master Class along with my blog….all can use my past experiences as well as open up other avenues of learning, I adore doing research. You will find your next chapter, it will come to you organically..it seems you have many talents, your garden, for instance, is delightful. Loved meeting you. Thank you Elizabeth for bringing Nella to us!
All best, Nena
Nena! You are making me very happy this morning! I’m a firm believer in the universe looking out for me, with my energy to guide it! You sound amazing!! A girl after my own heart! Love you!
I am forever grateful to every beautiful bride that chose me for that role.
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