It all started with capri pants…the rest is history but I’ll tell you about it anyway!
My grandmother was a seamstress. My aunts are both seamstresses. Needless to say, my mother is a seamstress. I guess you could say that it runs in the family. Growing up, my sisters and I were homeschooled and as part of our education, mom enrolled us in 4-H. At 9 years old, I remember Mom suggesting I try a sewing project first. We worked together as she taught me to make a scrunchie, simple tote bag, and pair of capri pants. If I’m remembering correctly, she helped to alter the pattern so that it had little slits at the hem. What can I say, neither of us could ever stick to the pattern!
The 4-H projects only stopped when I went off to college. But the designing never did. I spent 4 years at Kent State University studying Fashion Design with a focus toward Technical Fashion Design. Through school, my internship, and now my career position, I’ve gained a ton of experience in patterning, construction, and product development. The idea to start my own business has always been at the back of my mind but has grown as I’ve fallen in love with making, design, construction, sustainability, and the slow fashion movement.
“We should know where our clothing comes from. How would the world be different if you knew who made your t-shirt, jeans, bag, or scarf?”
A STORY ABOUT A SHOP
Maegan Jeanette was created for a few important and simple reasons:
-A product should connect the consumer to the maker.
-High quality goods can, are, and should be made right here at home in the Midwest.
-Each purchase is impactful & makes a difference; the importance of conscious consuming.
-Reclaimed materials are still valid and natural fibers should be used over synthetic; sustainable fashion.
Every item in the shop is designed, created, and crafted by me in my home studio in central Ohio. I am dedicated to using sustainable materials in creating a line of accessories that both you and I can feel good about. I want to make building that perfect outfit even more fun with items that you truly care about. Rest assured that each product is built to last, to be uniquely you, from the very first wear to the very last.
The Process Matters
I believe in using high quality materials in every product. Sometimes that means finding the best canvas, flannel, linen, or metal hardware. Other times, I’m scouring vintage markets, thrift stores, and flea markets for vintage materials to reclaim and repurpose. Breathing new life into these often discarded textiles ensures each item is unique or made in a small batch. I focus on natural fibers and source locally and within the US whenever possible.
This is my industrial machine. It’s only been part of the biz since 2018. It was an amazing craiglist find for $600. It’s already stretched my knowledge and skills! Every canvas bag is made on this little monster.
Every product is meticulously planned. I usually lay out every bag in a stack to make sure I have all the pieces before I start sewing. Every scarf is neatly folded and headbands are carefully piled to ensure nothing is missed.
Great care is taken in sourcing every fabric. I love visiting thrift store and antique markets to find truly unique textiles. Vintage sheets and curtains have the best stripes and florals with colors that are still vibrant and valid today.
A little more about me:
Hoping it won’t always be the case but for now, you can find me plugging away at a desk for my full-time position as a technical fashion designer. Most evenings are spent doing what I love at my sewing machine for this labor of love. Can’t find me there? I’m most likely reading, watching my favorite show, baking, or scoring deals at thrift stores and vintage markets. I’m also learning to live a more whole health lifestyle through regular workouts, eating wholesome foods, and exploring how to use essential oils.
Photo by: Alexa Karen Photography
Things that bring me joy:
Plaid. Fresh cut grass. Painted nails. Jeans. The smell of baking bread. Quilts. Dark chocolate. Small towns. Antique shops. Pumpkin patches. Hay rides. Spring rains. Dr. pepper. Hot chocolate. Pony tails. Pumpkin bread. The Midwest. Vintage materials. Leather boots. Denim jackets. Farmer’s markets. Home made meals. Blue skies. Chocolate chip cookies. Thunder storms. Oreos. Small churches. Linen scarves. Striped shirts. Worn Bibles. Fall. Pumpkin pie A good playlist. Road trips. Open fields. Corn on the cob. County fairs. Pumpkin everything. Community. Sweet potato fries. Faith.
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