Meraki (may-rah-kee): To do something with soul, creativity or love; to put something of yourself in your work.
Developing a Passion
Megan Morris became interested in making jewelry more than 20 years ago, after her daughter was born. She took a few classes and loved the process. Morris’s husband, Mike, was in the military and they moved around a lot. Morris began teaching jewelry making to military spouses for team-building events and discovered she had a knack for it.
In addition to traveling for the military, the Morrises love to travel for pleasure. As a couple, they both enjoy collecting art from the various countries they visit. Morris met with and gathered artists’ information from around the world. She had a dream of one day owning a boutique and knew these contacts would come in handy.
Making Dreams Happen in Colorado
When Mike retired from the military, they decided to settle in Colorado.
“As a native Texan, I loved that Colorado has four distinct seasons,” Megan says. “The area is beautiful and is a great place to raise kids.”
In 2021, Morris finally realized her dream and opened Meraki Springs.
“I always loved the vibe of Old Colorado City, but spaces rarely came available. When one did, I snatched it up right away,” Megan says. “It was during Covid, and it was a bit scary to consider opening a business during that time. I took a leap of faith and here I am today with a storefront and a separate studio space for classes.”
Retail Space
The Meraki Springs retail space offers handmade items and artwork from various artisans around the world, including Colorado. Patrons can find everything from handmade jewelry, paintings and stained glass to home décor and suncatchers—it’s a great spot to find a unique gift.
“We have so many different types of art at all price points,” Megan says. “We believe that art shouldn’t only be accessible by wealth.”
In addition, the boutique offers permanent jewelry, a jewelry bar, and a community art space where patrons are invited to pick up a brush and paint by number.
The permanent jewelry is very popular. Patrons can select a chain and have it fitted and welded. Charms, including custom charms, are also available and can be permanently welded to a custom piece.
“Our chains are all precious metals, not plated,” Morris says. “We offer quality chains from reputable sources. They won’t turn your skin green.”
The jewelry bar provides patrons the opportunity to co-create a custom piece of jewelry. Step one is to choose a stone from a selection of semi-precious gemstones. Step two involves picking an earring mount or necklace chain and length. Step three is where it all comes together, and the experienced jeweler creates your custom necklace or earrings.
Studio Space
At the studio, local artists teach their specialties. All classes are beginner-level and patrons can learn skills in such things as jewelry making, soap making, stained glass, knitting and candle making. Classes are updated monthly on Meraki Spring’s website.
Classes are typically one to two hours long and include all supplies. There are no upcharges or surprise fees.
“You don’t have to be creative to take a class, our instructors are great!” she says.
If you are planning an event, the studio can be rented out for private parties. The space accommodates about 30 people. Clients can bring in their own food and drinks and do crafts. There are also private art classes, with a minimum of five people. Finally, Meraki Springs hosts events and pop-ups all month long.
Website: https://www.merakisprings.com/
Facebook + Instagram: @MerakiSprings
Address + Phone: 2530 West Colorado Ave. | 719-424-7185