To Put Soul in Your Work

“What does ‘Meraki’ mean?”

This is one of the most common questions I get asked by customers that I interact with at fairs, shows, and festivals. ‘Meraki’ is a Greek word that means “To do something with soul, creativity, or love; to put something of yourself in your work.” This meaning perfectly captures the reason I started this business. I live to create. I love to make beauty. Macramé gives me an outlet for my soul to express itself. I put a little bit of my soul into each piece that I create, no matter the size. From the smallest keychain, to the largest tapestry I make, you will find a bit of my soul in each. I hope to create items for you that will help make your life a beautiful one. I wish to add beauty to this world one plant hanger, tapestry, wall hanging, and keychain at a time.

I currently reside in East Tennessee, nestled snuggly in the mountains. I have a wonderful husband, Dan, who is my biggest supporter and helps bring my visions to life. I have a sweet daughter, Annie, who joins me in my macramé adventures, whether it’s watching me create new pieces, hanging out with me at markets, or accompanying me in my restock runs. My two cats, Beatrix and Mocha, keep me entertained as I spend time in the Creative Space. I have a wide variety of plants to care for, but thankfully, my craft makes it easy to find them homes throughout my house! When I am not macramaking in the Creative Space, you can find me hiking with my family, sipping coffee at local coffee shops, or playing my piano!

I created Meraki Macramé in March of 2021. It started out as a hobby for myself, which then branched into a small Instagram page. Before too long, I was selling at a few local shops and participating in local craft fairs. I got to meet so many new people along the way, gather fresh inspiration, and make new connections. The way people came along side me and encouraged me to take the next step always motivated me to keep growing. I’ve had to learn a great deal of lessons along the way. How to accept the no’s along with the yes’s. How to see less than ideal circumstances as learning experiences and not failures. How to celebrate the successes no matter how small. I am always learning how to do my work better, but I also make sure that I never lose sight of the reason behind my business. It is not just about making money; it’s about making beauty.

I hope you enjoy yourself as you peruse my shop. Thank you ever so much for being here.

Love—

Abigail Francis, Owner and Creator of Meraki Macramé.