Rising Stars: Meet Megan Nelson of Kansas City, Missouri

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Nelson.

Hi Megan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been crafty at heart. Even as a child, I loved making things – painted artwork, jewelry, and handmade gifts – and would often sell my creations or gift them to friends and family. Crafting and entrepreneurship have been passions of mine from an early age, and I’ve always been drawn to the idea of creating something meaningful that others could enjoy.

That same creative spark eventually led me to start a small side hustle making personalized doormats and home decor. What started as a fun outlet grew into a full-time business. I originally launched under the name Urban Owl, which I later changed to Homebound Society to better reflect my mission and passion for supporting animal rescue.

Along the way, I taught myself everything from search engine optimization (SEO) and photography to product development, and I’ve built a brand focused on personality-filled home goods that help people express themselves. Today, I’m proud to run a business that not only brings joy to others through thoughtful decor but also gives back to local animal rescues with every purchase.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road, but a meaningful one. Like most small business owners, I’ve faced my share of challenges. In the early days, I had to learn everything on my own, from marketing and SEO to sourcing materials and managing customer service. There was a lot of trial and error, especially as I figured out how to balance quality, pricing, and production.

Running a product-based business also comes with unexpected hurdles, like supply chain issues, shipping delays, changes in platform algorithms, and keeping up with demand during peak seasons. And as a solo business owner, every decision and responsibility falls on me, which can be both empowering and exhausting.

One of the hardest seasons was navigating burnout while trying to maintain the growth of my shop. It’s easy to pour everything into your business and forget to take care of yourself in the process. I’ve had to learn how to set better boundaries and build a more sustainable workflow over time.

Despite the bumps, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every struggle has taught me something valuable, and those lessons have helped shape the business into what it is today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the owner and founder of Homebound Society, a small business that offers personality-filled home decor and gift items that help people express themselves and make their space feel a little more like them.

I originally specialized in doormats, but have recently branched out to include other items in my product line, like signs and small gift items. My designs tend to be bold, funny, and sometimes a little sassy. Many of my customers come for the humor, but stay for the quality and thoughtful details. Everything I create is meant to be both decorative and functional.

What I’m most proud of is the heart behind the business. A portion of every purchase is donated to local animal rescues, which has always been a core part of my mission. I’ve fostered and rescued animals myself for years, so being able to use my business to support that cause means the world to me.

What sets Homebound Society apart is the mix of personality and purpose. It’s not just about cute decor, it’s about creating a home that reflects your values, your humor, and the things you care about most. Whether it’s a mat that makes you laugh or a gift that feels personal, everything I offer is made with intention and heart.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Absolutely! While I’ve run my business largely on my own, I definitely haven’t gotten here alone. I’m incredibly grateful for the support system that has helped me along the way.

My friends and family have been some of my biggest cheerleaders, especially in the early days when I was figuring everything out. They encouraged me to keep going when things felt overwhelming, celebrated the small wins with me, and were always willing to give honest feedback or lend a hand when I needed it most.

I also owe a lot to my amazing customers. Their enthusiasm, kind reviews, and word-of-mouth referrals have helped my business grow in ways I never imagined. Some have been repeat buyers for years, and it truly feels like I’ve built a little community around Homebound Society.

And of course, I’ve leaned on fellow small business owners for advice, inspiration, and solidarity. Whether it’s bouncing ideas around, sharing resources, or just being able to say “I get it” during tough times, those connections have been incredibly valuable.

It may be a solo-run business on paper, but there’s a whole village behind the scenes who has helped shape it.

Pricing:

• Doormats $30+
• Holiday Ornaments $15+
• Garden Flags $20+
• Signs & Decor $10+
• Gifts $10+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.homeboundsociety.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeboundsociety
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeboundsociety
• Other: www.homeboundsociety.etsy.com