Cigars,…Barrettes?
Story time – MERBOH was conceived 40 years ago, you see my mom recently found an item I made in 5th grade (circa 1982). I hadn't seen this piece in ages and looking at it as an adult is surreal because the core characteristics are very similar to my present-day ethos. It’s a little tattered (pictured) but notice the metal frame base (MER) and the soft ribbon weave with a hangover allowance (BOH)
The barrette is a precious artifact salvaged from my first business venture - That’s right, I was a boss lady at ~10 years old. My memory is a little fuzzy, but I remember asking a classmate to take a commercially made version out of her hair because I wanted to understand how it was constructed. Then I taught myself how to make it (insert applause here), but I needed to elevate the design and set my version apart from what was available in stores. Fortunately, my mom had a lead on a supplier where I could source unique materials — This was a top-secret place that no one in my school knew about. It would be my competitive advantage.
Mom and I went to the store, and I carefully selected the colorways, ribbon styles and beading options for my collection – I was completely immersed in the design process! My creations were innovative and quite the buzz — I started making them for fun and soon the demand at school increased so I charged a fee. I even made a few sales from people outside of my school via word of mouth and my biggest client was Bloomingdales! I can still see my little production facility which was just a tan metal box with stickers all over it (and a lock) where my coveted barrette supplies were stored.
The business fizzled out after a solid run for ~ 2 semesters - Any guesses why? Let’s just say my competitive advantage was compromised — That top secret place I told you about was leaked to another school mate angling for a piece of my market share (5th graders were so cutthroat, lol). In my head I want to believe the competitor went to great lengths to obtain the intel, like a whole espionage thing such as tapping my phone. But in reality, the whistle blower was my little 7-year-old sister who attended the same school – They likely tickled her, gave her a piece of candy and she cracked. From there it was easy for others to copy my designs, but I look back on this time in my life with fond memories with the understanding imitation is the highest form of flattery!
PS. In case you’re wondering, the name of the top-secret craft store was called Magic Mushroom…shhhhhhh :)