Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan May.
Hi Megan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello friend, I am Megan! I am a wife of 14 years to my bald country boy, Jake. I am also a Mama to 4 kiddos. 3 of which grew in my tummy and our last daughter, who grew in my heart through a journey of adoption. For about a year, I had this stirring in my heart to welcome a child into our family that wasn’t biologically ours. Through much prayer and a few scared tears, Jake and I said yes to the most complex and most beautiful journey, and 999 days after that first stirring of my heart, our daughter officially became ours! During the journey, I had an excellent small support system. It is full of ups and downs, growing, and many “not yet’s.” Talking to others on the journey, I realized it wasn’t something everyone is blessed to have. I co-owned a boutique and flower shop for 5 years, Sprinkle of Joy Boutique and Joyful Blooms Flower Co., with two other amazing women, and what we did was spread joy for a living through clothing, accessories, home décor, and flowers. And most importantly, our encouraging words. In early 2023, I started again to feel a strong stirring in my heart to go back into the adoption/foster communities to love on others in their journey. To encourage them and, most importantly, to make them feel they are seen and matter. One thing my friends found difficult was finding gifts of encouragement for me on our journey, and even after we received our daughter, I knew I wanted to provide that to others.
Again, after much prayer and a few scared tears, I stepped away from our current businesses and ventured into the unknown, totally being led with my heart. I started an Etsy shop called You Matter by Megan to provide shippable gift boxes, accessories, and clothing to others in the adoption/foster communities. But it took me only a short time before I wanted to expand and allow other products I loved! So, on a random Thursday, I started working on a website called You Matter Boutique and launched it in the fall of 2023. Right now, I work out of my bedroom and have items all over—the place. But I love it, as we all need to start at humble beginnings. I plan to eventually redo our garage to have a small warehouse where I can have more space to expand my product. Giving is a deep love language of mine. It is so amazing when orders come in that I not only get to send this special gift and card off to someone, but 10% of the proceeds of each item go back into these communities, which also allows me to give out a gift box each month to someone who has been weighing on my heart and let them know how much they matter! Another love of mine is talking, and I took a big leap this last year as well and started a Podcast called the Megan May Podcast which allows me to share my heart, encourage others, educate them in the adoption/foster space, and sometimes kindly kick them in the butt a little. Most importantly, I aim to make everyone know their journey, story, and life matters. So, I am new to my business and beyond excited for what the future brings. Suppose I am not researching this space, building a website, posting encouragement on social media, finding and creating new products, or podcasting. In that case, I can be seen in a loud, busy home with 4 kids, coffee, or a glass of wine in my hands, listening to 80’s rock or Christian music, eating nachos, or hiding in my closet to eat a sweet treat so my kids won’t see. I am imperfect and trying to put a positive dent in this world!
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Any journey you decide to walk in has its ups and downs. I was in a business with two others, so flying solo was challenging but very rewarding. You do a lot of hard things out of your comfort zone. You learn, grow, and change along the way. My biggest struggle is that it is so easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing and what their websites, professional pictures, and success look like. Although learning from other people who are miles ahead of you in the space is excellent, it is also essential to be you. To quiet the noise, stay true to who you are and your mission, and know you won’t be for everyone, but you will be for many in this space.
As you know, we’re big fans of You Matter Boutique. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
I am an online boutique providing shippable gift boxes, accessories, books/journals, and clothing to women and families in the Adoption/Foster Communities. I am known for helping this community feel seen, loved, and supported by friends, family, and myself. What sets me apart is that every product I provide and continue to provide is well thought out and meaningful. I talk to others in the community to gather more information on what meant a lot to them and their family. I also find products from other small business owners, as I love supporting others as much as possible. It is more than just a business; it is woman to woman, mother to mother, friend to friend, supporting and encouraging one another. There are so many ways and avenues you can go about adoption. Every journey is unique and beautiful, but one thing that remains the same in all of them is feeling supported and like they matter along the way. And that is what I can do! The thing I am most proud of with my brand is that everything is meaningful, and when someone opens a gift box or package from me, my goal is for it to bring instant joy to their heart!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love that we have been labeled as Minnesota kind and have all 4 seasons. I least enjoy mosquitos.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.youmatterboutique.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/youmatter.boutique
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552245565678
- Other: https://media.rss.com/themeganmaypodcast/feed.xml
Image Credits
Professional Photo Credits – Ashley Thiel, Photo Website Images – Megan May
