Cigars,…Barrettes?
Story time: MERBOH was seeded 40 years ago—though I didn’t realize it at the time. Wait — Let me start off by saying this trip down memory lane is sponsored by my mother. You see she recently found a precious artifact from my childhood: a handmade barrette I created in 5th grade (1980s era). Looking at it now (pictured) feels surreal. Though a little tattered, the core design was a precursor for my present day brand, MERBOH. Peep the characteristics: How the hard metal frame (MER) is paired with soft ribbon that has a hangover allowance (BOH) — You can see the likeness in my choice of materials for Strung, the first art collection I produced decades later (2021).
Bear in mind, this barrette was no ordinary accessory. It was the catalyst for my very first business venture. That’s right—I was a boss lady at age 10! I vividly remember asking a classmate to remove a store-bought barrette from her hair so I could study it. Once I figured out the mechanics (cue the applause), I set out to elevate the design.
Luckily, my mom had a lead on an exclusive supply shop—an under-the-radar gem no one at school knew about. It became my secret weapon. I carefully selected every ribbon, bead, and colorway to create my bespoke collection. The girlies started to take notice and what began as a fun hobby, quickly turned into a booming little business. I sold barrettes to classmates, then to friends of classmates, and eventually to Bloomingdale’s! My production studio? A tan metal box with stickers all over it, complete with a lock to keep my coveted designs secure — Oh yes, security protocols were followed even though my factory was miniature :)
After about two semesters, the demand fizzled. Any guesses why? Let’s just say my competitive advantage was compromised. The location of my top-secret supplier 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. Soon, copycat designs were everywhere and the market was over-saturated, but I look back on this time in my life with fond memories. I mean, let’s be honest, imitation is the highest form of flattery! But more importantly, I built something thoughtful. Something unique. Something revered. At just 10.
PS. In case you’re wondering, the name of the top-secret craft store was called Magic Mushroom…shhhhhhh :)
