We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mary Zeigler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mary, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
The foundation of my work ethic isn’t found in a textbook or a boardroom; it’s rooted in the life and constant motion of my grandfather. His story is a powerful testament to the value of lifelong learning, unwavering commitment, and the belief that you can reinvent yourself at any age.
My grandfather’s professional journey began shortly after high school when he enlisted in the Army as a paratrooper, a role demanding discipline, precision, and courage. Following his service, he pivoted to a trade that required a different kind of meticulous skill: he attended Drexel University to become a tool and die maker. This profession—one that involves crafting the specialized tools and machinery used to manufacture complex parts—was one he dedicated his life to, holding it until he retired.
Life took an unexpected turn when I was five. Following the passing of my grandmother, my grandfather felt the pull of change. He decided he no longer wanted to live in the small town he’d known his whole life. In a moment that defined his spirit of adventure, he asked six-year-old me a simple, profound question: “Do you want to get some sheep?” Of course, I said yes. This wasn’t a casual hobby. He purchased 13 acres on top of a hill and immediately set to work. Demonstrating a formidable capacity for reinvention, he became a self-contractor, personally overseeing and building his new home. He then continued this demanding work, building a sturdy, matching brick barn for our future flock.
Once the barn was complete, our journey into farming began. We started raising sheep and goats, eventually growing our operation to its peak of 50-55 head in the barn. My grandfather’s approach to this new challenge was typical of his character: he believed in being educated in what you were doing. We regularly attended classes together at the local agricultural extension office to master the necessary skills, from animal husbandry to farm management. He never took shortcuts on knowledge.
When I turned eight, I joined 4-H. This organization provided the structure and mentorship that helped to further shape my character. While my grandfather was always a strong presence—attending every single livestock show—he instilled the principle of personal responsibility early on. Though he helped when I was younger, I was the one who had to get my animals ready and train them. The success, and the failure, were ultimately mine.
My grandfather was a constant force on the farm, actively working every day: mowing fields, moving hay, cleaning pens. He continued this demanding physical labor until he was 90 years old. He passed down several invaluable lessons that guide me to this day: Never give up on your dreams, no matter how much they change; keep learning so you can do the best at the job you are doing; effort matters more than immediate success—he taught me that if I finished last in the show ring, it was simply an opportunity to work on improving for the next time; and as long as you love what you do, you can do it well into your later years. My grandfather taught me that a work ethic isn’t about working hard once; it’s about the daily commitment to motion, education, and improvement. Whether he was parachuting, machining metal, or feeding the flock, he proved that dedication and a love for the task are the keys to a long, productive, and fulfilled life.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
By day, I serve as a healthcare leader specializing in the digital health space for a large health system. By night and on weekends, I transition into a strategic marketing expert dedicated to empowering small-to-midsize business owners to achieve significant brand visibility and client growth through cost-effective, relationship-focused branded merchandise campaigns. I specialize in developing a tailored strategy on how best to use promotional products to effectively reach current and potential customers. It is so much more than simply putting your company name on a pen; it is about the ability to anchor your brand firmly in the recipient’s mind. I take that strategy and bring it into 3D reality by producing the chosen branded promotional product, utilizing techniques such as laser engraving, sublimation, or print. To ensure a cohesive brand presentation, I also offer design packages for merchandise, and starting in January 2026, I will be offering a new one-hour strategy session to help businesses kick off their campaigns with a clear, impactful plan.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The most impactful skill in my journey was simply believing in myself. My professional background and education are rooted in healthcare, not marketing or sales. When I first started my business, I struggled profoundly with imposter syndrome, especially when networking with other business owners; I often felt I didn’t belong. It has taken me three years to be able to walk into a room of peers and feel a genuine sense of belonging and confidence in what I contribute. The second crucial skill has been not being afraid to fail. I maintain a very high standard for the products I produce—I will test various raw materials and, if the result doesn’t meet my expectations, I either find a superior alternative or take it as a sign that it is not the right time to offer that particular item. The third and perhaps most transformative element is the knowledge of manifestation. This was something I neither understood nor fully believed in a year ago. In the past year, I hired a manifestation coach who has taught me how to effectively manifest what I want and how to step into a better version of myself. As business owners, we often put limiting beliefs into our heads and cling to them tightly—but thoughts are not facts! My coach shared one early piece of wisdom that remains foundational: “In business, there are no limits, except the limits we put on ourselves.” My advice to any new business owner is to thoroughly do your research, try new things, and if they don’t work out, understand that it’s just not meant to be at this time—that doesn’t mean you don’t revisit it later or go back to the drawing board. And finally, believe in yourself, manifest what you want your life and business to look like, and don’t settle for anything less.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Finding your tribe is essential, and it is perfectly acceptable—and often necessary—to have a “business life” tribe separate from your “non-business life” tribe. My friends who do not own businesses simply cannot relate to the unique trials and triumphs I experience; it is not their fault, but it is not their world. About a year ago, two amazing women entered my life when I didn’t truly realize how much I needed them. These two women are now among my best friends; they are both business owners and understand the journey intimately. They are the first two people I call or message when I have a business win, need to vent, require a cry session, or want to talk through a new idea. They celebrate my victories, offer a shoulder to cry on, and, crucially, kick my ass when I need motivation. They are my core tribe. Other vital members of my community are the sisters from Polka Dot Powerhouse (for any woman seeking an amazing, unparalleled networking group, I highly recommend checking them out). At our monthly meetings, they celebrate your wins, actively refer you to others needing your services, and are always ready for a supportive coffee date. Surround yourself with people who will be there no matter what, because owning a business is certainly not for the weak of heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.auntmyrtlesdesigns.com
- Instagram: aunt_myrtles_designs_llc
- Facebook: Aunt Myrtle’s Designs LLC
Image Credits
Brianna Lyn Photography
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