Today we’d like to introduce you to Meggie Farmer.
Hi Meggie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a small town in Arkansas and had very creative parents, so making things was always a part of who I was. I always had an interest in fashion and knew I wanted to be a designer from a very young age. That dream eventually took me to Texas Tech University where I received my Bachelors of Science Degree in Apparel Design and Manufacturing along with a minor in Art in 2008.
After graduation, I moved to Los Angeles to begin my career in apparel design. Over the next few years, I followed opportunities across the country before eventually landing here in Austin in 2014. Along the way, I’ve designed everything from MMA gear and baseball uniforms to rowing unisuits, outdoor apparel, and even Olympic uniforms. Those experiences collectively taught me every part of the product development process from the initial sketch to the finished product arriving in the customers hands.
I’ve always dreamed of building a brand of my own. I actually launched a clothing line years ago that ultimately wasn’t successful, but it taught me lessons that have been invaluable as an entrepreneur. Today, I run my own freelance design business partnering with brands to design and develop apparel and products from concept all the way through production. That flexibility gave me the opportunity to take everything I’d learned throughout my career and pour it into a new idea.
I developed a line of kid’s hats with interchangeable patches. The idea came to me one day on my front porch while my baby was napping. I had a hard time finding cute hats that were his size (he was about 9 months old at the time) to protect him from the sun. I have developed many hats in my time in the design world and thought “hmm… I know how to make a hat, but how do i make a hat interactive and FUN for kids?”. Then the idea of interchangeable patches popped into my head! What if I could make kids hats that fit all sizes from babies to big kids where you could change one hat into many hats just by changing the patches? Suddenly getting dressed became part of the adventure, and kids could show off their personalities in a way that felt playful and unique.
Watching Pickleberry grow has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. It combines everything I love, design, problem solving, creativity, and now motherhood. I still love helping my clients bring their ideas to life, but there is something very special about building a brand inspired by my own child and being able to see other families enjoy the product that started as an idea on my front porch.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t always been smooth! It’s taken TONS of trial and error to get to where I am today. I graduated during a recession and had a very hard time finding a job. I took every internship I could find to get some work under my belt and worked at a surf shop to make money during that time. The internships I took were in the sporting goods world which isn’t exactly what I had in mind when I went to school to be a designer (this was a blessing in disguise because it’s what I still work in today and I LOVE it!). I had the heartbreak of my first failed business. I had to start over in new cities many, many times. I had times of extreme loneliness living in cities where I knew nobody and had a hard time meeting people. I also became a mom while working for a corporate company which was a hurdle all of its own. When my son was 6 months old, I was unexpectedly laid off. Going from the security of a full-time job to wondering what I was gong to do next was scary, but it also pushed me to bet on myself. The road has been rough, but it’s all come together to give me the life I have today!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Meggie Claire, LLC is the base for everything I create. Through my freelance business, I partner with brands to design and develop products from concept through production mainly in the sporting goods industry. After more than 18 years in the design industry, it is my absolute passion to help others bring their ideas to life!
At the same time, Meggie Claire, LLC is the company behind Pickleberry Kids, my own line of kid’s interactive hats with interchangeable patches. Our hats are made in 4 sizes, infant, toddler, kid, and big kid to fit any head size. We have over 28 different patches and are releasing more all the time!
One of the things I’m most proud of is that I understand both sides of the business which makes me better at my job. Having my own product line allows me to be a better designer and developer for my customers because I experience their struggles myself through my own business, Pickleberry. I’m very proud of the business I have created and all of the relationships I’ve formed along the way. I truly have my dream job!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice for finding a mentor would be to have MANY mentors. I think it’s great to hear advice from all walks of life and not back yourself into any one corner. Also, say yes to opportunities even if they aren’t exactly what you think you want. You never know what is going to give you an edge over the next person just because you took the chance to experience something different. As far as networking goes, everyday is a networking opportunity! I don’t care if your’e talking to a CEO or a gas station attendant, treat everyone as an equal, this will take you far. Being dependable is your best business card. Your reputation travels farther than your resume!
Pricing:
- Pickleberry Hat including one Pickleberry Patch – $28
- Individual Pickleberry Patch – $6
- Freelance Design Work – custom quote
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pickleberrykids.com
- Instagram: @pickleberrykidsofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pickleberrykidsofficial
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meggie-hodge-farmer/
