It was a challenge, but I did it!
**About Page**
Hello! I'm Karen Miller, the founder and creator of mickeysfriendsshirts.com. At 81, I embarked on this adventure after stepping back from my career seven years ago. Staying active and involved has been essential for me, and I find joy in creating.
Throughout my journey, I had the privilege of working in graphic and web design. For a decade, I poured my heart into developing my website, memoryjoggingpuzzles.com, which focused on helping individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. I crafted special wooden puzzles with large pieces—each just 1/4 inch thick—making it easier for those in care centers to engage with them. It brought me immense joy to witness their smiles and sense of accomplishment as they pieced them together.
A significant part of what made those puzzles meaningful was using the art of Norman Rockwell and other beloved artists, for which I held the licensing rights. The familiarity of Norman's artwork often stirred fond memories for the elderly, as if they were reconnecting with an old friend, making the puzzles even more special. After dedicating myself to that work, I decided to step away about seven years ago.
In retirement, I found solace and inspiration in painting. My apartment became a canvas for my creativity, filled with my artwork. Recently, I felt a calling to explore a new direction, which led to the launch of my Etsy shop on August 22, 2025.
I’ve been fortunate to have my constant companion, lulu, my 7-year-old Himalayan cat, by my side during this journey. Her calming presence provided the support I needed as I set everything up, and I cherish her deeply.
The idea for this Etsy shop came when I was asked to paint a Mickey Mouse design. I discovered that Mickey Mouse and many other Disney characters were entering the public domain, sparking a whirlwind of possibilities for me. With a passion for creativity, I couldn’t resist diving into this world, and I’m excited to share fun tees for everyone.
The MickeysFriendsShirts collection aims to be engaging and joyful. While researching, I realized that people of all ages—regardless of gender or background—hold a special place in their hearts for Disney characters. These images evoke cherished childhood memories, much like the beloved works of Norman Rockwell. We all have those beautiful connections to our past, and I hope to celebrate them through my designs.
I am genuinely excited about this line of shirts and graphics, and I would love to hear your thoughts. If you have any suggestions or simply want to chat, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at karenmillerart [!at] gmail.com. That’s my personal email address, and I welcome your messages.
P.S.: To all the wonderful older adults out there, I encourage you to embrace new ventures and take risks, no matter your age. It may take a little longer, and you might find yourself starting over a few times, just like I did. That’s completely okay! It can be challenging at times, and you might question your decisions, but the sense of pride in saying, "I did it!" is truly rewarding.
If things don’t go as planned, remember that it’s still a journey worth taking—what matters most is that you tried. The only real failure lies in not attempting at all.
I can’t wait to hear your feedback, whether it's positive or constructive. Take care, karen