Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Oshiro.
Megan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I can’t believe I was jobless and depressed a little over a year ago. After graduating from the University of North Texas in May 2021, I planned to become an orchestra teacher and move to Dallas, TX. However, I ended a four-year relationship that caused my mental health to deteriorate, and instead of applying for jobs and finding a place to live in Dallas, I had to move back in with my parents in Tulsa, OK. Applying for jobs was out of the question since schools were already in session. I felt like I had to start my entire life over and moving back in with my parents felt like a huge setback. Honestly, I had put so much of my identity into my relationship and career that losing control of those two things made me suicidal. I hid my mental health issues from my family and friends and spent two months isolated from the world. I stopped keeping up with my small business and social media for my mental health, and I’m really glad I did, even though I lost hundreds of followers. After getting some help from my church community and seeking God, I miraculously felt healed faster than I had anticipated.
It was already late August when I got a call from an unknown number. It was a distant college peer of mine who asked if I would like to apply for a teaching job in Frisco, TX. It was a miracle because school was already in session. After passing two rounds of interviews, I got the job and moved from Tulsa to Dallas on one week’s notice. Embarrassingly enough, I have to admit that I found out within two weeks that teaching was not my thing. Teaching came with so many unexpected responsibilities that I didn’t feel equipped to handle, even after studying education for years. The biggest reason I couldn’t stand being a teacher was that I had no passion or drive for it. Being a teacher felt like pulling teeth for me and the students. I thought I could push through the stress and stay for at least a year, but my body was shutting down, and it was either my health or staying to teach. After discussing my internal struggles with my mentor, she threatened me to stay and told me that my reputation would be ruined if I left education. She even reported me to administration about my mental health and told them I was suicidal to clear her name. With so much pressure, it was even harder to quit my job and disappoint everyone, but I had to do it.
So, “now what”? I moved to a new city and didn’t have a job. With nothing to do, I finally dove back into my small business, making stickers, cards and designing new stationery products. I remembered how running SimplyMKO in college had given me so much happiness and purpose. It has been almost exactly one year since I decided to take on SimplyMKO full-time, and it has been a journey of healing and exploring this new passion of mine. I allowed myself to take things slow with my business, and by the grace of God, I’ve been able to sustain myself through sponsorships from brands like Walmart, Alibaba, Scotch, and Cricut and orders from my online shop. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to hire my first sales team employee and get my products into stores all across the United States. My business is nowhere near where I want it to be, but I’m thankful for the freedom SimplyMKO gives me to do what I love. By hitting rock bottom, it has actually given me the freedom and courage to pursue something I’ve always dreamed of. So, don’t give up! Sometimes your lowest points in life can lead you to your highest.
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?
Running my business, Simplymko, full-time has not been easy. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is creating structure for myself. As a musician, I was used to meeting deadlines set by others, but with my own business, I have had to discipline myself to set my own goals and establish my own structure. Despite the challenges, I have never stopped dreaming and working towards my goals.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Hello, my name is Megan Oshiro, and I am an AAPI artist who specializes in creating paper goods such as stickers, cards, notepads, and more. My work often incorporates elements of my Korean/Japanese culture, and I am proud to have built a wholesale business that enables me to sell my products in stores throughout the United States and even in Switzerland.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is having my crazy Pomeranian pull me down the street with a leash on my scooter. I felt like Santa and his Rodolph.
Pricing:
- Stickers are $4
- Cards are $6
- Tote Bag $24
- Pins $12
- Follow on Instagram $0
Contact Info:
- Website: www.simplymko.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplymko/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@simplymko?lang=en
