We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Meg a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Meg, thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
When we think of great artists—like Vincent van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, or Jane Austen—they’re often remembered for the way their work impacted people long after they were gone. I certainly can’t compare my creations to the great works of the artists mentioned, but as I and my business grow, I hope that I am building a legacy like that of a great artist — one that is not just in the beauty or individuality of the work created, but in the emotional and intellectual impact their art has had on people in the centuries after they’re gone. Though, I do hope my work won’t need quite that much time to be appreciated!
Since I first started Comfort Creations, my goal has always been to create something that’s one-of-a-kind, made especially for my customers. Knowing that my work is out there, bringing joy, sparking inspiration, or simply making someone’s day a little brighter is incredibly fulfilling. I hope that, years down the road, people are still displaying the unique creations I made especially for them. I hope they will remember me for the love and care I poured into every piece, and for creating something truly unique for each and every customer. That, to me, would be the greatest legacy.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My journey began in the classroom, where I spent a few years as an English teacher. The cornerstone of my teaching career was my love for books and reading, and it brought me immense joy to share that passion with my students. Yet, since the majority of my time was consumed by the demands of teaching, there was little room left for my creative pursuits, which have always felt like an essential part of who I am. In December of 2022, I made the difficult but exciting decision to leave the teaching profession and pursue my lifelong dream of opening a small business centered around my craft.
Initially, it was a small endeavor where I could channel my love for literature into creating unique, book-themed products. The early success and fulfillment I found in running Meg’s Comfort Creations felt like a dream come true. It was so obvious to me that this was what I was meant to be doing. I am now in my second year of running my business, and I could not be happier or more grateful for all the support this little business has found.
What sets Meg’s Comfort Creations apart is the meticulous attention to detail and the heartfelt passion that goes into every creation. Each item is carefully handcrafted, reflecting my deep love for literature and my commitment to quality. Customers often tell me that my products not only serve as beautiful décor or gifts, but also brings them comfort and connects them to their favorite stories and memories. This is probably what brings me the most pride — hearing of the positive impact my work has had on my customers. Knowing my creations have brought joy to someone’s day, or helped them celebrate a special occasion, is incredibly rewarding. It’s those moments of connection and happiness that make all the hard work worthwhile.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
My very first creation was made using a cheap plastic bauble, a sheet of foam, 10 cents-worth of sticker paper, some leftover ribbon from the depths of my crafting supplies, and plenty of time on my hands. With these simple materials, I crafted my first ornament, filled with miniature versions of all the books I had read throughout 2022.
That first ornament eventually became the prototype for what is now my signature Miniature Book & Media Ornament, the success of which grew my confidence—and finances— enough to inspire me to create so much more. While I’m now much more intentional about sourcing quality materials and refining the creative process, that original spark of inspiration remains at the heart of what I do. It was a journey that started with a handful of affordable supplies, and has since grown into a passion-driven business fueled by creativity, hard work, and a deep love for books.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
This journey of building a business from nothing has certainly had its ups and downs. When I started Meg’s Comfort Creations, I anticipated what I considered to be “typical” challenges, like finding sales and building inventory. However, after finding unexpected success within the first month of opening my Etsy shop, the problems I ended up facing were more related to the back-end skills required for running a business.
My educational background is in English and History, with a Master’s in Education — all of which was geared towards a teaching career. This background, while invaluable for my creative and literary pursuits, did not prepare me for the financial, marketing, and logistical aspects of running a business. Learning to navigate these areas has been a significant challenge. I had to quickly get up to speed on accounting, understand the nuances of digital marketing, and manage the various operational tasks that keep a business running smoothly.
It feels like every day I’m required to learn something new and unexpected, but I honestly enjoy how this career keeps me on my toes and provides me the opportunity to learn incredibly useful skills. It has been a steep learning curve, and of course, I am still learning to balance these skills and responsibilities simultaneously, but each hurdle has taught me valuable lessons and ultimately contributed to the growth and success of Comfort Creations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MegsComfortCreations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megscomfortcreations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Comfort-Creations-by-Meg/100093481833087/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MegsComfortCreations
@megscomfortcreations
https://www.threads.net/@megscomfortcreations
