Published on October 30, 2017 | Last Updated on October 30, 2017

I’m so excited to have my dear friend and amazingly talented artist, Megan on the blog today! I’m constantly inspired by Megan’s mission to make the world a better place. It’s nearly impossible to have a conversation with her and not walk away feeling like you’re ready to set out and make a difference. We met a few years ago during a retreat in Charleston but it wasn’t until a year ago that we got to know each other really well. We joke about being sisters – we’re both 5’10”, blonde and goofy and the few times we’ve been together in person, our awkwardness feeds off one another like we’re related. Basically I wish she lived closer but our monthly video chats during our business mastermind sessions will have to do! In fact her and Brittany, the other member of our mastermind gave me the idea to start this kindness campaign! I’m so grateful to have them both to bounce ideas off of, they’re the best!! 

Needless to say, I’m a huge @artbymegan fan and love her world changer attitude. Read on to see how she uses her business to spread kindness and make a difference everyday!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS? 

One of my favorite things to do is to surprise people!  

I love bringing in gifts for my daughter’s teachers or giving something to someone on a “normal” day of the week when they least expect it.  I think that by showing people you appreciate them on random days, it really says a lot!

FAVORITE PICK ME UP WHEN YOU’RE IN A RUT?

I love going on a long walk, taking myself on field trips in NYC, and reading a good book or visiting a new bookstore! 

FAVORITE GUILTY PLEASURE?

Chocolate?  I mean, seriously.  I eat dark chocolate every single day.  #noregrets

And coffee.  But that’s just medically necessary.

TELL US ABOUT A KIND ACT SOMEONE DID FOR YOU RECENTLY? BIG OR SMALL!

I have a super sweet mama friend from Ireland and we have recently become one another’s family in NYC since neither of us has any family here.  Over the summer, I had a terrible migraine and needed help in a split second and she took my kid for the entire day, no questions asked.  She fed her meals, they played all day long and even took her kids and mine on an adventure.  I got to spend the day getting better, decompressing and relaxing.  She has no idea, but that was literally one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me.  

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU USE YOUR BUSINESS TO SPREAD KINDNESS?

I am a total sucker for philanthropy and charitable collaborations.  I love working with companies that give back a portion of their revenue to help those in need.  I make notebooks with Shop Denik, who gives a portion of their sales to Pencils of Promise.  I LOVEEEEEE the work that Pencils of Promise does and my daughter has raised nearly $700 from online donations and lemonade sales.  I think as parents and business owners, it is our job to teach little ones that giving back can be fun and so meaningful! 

WHO INSPIRES YOU MOST AND WHY?

I am really inspired by anyone who works hard but doesn’t ever lose sight of their mission.  I love hearing about women in business who are kind, give back, and share their ideas with others.  I love seeing people who face adversity in their lives succeed.  I used to be a high school teacher in inner-city Baltimore, Maryland and I was continuously (and still am!) inspired by my students who had to fight so, so hard.  But, so many of them are doing amazing things in the world and giving back, so my answer is — The students of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School.  

#WORDSTOLIVEBY:

“Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” -Plato

MORE ABOUT MEGAN:

Megan Elizabeth of Art by Megan is an abstract painter and illustrator living and working in Brooklyn, NY.  Megan loves painting sunsets, nature and other fleeting moments in an abstract, bright and elegant style.  Megan’s work has been featured on Minted, West Elm, and Design Love Fest. Her work is available online and at galleries in Georgetown, DC and Manasquan, NJ. 

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH MEGAN:

Follow along on Instagram @artbymegan | Twitter @art_by_megan |

photos of me and my studio by @amyfrancesphoto, my studio mate in Brooklyn!