I first met Megan this spring – the morning that we were both on Great Day Houston (alongside Esther, also featured in the #GIRLBOSS series). We chatted for about 3 minutes, exchanged each other’s Instagram details and just like that became real life friends (an important distinction in this day and age!). There are some people in life you click with immediately, and Megan is one of those people. We’ve had a handful of playdates in the past few months (hence lots of Isla photos on her feed!), and I am always ready to get the next one on the books.
Megan is an amazing business woman and the owner of a gorgeous hair accessories shop – Willow Crowns. Megan and her business partner, Stephanie, believe ” in good hair days every day,” which is easy when you a) have gorgeous hair like Megan and b) have a ton of amazing headbands at your fingertips.
I loved reading through Megan’s interview – she has some great advice and I also laughed at some of her favorites. Happy reading! Make sure to follow Megan on social media (links below).
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I was born and raised in central Maine and after a few years in Boston, we’re currently hanging out hats in the Houston area!
WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR BUSINESS?
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN YOUR CRAFT, AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LAUNCH YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Originally I worked as a Nutritionist, but decided to stay home full time with my daughter when she was born in 2012. About ten months after that, tired of struggling to find cute accessories for my bald little baby, I started making a few designs of my own and listed them on Etsy!
I decided to start the business and investigate the Etsy route because as much as I loved staying home with Olivia, I was looking for something that could be “mine” and would let me tap into my creative side.
WHO IN YOUR INDUSTRY INSPIRES YOU THE MOST?
So many small business “mompreneurs” inspire me all the time! Some of our fellow shop owners like Sloan & Co, cuteheads, and Mama Said Tees are inspiring as well as friends!
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST PART ABOUT OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS? THE MOST CHALLENGING?
The best part is definitely the creative freedom! I can make what feels right to me at the time and I get to set my own schedule so I can continue to spend as much time as possible with my family.
The most challenging aspect is that even though I can set my own hours, my brain is always on. I’m constantly thinking about the business, the new line, the upcoming launch, what we can do to improve, etc. It can be very consuming if I’m not careful to really be present with my daughter and my husband during “non working” hours.
WHAT PIECE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Our Olivia lace headband is the piece that really started to move our business forward and set us apart, so I’d definitely have to award that honor to her! Our lace headbands are kind of the hallmark of Willow Crowns and if I hadn’t decided that piece of lace could make a gorgeous headband, I don’t think we would have grown like we have.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER WOMEN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN STARTING THEIR OWN BUSINESS?
Stay true to yourself and your vision! It’s so tempting to try something/do something that another successful business has done (fear of missing out is real in the handmade community!), but really finding your own niche and growing a successful business from your own true loves and passion is the most rewarding.
I’d also give the advice that if you want it to be a real business, treat it like a real business. There was a huge shift between “hobby” and “business” when I started setting working hours, marketing myself as a real business, and having the confidence that it could really turn into something, even when the shop was very young.
MEGAN’S FAVORITES
BOOK? Little Women. My mom got me hooked on it in middle school and I’ve re-read it a dozen times.
MOVIE? It’s a Wonderful Life. I watch this every holiday season without fail and it just gets me every time. I can’t wait until Olivia is old enough to appreciate the message!
RESTAURANT? El Tiempo Cantina. I love me some Tex Mex since we moved to Texas and a margarita and some queso from El Tiempo hit the spot every time!
DESSERT? Red velvet cake. Ok, all cake. All things with sugar.
EMOJI? I do the crying laugh smile a lot…a lot. I think it’s because my best friend is constantly texting me hilarious things and it most accurately represents how I feel!
4 Comments
#Imbossy
You’re a mess. I love you.
I love this series so much. Megan’s hair accessories are so gorgeous – thank you for introducing me to her. Keeping her in mind for the near future.
They really are gorgeous!! You are so welcome! Glad you enjoy the series. xo