Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Park.
Hi Megan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My path into business wasn’t linear, but looking back, every step has shaped how I build and lead today. I earned my degree in Sociology from BYU with the intention of continuing on into social work, but after an internship with DCFS, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. That moment forced me to step back and rethink what I wanted my work, and my life, to look like. There were many unanswered questions, but what I did know is that I’ve always been drawn to the idea of creating and leading something of my own.
Shortly after having my first child, my mom and I decided to venture into the business world, and together we created Lei Aloha. Instead of traditional flower lei, we create “lei that last forever,” rooted in our Hawaiian heritage and built on something deeply meaningful we could create together. What started as a creative outlet has grown into a business we’ve run for nearly a decade. It’s largely seasonal, with an intense graduation rush each year, but that rhythm has allowed us to balance both family and work in a way that’s been really beneficial. Building a small home-based business has required me to take on many roles, such as accounting, marketing, photography, and web development (while my mom is the product designer and lead artisan) and that experience became the foundation for everything that followed.
After having my second child, my husband and I made the decision for him to return to school and pursue a completely new career path. During that time, I stepped into the role of primary provider and worked full-time as Director of Operations for a small business management firm. That experience was incredibly formative, and I fell in love with business development, systems, and building things from the ground up.
When the pandemic hit in 2020 and the company I was working for shut its doors, it marked a pivotal shift in my life. What could have been a setback instead created the space for me to fully step into something I had always dreamed of. I have always had a love of writing, and during that time, I began my journey to becoming an author, diving head-first into the publishing world, of which I knew nothing about. I took a 5-day children’s book course, and five months later, I self-published my first book through my own publishing company. I learned the ins and outs of where and how to hire talented illustrators to bring my story to life. Alongside that, I also launched a digital print shop, Sugar Bean Prints, geared toward children; something that began as a creative outlet and has since grown into a small but steady, passive stream of income.
Now, as a mom of three, I’m managing multiple businesses and actively building new ones. I self-published two more children’s books through my publishing company, and my fourth book, released last November, was traditionally published through an incredible up and coming publishing company in South Carolina. I’ve spent years working in and around small startups, and that experience has given me a deep respect for what it takes to create something from nothing. More importantly, it’s helped me grow into a more confident and decisive business owner. I’ve learned that my journey is unlike the journey of others, and there is space for me in this world. I’ve come to learn that I can build things that matter, enjoy creative freedom, solve real problems, and create a life that aligns with both my ambitions and my values.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all, and I don’t think any meaningful path really is. As uncomfortable as they are, struggles are where you find your greatest strengths. Some of the ongoing challenges I continue to navigate are self-doubt, learning how to effectively market myself, adapting to a constantly evolving culture and economy, managing outside distractions, and staying motivated. One of the biggest challenges for me has been navigating the uncertainty that comes with entrepreneurship, especially while balancing a growing family, and supporting a husband managing a career shift. There have been seasons where I’ve had to step into roles I never expected, and times when I’ve had to make decisions with limited resources and a lot of unknowns. That can be terrifying.
Running multiple businesses while raising children has required a lot of flexibility, sacrifice, and intentional time management. There are moments when priorities overlap, and learning how to give each area of my life the attention it deserves has been an ongoing process. Another challenge has been learning to trust myself as a business owner. As someone who has worked within startups and now runs my own, there’s a shift that happens when you realize you’re the one making the decisions. Gaining the confidence to lead, pivot, and take risks has been something that’s developed over time, and I’m still working on.
I’m also currently stepping into new areas of business that I hadn’t navigated before, particularly with my two latest ventures. Entering unfamiliar territory has required me to learn quickly, trust my instincts, and figure things out as I go. In those moments, self-doubt can creep in, especially when you’re building something from the ground up without a clear roadmap. Gaining the confidence to move forward anyway, to make decisions, take risks, and believe in my vision, has been a process, and one that continues to grow with each step I take.
That said, each challenge has played an important role in shaping who I am as a business owner, an author, and as a person. When I encounter obstacles, I try to focus on the opportunities that come with them and the growth that can follow unexpected bumps. The hard moments have ultimately strengthened my drive, deepened my resilience, and clarified what truly matters to me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a business owner, author, and creator, much of what I do lives at the intersection of creativity, innovation, and purpose. What I’m most proud of is the ability to take an idea and turn it into something tangible. Through Lei Aloha, I’ve spent the past decade co-building a successful, women-owned business rooted in heritage and craftsmanship alongside my mom. Through Sugar Bean Prints, I’ve created a collection of digital designs that celebrate meaningful moments and bring a touch of creativity into everyday life, helping other parents find simple, thoughtful ways to do the same. Through my work as an author, I’ve been able to bring stories to life, creating children’s books that weave relatable tales of kindness, positivity, and inclusion. With each book, I aim to empower young readers with confidence, ambition, and a love of reading.
Right now, I’m developing two very different businesses that I’m incredibly excited about, both rooted in creating meaningful solutions that make a real impact in people’s lives. They’re especially close to my heart and each serves a need I care deeply about. I can’t wait to share more…stay tuned.
I approach business with both creativity and practicality, always rooted in a strong sense of the “why” behind what I’m building. I’m willing to put in the work to bring ideas to life, and I’m continuing to grow in trusting my instincts and being decisive, especially in new spaces. At the core, it’s about creating things that matter and have a positive impact on others.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can find Lei Aloha on Etsy, where the majority of our business is done online and shipped all over the world. At the same time, we’re always excited to connect locally, especially with schools and venues, where we can provide leis for graduation ceremonies and other meaningful events. It’s always a joy to be a small part of the meaningful moments people share with their loved ones, and we would love the opportunity to collaborate with local venues here in Utah.
Sugar Bean Prints can also be found on Etsy, where digital prints are easy to purchase and instantly download for immediate use.
My books are all available on Amazon, and my most recent release can also be found through my publisher’s website, with plans to expand into local bookstores. It is currently available in select locations in South Carolina, where my publisher is based, and I’m excited to continue growing its reach. I’d also love to collaborate with other authors for local events and creative opportunities.
I’m always open to meaningful connections, and the best way to reach me is through one of my websites or social platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LeiAlohaLeisDesigns
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lei.aloha.leis
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leialohallc
- LinkedIn: https://www.etsy.com/shop/sugarbeanprints
- Yelp: https://www.luckyrabbitpublishing.com/
- Soundcloud: https://www.instagram.com/sugar.bean.prints
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/author/meganpark
