I had the pleasure of meeting Morgan at a recent art and craft fair. I was drawn into her booth because of the large and bold macramé tapestries she had on display. Macramé is a unique art form; although it looks easy, it takes tremendous work to create just one piece. Morgan has also expanded her business with hand-lettered print work as well. Below she shares some of her insights about her art and her business.

Can you briefly describe what you do?

My name is Morgan LeBlanc, and I am the owner of Pen & Loom! Pen & Loom is a macramé and hand-lettered print business based out of Southern California. I’ve always had an appreciation for art and specifically the way it can bless others. After many years of doodling and making things for people for fun, I began getting a steady flow of custom requests and decided to officially open Pen & Loom.

The “Pen” part of my shop represents my hand-lettered and watercolor pieces. When it comes to prints, I offer both digital and physical prints ranging from quotes and Bible verses to custom watercolor house portraits and family portraits. The “Loom” refers to my macramé pieces, whether small items like plant hangers and keychains, or the larger weavings I get to create on my loom.

So, where did the idea come from?

I was motivated to start a business when I realized people were willing to pay for my artwork, and with the understanding that I could use this outlet as a way to provide a little extra income for my family. My family and I primarily work overseas in a third-world country, in a little bush house situated on the top of an isolated mountain range, amid a remote people group in the jungle.

There, I devote my time to homeschooling my kids and learning the unwritten language of the people group we are working with. With the stressors that come from that kind of lifestyle, art quickly became a therapeutic outlet where I could de-stress and go into a headspace that felt restful.

Can you describe your typical work day?

I am mostly a one-woman operation, except my husband frequently gets roped into projects and helps with the business side of things. My love comes from the privilege of getting to create pieces for others, while my husband is very knowledgeable in the marketing, numbers, and details of the operation.

I work from home, and my space can range from the floor in my bedroom surrounded by macramé cord, the kitchen table next to my son’s homeschool materials, or a coffee shop if I’m creating a digital piece for someone. I get the most done when my kids are doing their rest time in the afternoons, and that has become a consistent work time for me.

What would you say is your best-selling item?

While my Etsy shop does consistently contain a wide variety of products to choose from, my most popular orders tend to be custom pieces, both macramé and watercolor prints. I receive a steady flow of large-scale custom requests (averaging $100-200), from people wanting a large macraweave wall hanging for a specific space in their home.

These are the orders that I LOVE - when someone has a vision for what they want, and I get the privilege and honor of making that come to life.

What do you believe sets you apart from other artists?

What I love about Pen & Loom is how personal the shopping experience is. I really aim to be intentional with each customer and strive to create all of my pieces with excellence. The competition can be challenging, especially when there’s a Home Goods or craft store around every corner where you can purchase a mass-produced macramé piece or print for a cheaper price. However, you forfeit the one-on-one shopping experience and customization that comes from shopping small.

All of my pieces are carefully and thoughtfully curated with 100% natural materials. When they are displayed in your home or gifted to someone else, they set a space apart from the masses.

How is social media a part of your business?

I’ve come to accept that social media is really THE hub where people can interact with my products. I love the creating aspect of my shop, and getting more acquainted with the social media side has been a growing experience.

Instagram is the main platform I use, and I try to be consistent with posting informative content, high-quality photos, and engaging reels that keep my shop at the forefront of people’s minds as they are scrolling. I would say a large majority of the orders I receive come through DMs on social media.

How do you balance work and personal time?

My family will always come first. I am a wife and a mother first, and a business owner second. I am grateful that my business is not my family’s primary source of income, and therefore I don’t feel the pressure to always hustle and constantly feel pulled in so many directions. If I’m becoming irritable with my family or having stressful dreams about macramé cord, then I know it’s time to pull back a little and refocus my priorities.

I am constantly asking the Lord for wisdom. Each day I wake up and only do that which He has for me, not necessarily my own personal to-do list. I work hard with my business and it truly is such a joy, but I do it with an open hand, knowing that Pen & Loom is not where my identity comes from. I have found that when my priorities are in order and I’m committing all things to God, creating and fulfilling orders becomes so much more enjoyable, and everything that needs to get done ends up getting done.

Do you have any final thoughts for the readers?

I’m so thankful for this creative outlet and the many wonderful people I have gotten the chance to meet as a result of starting my business. I would encourage others who are just starting to keep their love for creating at the forefront of what they do. Figure out what works for you, and resist the urge to compare.

You can reach Morgan and learn more about Pen & Loom via the following links:

• Email: morgan.k.leblanc@gmail.com

• Website: www.etsy.com/shop/penandloom

• Instagram Link: @penandloom