“I’m not creative” you might say.
“Yes you are,” Mary (MEW’s founder) would reply. Humans are creative by nature and all endeavors of human life are made better by a creative spirit which seeks improvement. Art and artisan crafts do not own creativity. It is something we can all participate in if we choose.
Meet Mary & Alexander
Mary's a 30 something year old self-taught watercolor artist, founder of MEW + Co. and mother of three. Alexander is Mary’s husband and partner in crime with the most difficult job. He is tasked with reminding her that if she’s going to paint, screen print, research product, merchandise, make paper flowers, write letters, design paper products and run a store, then she’ll need to wait to learn cabinet making and pottery.
Where it all started
As a child, I was always creating and knew from a young age art and "making" was my calling. When I was 16, I participated in local craft fairs selling my handmade goods and by 2011, I began consigning my cards to small boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It was at this time that MEW + Co was born.
Medicine Park, OK
It evolved into a tiny store in charming Medicine Park, Oklahoma. We sold local artist's work alongside my own. It was about 400 square feet with string lights on the ceiling and particle board walls I had painted white. This little cabin will always hold a special place in my heart.
West Virginia
I participated in more craft fairs as our family transitioned from Oklahoma to New Mexico. This particular fair was in Shepherdstown, WV with my sister, Betty Jane. (pictured)
Getting to know the community
Attending more craft markets and making connections at our new home!
Downtown Las Cruces
I opened our New Mexico store alongside my childhood friend, Brittany. These first years were full of long hours, lots of laughs and maybe a few tears. We made everything we sold in the store in our open studio where guests could watch it all come together.
Wanting to improve and expand our offerings, I decided to bring other artists and artisans into the mix. It has been deeply fulfilling to be able to bring beauty from all over the world to our community while at the same time digging deeper into my own artistic pursuits.
Where we are now
MEW + Company now has a small team of creative people who love wrapping presents, sharing what other artists and artisans produce and encouraging customers to live creatively.
"Most of us feel uncomfortable thinking of ourselves as artists, but we are. Creativity is born of risk and refined from failure. With every choice, every day, you are creating a unique work of art. The reason you were born was to leave your own indelible mark on your personal world. This is your authenticity. Your beautiful life is your art" - Sarah Ban Breathnach in her book, Simple Abundance. (One of Mary's favorite books)
PS: MEW comes from my initials, Mary Ellen Wunderlich
Big + Small Together
We intentionally mix local artists with larger global brands to bring you the very best offering we can tailored to our Southwest area. If you are interested in having your products featured at MEW + Co. please email Mary with a few photo samples of what you do! mary@mewandcompany.com
Carefully Curated
Mary researches every brand we carry to meet her standards. This includes reading reports on the company and their products and using many products first hand to ensure quality. We look into their manufacturing practices, stated company values and for any red flags. (If the price is too good to be true, it probably is)
