Meet Megan Armstrong

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Megan Armstrong a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Megan, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

Being part of the art and design industry, maintaining a sense of individual creativity can be challenging. With the constant evolution of trends and the fast-paced influence of social media, staying true to your own vision requires real dedication. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that growth—both personally and professionally—starts with believing in the worth of your own creativity.
Since launching Ostella Shells, my greatest creative inspiration has come from exploring new places, connecting with different people, and stepping outside of my comfort zone to try new ideas. Art is inherently subjective, and for me, keeping my creativity alive means thinking beyond trends and consistently striving to offer something unique within the industry.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m the owner and designer behind Ostella Shells, a creative venture I launched in August 2024 after relocating to Savannah, Georgia for my full-time role as a field scientist. When I first arrived, I had no idea where this path would lead. My evenings were spent unwinding by collecting shells, painting, and crafting jewelry dishes—what began as a personal outlet quickly grew into something more.
With encouragement from family and friends, I opened an Etsy shop to share a few of my pieces. To my surprise, they resonated with people—and I’ll never forget the excitement of selling my first dish. Since then, Ostella Shells has grown to include in-person sales at vendor markets, partnerships with small coastal shops, and even listings on Amazon.
What excites me most is the process itself: from foraging for shells to bringing each piece to life with thoughtful design. It constantly pushes me creatively and allows me to stay connected to nature and my community. Vendor events have become a particularly meaningful part of the journey, offering the chance to meet others and share stories.
My goal with every piece is to celebrate the natural beauty and individuality of each shell. Along the coast, oyster dishes are common—but hearing that my work stands out as something different is one of the greatest compliments I can receive.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Dedication, self-confidence, and open-mindedness have undoubtedly been the most influential qualities throughout my journey. When I first launched Ostella, I had the luxury of evenings and weekends to focus on my art. As a field scientist, however, my schedule is far from the standard 9-to-5—early mornings and late nights are often the norm. Balancing this demanding career with my creative work has tested my dedication and drive in ways I never expected. Whether you’re running a business full-time or pursuing it as a side passion, commitment and flexibility are essential. And while that’s easier said than done, remembering why you started is key to staying motivated.
Self-confidence has also played a critical role in both my personal growth and the development of Ostella. Like many creatives, I’ve faced doubt, criticism, and moments where my work was undermined. It’s not always easy to ignore negative opinions, but I’ve learned that one critical voice doesn’t erase all the positive ones. You can’t let someone else’s judgment define your path—instead, let it fuel your growth and refinement.
Staying open-minded has been the most challenging, yet transformative, lesson of all. There are weeks when sales are slow, time is limited, or the response to a product I’m proud of falls short of expectations. But being open-minded has allowed me to turn disappointment into opportunity—questioning my approach, rethinking my designs, and learning from the experience. Growth requires adaptation, and that starts with the willingness to see setbacks as stepping stones.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, the best strategy that has worked for me is taking “space” from the stressor. That might be going for a walk outside, taking a drive, or even sitting in a different room in the house. Giving yourself physical space from the stressor can create a mental pause that helps calm your mind and reset your perspective. And when stepping away isn’t possible, focusing on finding the root cause can help you pinpoint the stressor, making it feel more manageable rather than just a vague sense of overwhelm. No matter the cause, stressor, issue that is causing the feeling of being overwhelmed, taking a step away can really help in relaxing that feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ostellashells.etsy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ostellashells
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552117455134