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). By the way—if you’re wondering what MERBOH means, take a quick detour here.
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. People 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—I even set-up alternate distribution channels where authorized dealers (insert my father and grandmother) were promoting my barrettes, leading to sales in new market segments. My biggest retail client was…wait for it…Bloomingdales! Wondering about my manufacturing facility? It was a tan metal box with stickers all over it, complete with a lock to keep my coveted designs secure — Oh yes, security protocols were necessary even though my production facility was mobile and quite 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, 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. Find me pictured below (pardon the vintage condition of the photo)—These were my friends and customers though I wouldn’t be surprised if there weren’t undercover agents in the mix as well :)
PS. In case you’re wondering, the name of the top-secret craft store was called Magic Mushroom…shhhhhhhhhhhhhh
