Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Birkel.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I started Willow Crowns as a new stay at home mom, having recently relocated to Houston from Boston. I wasn’t sure what my place was, didn’t know many people, and needed something to call my own. I started making headbands for my (very bald) infant daughter as a way to pass the time, and it turned into something life-changing. Today we employ a dozen stay at home moms in Texas, handcrafting gorgeous hair accessories for little girls all over the world. Safe to say I’ve found my place!
Please tell us about your art.
While Willow Crowns produces hair accessories, they’re truly just the vehicle for a larger purpose. My goal through our pieces is to create a community of women who are truly remarkable, both within our company and with our customers. We offer women who have made the choice to stay home with their children an outlet – a means to make a living while home with their families and a social connection with other women just like them. This community extends to our followers on social media where we talk about not just pretty hair bows, but motherhood and home life. We talk about the struggles of transitioning from one to two children, the pain of fertility struggles, how it feels when you send your first baby to kindergarten, and everything in between. Hair accessories are the physical product, and while I take great pride in their design and quality, the driving force behind them is to connect with and inspire, other women.
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
To put those blinders on, and don’t look at what anyone else is doing. My greatest growth and success has come when I’ve followed my gut and allowed inspiration to come from a place that’s free of noise. I think that authenticity is so critical to success and allowing yourself to be exactly who you are is the greatest gift you’ll give yourself and your art.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Our website, www.willowcrowns.com is open 24/7 with new designs monthly. Our amazing community on Instagram is at @willowcrowns. The greatest support someone could show us is to follow along, spread the word, and choose our bows for that next special occasion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.willowcrowns.com
- Email: hello@willowcrowns.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/willowcrowns
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/willowcrowns
Image Credit:
Ashley Cardoza, Ailee Petrovic
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