Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Flamman.
Hi Kayla, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Greenville, South Carolina, and I’ve loved art for as long as I can remember. I was always drawing, painting, or creating something—and that love just stuck with me. I studied Exercise Science at High Point University, but I couldn’t shake my passion for the arts, so I added a minor in Art History and even spent a semester abroad in Oxford, England, studying British culture and heritage. That experience really deepened my appreciation for how art connects us to history, place, and each other.
After college, I went on to earn my MBA and I knew I wanted to blend creativity with business. I spent the next six years working in fine art galleries in Greenville and Charlotte, where I really got to learn the ins and outs of the art world—everything from curating exhibitions to building relationships with collectors and supporting artists. Those years gave me a strong foundation and a deeper love for the industry.
In 2020, my husband and I moved to Charleston, and I joined The Miller Gallery team not long after. In 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to purchase the gallery from its founder, Sarah Miller Gelber. It was such a full-circle moment, and I feel so lucky to now lead the gallery as owner and curator.
Today, I get to work with an amazing roster of artists, curate shows that tell meaningful stories, and be part of a vibrant creative community here in Charleston. Every day looks a little different—and that’s what I love most.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not always smooth—but I think that’s true for anyone building a career in the arts (or small business in general!). There have been plenty of moments of uncertainty, learning curves, and growing pains along the way.
When I first stepped into the art world professionally, I wore a lot of hats and had to learn quickly, sometimes by trial and error. Then later, taking on ownership of The Miller Gallery was both incredibly exciting and a little overwhelming. There’s no perfect manual for how to do it, especially when you deeply care about the artists and the community you’re serving. I’ve definitely had moments of imposter syndrome or second-guessing, but I’ve also had amazing mentors and supporters who’ve helped me along the way.
What’s kept me grounded is my passion for what I do—and the belief that art truly matters. Even during the tough seasons, that reminder always helps me push forward with purpose.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Miller Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery in Charleston, South Carolina, where we showcase some of the most exciting emerging and mid-career artists from all over the country. We focus on putting together thoughtful exhibitions that not only highlight incredible talent but also tell meaningful stories and get people talking.
At the core of what we do is our mission of Art for All — we believe art should be accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for everyone, whether you’ve been collecting for years or you’re just starting to explore contemporary art. We work hard to create a welcoming space where people from all walks of life can connect with creativity and feel inspired.
What sets us apart? We love collaborating closely with our artists to create exhibitions that are truly unique and site-specific, bringing their vision to life in ways that really resonate with our community. On top of that, we offer art advisory services and custom installations for collectors, designers, and businesses who want to add a little art magic to their spaces.
We’re proud to have built a warm, inviting place where creativity thrives and everyone feels at home. For us, it’s not just about selling art — it’s about creating a vibrant community hub where people can discover new artists, dive deeper into contemporary art, and simply enjoy being surrounded by creativity.
At The Miller Gallery, art is all about experiences, connections, and bringing people together. We’d love for everyone to feel like this is their place to explore and get inspired.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Yes! I love a good podcast—whether it’s for inspiration, staying sharp in my work, or just a fun escape while driving or walking my dog.
For work, I really enjoy The Business of Home with Dennis Scully—it’s technically geared toward the interior design world, but so much of the business side overlaps with the art world, and I always walk away with great insights. I also love The Mel Robbins Podcast for motivation and mindset—it’s like a little pep talk when I need it most.
For fun, I’m a longtime fan of My Favorite Murder—I love a good true crime moment—and Ologies is one of my go-to listens when I want to learn something totally random and fascinating. It’s the perfect mix of smart, weird, and entertaining.
Having a mix of business, mindset, and just-for-fun content keeps me inspired and balanced, both in and out of the gallery.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://themillergallery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themillergallery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MillerGalleryCHS
