Today we’d like to introduce you to Meagan Jacoby.
Hi Meagan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The idea for Wild Bloom Art Company was born out of a love of nature and wanting to be more creative. Growing up, we always had a garden and a big yard with flowers. Now, I live in Smithville where I have some land and access to these beautiful nature trails around the lake. It’s the process of deciding what to plant, enjoying it while it grows and blooms, and then harvesting some of it to press. I have been creating botanical artwork and jewelry for over 10 years and it feels special to take a piece of nature and preserve it to be enjoyed inside. I started out giving art and jewelry as gifts to family and friends. It was their encouragement that led me to start Wild Bloom Art Company in 2022. I press blooms year-round, harvesting plants I grow on my small farm in Missouri, foraging in the woods on my property, or preserving bouquets from special occasions. I have a special interest in plants that are native to the Midwest, and I currently have over 30 different varieties growing on the farm. These plants are important for wildlife in this region and you’ll find them interspersed in my art and jewelry.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think most small business owners experience challenges. When I started, it was figuring out how to let a larger audience know I even existed. I don’t have a brick and mortar store. So, I looked for festival and art show opportunities. Art Garden KC does so much for the arts community in Kansas City and I’d recommend them to any new artist trying to get their work out in the community.
Now that I’ve grown a bit, I’m still the gardener, the artist, the social media manager, the administrator, the accountant, and so on. It can be challenging to balance it all at times. It’s a good problem to have and finding resources, mentors, and community groups have been instrumental for me in my journey. Finding a group of artists to ask questions to or bounce ideas off of and belonging to my local Chamber of Commerce have been helpful.
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 create pressed botanical artwork and jewelry. What makes me unique, in this space, is that I grow the majority of the plants that I use in my artwork and jewelry. For me, part of the creative process is deciding what to grow, enjoying it while it blooms, and then harvesting it to press. I enjoy preserving a piece of nature that can then be enjoyed year-round in your home.
In addition, I preserve flowers from special occasions such as weddings or memorials. It’s so special for me to preserve a moment in time and to create an original piece of art for couples and families.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I wish I had a crystal ball! I’d love to see support for small, local entrepreneurs continue to grow as a lasting trend as it helps communities thrive and stay connected. Supporting local artists helps strengthen communities as well through it’s authenticity and the stories that it tells.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildbloomartcompany.com
- Instagram: @wildbloomartcompany
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555699087098
