CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE HISTORY OF F.X. MILLER?
We are very much a family business. I am the fourth generation. My great-grandfather, Franz Xaver Miller, started a small soap factory in 1879. This also involved a shop to sell the products produced. A larger factory followed, where more product types were introduced. Third-party products were later brought in, including beauty brands like Elisabeth Bock and Lancôme. In the 50s, the soap factory closed, but the shop business grew, with the introduction of cosmetic booths and a hair salon. My parents, F.X. Miller and Clara Miller, then took over the management. I took over from them, and have been running the company since 1993.
WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY FOR F.X. MILLER?
It is about sourcing the very best fragrances from all over the world, as well as innovative and unique products, that all meet the highest quality standards and are created sustainably. My goal is to continue the long family tradition, maintaining quality, individuality and personalised service at F.X. Miller’s headquarters in Regensburg.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE IRENE FORTE SKINCARE?
Firstly, because of the quality. I then read about the philosophy, and it fits perfectly with ours. I love the look of it and the fact that it is clean but effective. I also like the fact that the brand works with small and familiar shops that have style and are renown for selecting the very best.
HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT CHOOSING YOUR BRANDS?
The first step is when my team decide to pass on a parcel containing products to me. I then try them, and then pass them back to my team to try. Following this, I read about the brand, the INCI, and every aspect must really inspire me. I start to question whether my customers will yearn to buy the products, and which customers they will be appropriate for. All these steps are vital to ensure I have a successful brand in my store.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP BEAUTY TIPS?
I am never without a good cleanser. A serum is also a vital for me. In terms of make-up, I like a little moisturising glow, rouge, drawing in my eyebrows, and having permanently coloured eyelashes. I also spend a lot of time in nature; I love walking in the woods, by the lake or by the sea. This gives the skin a healthy glow.
WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THIS YEAR FOR F.X. MILLER?
We are very pleased that all of our services on offer again, e.g. the cabins, the fragrance consultations that were very difficult with a mask, the personal consultation with proximity to the customer, and even being able to offer the customer a glass of water. All of this was not possible over the last two years. In recent years, we have also developed a young and very enthusiastic new customer group. This is very exciting. They are engaged, and looking for clean cosmetics with the right ethics.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
I would advise my younger self to be more relaxed and less of a perfectionist. We as Germans aspire to be perfect, and this is often exhausting and impossible. Accept imperfection, accept yourself as you are and stand by it! Always plan a week in advance and not the whole year to come, so that spontaneity is possible.
