We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Schoellkopf and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I grew up in a home where my mother’s mantra was to “scatter joy wherever you go.” I embrace this fully, and love finding a reason to celebrate, scatter joy, and create merriment. A big-picture goal I have for Merriment is for the company would be a blessing to every person it touches. Whether it is a vendor, employee, photographer, journalist, graphic designer, wholesaler, artisan, craftsman, website viewer, or customer — I want each person to feel blessed by this small business.
My goal for the recent launch of my new Knobware line was to make enough money to buy a BBQ lunch for the artisans who helped me create my “first run” of products. (I did!) While this is not solving world hunger, I believe something as simple as a BBQ lunch is a blessing on a micro-level that may have a ripple effect.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I actually did not set out to become an artist. But when I came across these colorful knobs a few years ago, I fell in love on the spot! Immediately, I saw them as “art” and couldn’t wait to create something using these bright and beautiful pops of color. Four years and countless foam-core prototypes later, Merriment Knobware was born. The colorful knobs are now the pinnacle feature of my Knobware collection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Love this question! A drive through SMU’s beautiful campus. My entire family went there — we love it! And for sure the tailgate on the Boulevard if it’s a home game weekend.

Javiers for dinner

Cafe Pacific for a pecan ball

Lots of time on the screen porch of our home drinking Topo Chico under the twinkly lights

CAVEAT: If it’s State Fair of Texas season, forget all of the above — we’d be with Big Tex all weekend!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband and children have been my biggest cheerleaders!

I was close with my grandmothers, both of whom had long professional careers. My maternal grandmother, Dr. Ruth Allen, was a teenage girls doctor for nearly 50 years. She was a pioneer professionally and lived a purposeful life surrounded by family and friends. My husband and I have embraced one of her favorite rules for living: “Go out often, and come home early!”

My paternal grandmother, Adele Monning, owned and ran a drug store in Wills Point, Texas until she was in her late 80s. She was also an entertainer extraordinaire and hosted our entire family for a fried chicken lunch at her home every other Sunday. I believe the idea and spirit of Merriment may have had its early beginnings at one of her Sunday lunch gatherings!

Website: www.createmerriment.com

Instagram: @createmerriment

Linkedin: Sarah Schoellkopf

Image Credits
Hannah Vista Photo

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