On the Map! Starting Mē-ō-Myă a Small Craft Business Selling Historic Map Keepsakes
Mē-ō-Myă is a thriving small craft business located in Saint Augustine, Florida.
Owner and creator, Katie Petrinec, is originally from Buffalo, New York where she grew up with evenings spent shadowing her father in his wood workshop. This introduction to art and fine craftsmanship gave way to hours in an art studio mastering a myriad of mediums from weaving to fused glass art.
But it was Katie’s childhood dream of finding the lost city of Atlantis and her fascination with old maps, that inspired the Historic Map products featured at Mē-ō-Myă. A degree in Marine Science and a career focused on the water brought Katie to Florida 20 years ago, the perfect place to marry her passions of fused glass art and historic nautical maps.
In 2011, Katie set-up her Etsy store with the hopes of sharing her love and passion of old maps with others. Although, her Etsy store hasn't quite taken off yet, locally, Katie's business has expanded and is currently displayed and sold at a number of venues catering to hundreds of locals and tourists alike.
She loves sharing her love and passion of old maps with others. Katie can often be found at local Farmers Markets and craft shows sharing the history of the old maps. When asked what she loves most about making her map jewelry, Katie replied, "I find it simply amazing how geographically accurate the majority of the old maps are. I love making the old new again. People develop this new appreciation of where they come from. To me that makes everything worth it!"
Katie recently started expanding Mē-ō-Myă and began offering products to other historic areas commemorating their historical significance. "I love seeing people take pride in where they come from. It simply warms my heart to see someone walking through town wearing one of my bracelets or necklaces."
Katie recently set-up Facebook and Instagram accounts for Mē-ō-Myă. "I'm a little behind when it comes to social media...but I'm trying! You can now find us on Facebook and Instagram. Please take the time to review our products, like them and share them with others. I promise you won't be disappointed!"
