We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Megan Lagueruela. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Megan below.

Megan , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’m in year 7, fully self-employed and wake up grateful every day. I am in a unique situation of still maintaining a relationship with my former corporate employer and often do contract work for them. It’s a win/win as I have a (smaller) steady income stream and the freedom to create my own work.
I had a regular job and I did NOT do well! I think everyone can find their lane, if given the time.
For me, the additional stress of being responsible for others livelihoods became debilitating. I was constantly thinking about work, waking up at all hours about a forgotten email or missed report. It really took a toll on my mental and physical health. It became harder for me to concentrate and complete tasks and I would often become frozen with the inability to make decisions.
Re-discovering my love of textiles really opened the door for me to breathe again. While I still have a lot of stress and its actually a very similar kind of stress, the burden is much easier to bear.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am the artist, designer and founder of Megan-Ilene, a small-batch, ethically made art-wear clothing brand dedicated to creating high-quality garments using natural and recycled textiles. At Megan-Ilene, we emphasize sustainability, craftsmanship, and ethical practices. Every piece of clothing we create is designed and produced with great care, utilizing traditional craft techniques and partnering with artisans and skilled tradespeople both local and around the world. By working closely with these makers, we ensure that our processes respect both the environment and the people behind the work.
Our commitment to quality over quantity means that we create thoughtful collections, each piece designed to last, to be worn, and to tell a story. Our collections are timeless, handcrafted, and sustainable, with a focus on materials that are both natural and repurposed; creating clothing that aligns with our ethos of reducing waste while honoring the artistry of traditional textile techniques. We source materials like handwoven organic cotton, piece dyed linen, regenerative silk, and recycled fibers, using eco-friendly dyes and low impact processes whenever possible.
Megan-Ilene exists at the intersection of art and fashion. Our garments are not just clothing; they are wearable art pieces that stand for something bigger: conscious consumerism, fair partnerships, and a celebration of traditional crafts. Our customers are people who value both style and substance, those who seek high-quality, unique pieces that reflect their values and individuality.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

There’s a lot less creative work in my day to day than I expected. More admin/sales/bookkeeping than I ever imagined!
I studied fine arts, focusing on fashion and textiles and not once did we cover running a business. The back end of inventory management, tax accounts, how to soft close…I cannot stress enough to people who want to go into business for themselves; study under someone first!
I know its romantic and empowering to go out on your own but learn and make mistakes on someone else’s dime.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Slow fashion and ethical consumerism are a hard sell in a good economy. And I’ve seen countless brands/artists come and go.
The backbone of what I do is rooted in sustainable values, while focusing on making the best garment possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://megan-ilene.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megan.ilene

Image Credits

Alycee Byrd- Photographer