Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Morrison.
Megan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always loved creating ever since I was little. I used to find bark that had fallen off trees and turn it into art. I loved constructing things out of nothing. I also loved redecorating my house as a child. My mom would come home from work and I’d have switched all the furniture around while she was gone. That’s just the way my mind has always worked. I am also a musician, so when I’m not designing or decorating I’m writing music. There is something about starting with nothing and creating something beautiful that I can’t get enough of. It feeds my soul.
I had made a few dreamcatchers many years ago for fun but I never thought I’d turn it into a business. A few years ago I decided to make one with what I had laying around the house. It came out terrible, but I still have it hanging above our bed to this day. After that I bought the proper supplies and started playing around. I kept making them bigger and bigger until they were giant and definitely post-worthy. As soon as I posted a photo of a big dreamcatcher, I immediately had people wanting to buy it and place orders for more. This really took me by surprise and excited me. The fact that I could start making money doing what I love was very enticing. I became a dreamcatcher making machine. I started selling at markets and events, then created my Etsy store. To this day, I’ve sold the most by word of mouth, which I’m so grateful for. It’s such a great feeling when you can make something for someone that truly makes them happy. I’m becoming a part of people’s homes, helping make a peaceful environment for them and that means the world to me. I’m also decorating a lot of events. Most recently, I had three of my giant dreamcatchers hanging on the main stage at ‘Raise The Dead Miami’ festival. It really brought them to life!
After I made countless dreamcatchers I wanted to try my hand at something else so I got into macrame. Just like the dreamcatchers, I started out small and worked my way up to the biggest one I could make. You can now purchase or rent them to have in your wedding ceremony or as a backdrop at your event. I had so much fun planning and crafting my own DIY wedding that I wanted to bring it into my business. I make custom dreamcatcher backdrops, aisle decorations, bridesmaids bouquets and anything the couple dreams up that I am able to create. A lot of what I create can be found on my Etsy store, including dreamcatchers, macrame, smudge fans, smudge kits and even clothing. I often get low on inventory because I am only one person making all these products, but I always take custom orders. You dream it, I’ll make it!
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting a small business is a learning experience and of course there are bumps along the way. Anyone who has started a business can tell you this. I’ve spent days making something, only to mess up at the very end and have to start all over again. I’ve also made something for a client who then changed their mind and I had to remake it with different colors. The biggest challenge has been learning how to manage my time. At first I was working into the wee hours of the morning, partly because I was having fun and didn’t want to stop, and partly because I needed to finish an order that I had to ship out the next day. When you’re on a deadline suddenly creating isn’t that much fun anymore. I learned that I had to slow it down and not tell someone I could have a piece finished for them in three days when in reality it was going to take a week (if I was going to take time to eat and sleep). The moment I stop having fun is the moment I’m doing something wrong. The whole reason I started doing this was because I love it! It’s important not to forget that.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with 9 Lives Dreamcatchers – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I created 9 Lives Dreamcatchers because I love handcrafting and making art. I wanted to share my bohemian vibe with the world. I believe that what we surround ourselves with should be an expression of our spirit. I wanted to make art that people could bring into their homes and events to show their true spirit. I started with just my store (9 Lives Dreamcatchers) and I’ve now branched out to my own design and event planning company, 9 Lives Designs. I’m excited that I’ve gotten to take my passion this far. I love making other people happy and this is such a beautiful way to do it.
I hand make giant bohemian dreamcatchers, wall hangings, macrame, wedding decor and smudge fans. I am most known for my dreamcatchers (hence the name 9 Lives Dreamcatchers). I’m bringing them into people’s homes, weddings and events. I am most proud of taking an idea I had, running with it, and learning by trial and error. That’s why I keep my first really ugly dreamcatcher hanging above my bed. It reminds me where I started.
My decor style is unique. I use a lot of white and light bohemian colors, but I also incorporate the style that is true to my heart, a lot of skulls and earthy tones. I guess you could say my creations are bohemian with a rock n roll flare. Everything I make comes from the heart. I am here to help transform your space.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I moved down here from Brooklyn in 2009 with my husband, boyfriend at the time. It took a while for me to adjust but eventually we made a home and a life for ourselves in Miami. We’ve spent the last eight years designing and decorating our home. My husband is extremely crafty as well. Anything he dreams up he can make. He built us a giant dining room table out of exotic woods and made our cats a treehouse loft where they can watch over the neighborhood. We love our neighborhood, the friends we’ve made and especially the weather in Miami. We got married in Key West and that really gave me the wedding bug. It inspired me to help couples create their perfect tropical bohemian weddings! My husband made our wedding arch out of wood and is now helping me construct them for my clients.
A lot has changed in Miami since I arrived here ten years ago. Mostly good change but we are still a little behind when it comes to recycling and environmental issues. We need to protect this beautiful land we live on. Stop throwing your trash on the ground!
Pricing:
- Small Dreamcatchers start at $45
- Large Dreamcatchers start at $200
- Macrame starts at $75
- Smudge Fans start at $65
- Wedding & Event Packages start at $500
- Interior Design available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://9livesdesigns.co/
- Phone: 413-335-3762
- Email: 9LIVESDREAMCATCHERS@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9livesdreamcatchers/
- Facebook:https://m.facebook.com/9livesdreamcatchers/
- Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/9LivesDreamcatchers
- Weddings: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/9-lives-dreamcatchers-miami-fl-2008477
Image Credit:
Cassandra Trcka; Megan Morrison
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