We recently had the chance to connect with Megan Walker and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Megan, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
My entrepreneurial journey kicked off in 2021 with Megan Walker Art Studio, where I focused on abstract paintings. Then I switched gears to making resin beach wave art on cutting boards. In early 2023, I launched Arch Theory Displays, offering cool, boho-inspired displays for small businesses. Later that year, I started MW Custom Laser Works for laser-engraved gifts. And now, I’m diving into a new adventure with Vector Vibes SVG Design, my new digital file business.
This new chapter of designing and selling my own laser engraving files is super exciting but also a little nerve-wracking. My main concern is keeping a steady flow of fresh, awesome designs. Creative self-doubt is always a challenge, along with the techy stuff like managing digital files, making sure they work with different laser engravers, and helping customers with technical questions. The thought of being swamped with tech-related inquiries is definitely a big stressor.
But even with these worries, I’m incredibly stoked about this venture. The idea of turning my concepts into both digital files for other creators and finished products for local boutiques is a huge motivator. This dual approach will help me reach more people and really show off my designs. Beyond just growing the business, this also means personal and creative growth for me, pushing my limits and building a sustainable business that gives me more flexibility in how, when, and where I work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi there! I’m Megan, and my entrepreneurial journey, which began in 2021, has been profoundly shaped by an elbow injury that limited my ability to create physical products. This challenge, however, became a catalyst for innovation and a deeper understanding of the struggles small business owners face when having to pivot. While I initially explored abstract painting and resin art, my injury led me to pivot, first to Arch Theory Displays in 2023, where I started creating unique, boho-inspired displays with my new glowforge laser engraver. This allowed me to continue creating beautiful items without the same physical strain. Later that year, MW Custom Laser Works emerged, focusing on personalized laser-engraved gifts, further utilizing a larger engraving machine that helped circumvent my physical limitations.
My most recent venture, Vector Vibes SVG Design, a digital file business, is a direct result of this journey. It’s a space where I create and sell my own laser engraving files, allowing me to share my designs without the physical demands of the increasing production levels. This evolution has made me realize the common thread in all my businesses: a passion for helping other small business owners thrive. Whether it’s through providing unique display solutions, custom gifts that help them brand and connect with customers, or now, digital files that empower other creators, I find immense satisfaction in supporting their entrepreneurial dreams. My own challenges have given me a unique perspective and a deep empathy for the hurdles faced by fellow business owners, and it’s this understanding that fuels my drive to create products and services that truly make a difference for them.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
My perfectionism was an asset when making detailed physical products like paintings, resin art, and engraved gifts, ensuring professional quality and building my reputation. However, this same drive now hinders my progress with Vector Vibes SVG Design. I delay due to fear of not knowing everything, realizing true failure is inaction, not mistakes. I need to release the need for upfront perfection, embrace learning on the go, and trust in adaptability and resilience over knowing all the answers.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
My wound was a physical one – in 2021 I fractured my elbow pretty badly and required 5 surgeries because it wouldn’t mend correctly. I still have lasting damage but what I’ve learned is to adapt to my limitations and modify my work such as using a left handed mouse for computer designing, or switching to laser engraving for less demand on my body. I have also healed mentally by learning resilience and turning my pain into purpose, fueled by passion and precision.In 2021, I had a pretty tough break when I fractured my elbow in a bad accident. It ended up needing five surgeries because the initial healing was really complicated. Even after all that, I still deal with some lasting physical damage, which is a constant reminder of that difficult time.
But this whole experience, as hard as it was, actually pushed me to grow and adapt a lot. I’ve learned to really understand my physical limits and come up with clever ways to change how I work and stay productive. For example, to go easy on my arm, I switched to using a left-handed mouse for all my computer design stuff. I also started using laser engraving for intricate designs, which really cuts down on the physical effort compared to traditional handcrafting.
Beyond the physical healing and practical changes, this journey has also made me mentally and emotionally stronger. I’ve accepted the things about my injury that can’t change, and I’ve turned that pain into a strong sense of purpose. Now, I’m more passionate than ever about my craft and totally committed to precision in everything I do. My experiences have given me a deeper appreciation for how we can all adapt, find new paths, and ultimately thrive even when faced with big challenges.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Here at Arch Theory Displays, I get that a lot of folks think the cheapest price is what really sells small businesses. But I actually believe that real value and top-notch quality are way more important. I’ve built my brand around offering products that are not just functional and stylish, but also super durable, and that’s why my prices reflect that premium. This means I’m not just talking about cutting costs; I’m talking about a smart, long-term investment in how your business looks, which is a total game-changer compared to the usual race to the bottom in my industry. By putting the spotlight on awesome design, great materials, and effective visual marketing, Arch Theory Displays is shaking things up in the custom display and engraving world, steering clear of all those low-quality, generic, and just plain transactional approaches out there.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If immortality were real, what would you build?
If I were immortal, I would build a self-sustaining business empire focused on passive income with minimal personal effort, employing a strategy of highly scalable, hands-off products. My key areas would include digital downloads for laser engraving files, which are scalable and require little upkeep after initial setup. I would also utilize print-on-demand (POD), leveraging third-party provider, thereby eliminating upfront costs and inventory management. The ultimate goal is to establish systems where products largely market, sell, and fulfill themselves, allowing me to focus on growth and new ideas—the dream of an immortal entrepreneur, enabling me to work when I feel inspired or take time off for my health or family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://archtheorydisplays.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archtheorydisplays
