Hope 10
The Hope of Celebration || Meredithe Stuart-Smith founder of Meri Meri
What does it take to build a creative business that lasts? How do you continue to thrive through fads, trends, booms and busts? How do you do the right thing, the creative thing, the fun thing and the profitable thing? All at once.
Welcome to Episode Ten in our series on Hope.
For quite some time I have wanted to have some more established entrepreneurs on the podcast. And you are in for a treat today.
Meri Meri is an international lifestyle brand for party, home and play. To be honest, a party isn’t a party in our house with some Meri Meri! Their world is whimsical, magical, celebratory and of seeming limitless creativity. We are going to hear all about that and what it actually takes to make that happen.
Image Credit: Meri Meri
“Everyone knows what you did last year but no-one knows what you are going to do next year! I am cursed with eternal optimism but it is important not to be reactive. Instead, try to think about the long term and about doing the right thing.”
Image Credit: Meri Meri
Speaking to Meredithe was a true privilege. I had high hopes but was blown away by how incredibly generous she was with her time and her thoughtful answers to my many questions!
Meredithe was honest, challenging and encouraging.
There is so much in here - it is a head nodding, note taking episode. We spoke about the early years in 1980s America, the marriage of profit and creativity, weathering the storms, branding, copycats, imposter syndrome, building an incredible team, finding your identity and confidence as a founder, doing things properly, glitter (of course) the impact of the pandemic and the curse of eternal optimism.
“Our family of products are our passion, crafted lovingly because they come from one goal: to preserve the wonder of childhood throughout a whole life.”
Image Credit: Meri Meri