Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Meg Havens Obenauf. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Meg thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Growing up I️ was always intent on having my own style, pairing cowboy boots with large belts and dresses and wanted to set my own fashion trends. I️ also loved any kind of art, because of the freedom that it gave me to express myself. I️ love costumes, unique and random art and I️ try to bring that to everyone! I️ got many ideas when I️ was a preschool teacher and the kiddos preferred that I️ draw them pictures to color rather than use a coloring book. The little ones were really what gave me the confidence to continue to do my art! When parents were then asking me to come help give their kids lessons or be creative with them I️ was honored, and continued to expand in several areas of the art that you see today. Most of them originated years ago and are just now coming to fruition which has been wonderful! I️ also must give a shout out to The Buckeyes of Ohio State, because as a fan, a lot of my inspiration has stemmed from my loyalty to them.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Well, when I️ graduated from Miami University I️ moved straight to Boulder Colorado. In two months, I️ purchased a clothing boutique- Morningstar By Meg- and learned much about business, fashion and life in general! I️ loved working with local artists and representing their creations, while also developing my own. When I️ sold the boutique years later, I️ followed my dream of being a teacher which only furthered my desire to be creative and pass that on to others, especially the tiny ones! I️ was known there as the “Craft Lady” who was always coming up with fun activities and wearing costumes for all occasions.
Finally, when I️ moved back to Ohio, I️ was still searching for my ultimate goal and dream job. I️ have dabbled in so many things that my wealth of experience was not pointing me in a specific direction. A childhood friend that I grew up with, Brian, also moved back to Ohio around the same time and we reconnected. He also was impressed by my ideas and visions and because he is more disciplined and less impulsive we worked together and formed Mousina Art- a place for me, AND others to showcase their art! OH, and the best part of that story is that Brian and I️ also are now married- so Mousina has been a lucky and loving adventure for me. I love the variety of art that we offer including clothing, prints, hats, mugs, almost anything you can think of we can do it! Even through us there is a fantastic create your own option where customers can send us almost anything and we can put it on quality items. It really is about spreading love and promoting creativity.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
On February 18, 2018, I️ suffered sudden cardiac death in my sleep and for 6 minutes was given CPR until the paramedics arrived. I️ was in the hospital until they discovered I️ have what is called Long QT Syndrome. I️ recovered with fairly minimal long term damage, had an internal defibrillator implanted in my chest and so I️ like to think that I️ have two hearts. That is why the adjoining business that I️ started simultaneously with Mousina Art is called YOLT- because You Only Live Twice! It is never too late to start a new adventure. I️ am forever grateful for my second chance and therefore know the value of not wasting it and the importance of being unafraid to take a leap and go for it!
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I️ know that I️ touched on this, but my husband’s mom is always telling us it is like a hallmark story so I️ will share more of the details. I️ grew up in Granville, Ohio, and my older brother had met a friend in kindergarten, Brian Obenauf. Our families actually lived on the same street, and quickly grew very close. We shared holidays and celebrations together, and Brian and I️ were a part of his mother’s Croatian dance group from very young ages all the way through high school. It was when I️ was nagging him to load the videos of the performances online that we began talking more and then after 20 years we saw each other again when he moved back to Ohio as well. This then began our relationship that now has extended into the business world. And yes, our families once again share holidays together! I️ could not have a better partner and it is because of Brian’s confidence and belief in me that it has been possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: MousinaArt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mousina_art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MousinaArt
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/MousinaArt/