Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Welch.
Hi Megan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started as a 5th-grade teacher in 1999, but then stayed home with my kids from 2005 – 2019. We homeschooled for 7 of those years, deciding in the Fall of 2019 to send everyone back to public school. The kids always knew they wanted to enjoy the excitement of high school and play high school baseball/softball. So, with the kids back in school and myself home alone for the first time in 14 years, I decided to buy a business. We bought The Rustic Brush Galleria in December of 2019. It was a perfect fit! I love teaching, love crafting, love woodworking, and with a degree in Marketing and education it was perfect. We were killing it – for 3 months. Then COVID hit and our business was crushed for about 18 months. We modified what we could – take home kits, virtual classes, etc, but it was the most challenging time we have ever experienced emotionally and financially. Starting in August of 2021, business started to pick up again and we are thriving again. Businesses are having team-building events, women are scheduling Girls Night Out, Date Nights are more than just restaurants again, and families are looking for ways to get out of the house. Our calendar is filling up and we are beyond thankful for our community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not smooth at all, COVID has been our main struggle. Our tagline is “a social crafting experience”. No one wanted to be social for 18 months!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I absolutely love my business! We get to teach others how to create projects they will be proud to display at their home, even if they don’t have a single creative gene in their body. Our instructors walk everyone through the process of sanding, staining, building their project with power tools, and painting their design using stencils. Two comments are made to me almost daily.
1. Guests love that everyone can make something different. One person can make a centerpiece, another a tray, and another a doormat. Choose what you want and love what you choose!
2. They love that they get to put the project together with power tools! You should see the way people’s faces light up when the power tools come out!!
Our studio is known for having a great experience. We play fun music, we are BYOB, and we just have a good time!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was always crafty. My mom and I loved to make any kind of craft. We hand-painted shirts before there were any home vinyl cutting machines! I worked in my parents’ resale shop starting in 5th grade, so I grew up understanding the pride and struggles of a small business. My first job away from their store was at Crafts, etc (similar to Michael’s) making bows and homecoming mums. I love that my mom taught me how to be crafty and DIY everything. I wish we could have opened this business together, she would have been a natural and a great partner.
Pricing:
- Projects range from $35-$45 for kid parties
- Projects range from $45-$110 for adults. Everyone can choose a different project, price is based on the project chosen.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.therusticbrush.com/galleria
- Instagram: /therusticbrushgalleria
- Facebook: /therusticbrushgalleria
