Meet Meg Delagrange | Designer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meg Delagrange and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meg, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I wasn’t smart enough not to pursue a creative career. [Insert a wink] Some days it feels stupid to paint and design things for a living, for various reasons. But at the end of the day, I know in my heart that even if I had known how challenging this career path would be and how many insecurities it would bring up for me, I know I’d still choose this.

I was born Amish, into a world without color. With a curious soul and an insatiable desire to explore beyond the borders of my world, I was born with a brain that seeks out color. I was born to color the world. So how can I not?

I’ve evolved from taking any job that pays the bills, to learning specific creative skill sets such as UX Design and Marketing and Fashion Retail. I co-founded a leather bag brand and took it from 45 sales to a million sales in 3 years before it was acquired by new owners. It’s still growing successfully as a brand on the foundation that I helped create for it. Now I’m focusing on growing the brand of my own wearable art boutique. It’s really rewarding to do what I love, even when it’s slow or lonely.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the relationships that I’ve been connected to, both good and bad. The best highlights of my success have always been the ones that I can share with someone else or the ones that have happened as a direct result of someone else’s support or encouragement. Relationships have helped to shape me and show me both who I want to be and who I don’t want to be.

The lowest points that I’ve experienced in my career have been the relationships that have either betrayed me or let me down. I haven’t always been a person that I can be proud of as I let my ego get in the way. Those ugly relationship seasons are part of the process. The lessons I’ve gained from them are invaluable. It would be easy for me to stop trusting anyone, but I’ve discovered that I can’t get very far on my own. I have learned to pick the people in my circle more carefully though, and I’m learning to nurture those relationships so they can be healthy.

Having been born Amish, I see the world differently than any other artist I know. There is a raw, down-to-earth style in my creative process that shows up in everything I touch. I have a passion to color the world, to create from a place of hope, curiosity, and wonder. My art invites others out of the shadows and encourages them to express themselves unapologetically.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first place I love to take my friends is a lookout up in the mountains. There’s nothing like the awe and wonder of nature, especially the Rockies. If we have time, we’ll sit and watch the sunset while we sit on a homemade quilt and nibble on some popcorn and jerky. A couple of cans of ice-cold La Croix or beer are the perfect accompaniment to a peaceful mountain lookout spot.

Around Denver, I love the diversity of ethnic restaurants to choose from. Authentic Ethiopian food, Japanese onigiri, and Vietnamese Pho would definitely be on our menu. With happy bellies, we might go shopping at Uniqlo and explore Denver’s iconic Union Station with an impromptu photoshoot in an alley with a big mural and bistro lights. We’d definitely explore Stanley Marketplace and get cold-pressed green juice from the little juice cart.

If my friend were down for it, we’d top off the week by jumping out of an airplane above the Rockies, with Mile-Hi Skydiving.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Christi Miranda, Founder of PreachGirl!

Christi has been one of the biggest cheerleaders in my journey. What began as a mentorship turned into a friendship where we can collaborate and brainstorm brilliance together. She’s an amazing person who empowers women to use their voices!

Website: www.coloringspirit.com

Instagram: @coloringspirit

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megdelagrange/

Image Credits
Nancy Center Photography