Q&A with Megan Njoroge of The Rooted Pine
Collider is passionate about sharing the stories of entrepreneurs and small business owners in Rochester! Check out this Q&A with Megan Njoroge, who shares her passion for photography and art through her business, The Rooted Pine.
Photo contributed by Megan Njoroge.
What brought you to Rochester and what keeps you here?
A past relationship brought me here. I chose to stay here for my son, so he could maintain relationships with the people he loves.
Rochester definitely isn’t my favorite place, unfortunately, it’s never really felt like ‘home’ to me. The relationships we’ve built, small business connections and being involved in the artist community has made it much easier, though.
What initially sparked your passion for photography and later impacted your decision to pivot to creating art?
I’ve often been known to notice things that others often overlook.
Photography became a catalyst for me to share my vision of life with the world. As I’ve adopted additional art forms into my practice, such as watercolor and line illustration, I’ve identified that the core of my passion is rooted in the art of slow living.
There’s beauty to be found in the mundane, we just have to stay long enough to notice.
Photo contributed by Megan Njoroge.
What were some challenges or barriers you faced while getting started with your photography business and later with The Rooted Pine?
Limited support system and financial strain.
What do you create through The Rooted Pine and where can people find your work?
I enjoy working with a number of mediums, including watercolor art and line illustration. As my business has unfolded, I’ve uncovered a passion for stationary, especially greeting cards, and want to encourage others to ‘send more mail’. I believe art is a means of connection and it’s always a good time to let someone know you’re thinking of them and they matter to you — sending a handwritten card is a great way to do that.
People can find my work online at therootedpine.com and on instagram @rootedpinecreative.
My work can also be found at Threshold Arts located in downtown Rochester.
I additionally hope to open a studio space this spring, so stay tuned for more details!
Photo contributed by Megan Njoroge.
Did the pandemic affect your business in any way?
Absolutely.
Photographers were unable to work with clients for a significant time and as a single mom with a limited support system, I wasn’t sure I’d make ends meet. The waiting list for child care was long, and I couldn’t afford care out of pocket. I also didn’t have a consistent means of support to care for my son if I’d worked outside the home, so applying for jobs elsewhere wasn’t feasible at the time.
I’ll be forever grateful for those who stepped up to show us love and support during that time.
It was during the stay at home order in 2020 I decided to pivot and explore the world of watercolor.
Photo contributed by Megan Njoroge.
Have you ever felt that being a female and/or mother entrepreneur made it more difficult to start your own business? How so?
Absolutely. Being a mom is such a gift, and it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Motherhood adds a lot of complexity to life, especially as an entrepreneur.
It’s difficult to find the work/life balance. Your kids need you, and your clients are waiting on you. Especially if you’re someone who cares about giving the very best to your clients, it can be really difficult to be fully present for your kids while also meeting deadlines. It requires a ton of grace and honestly, willingness to upset people.
In this day of accessibility, it’s common for people to want something and want it ‘now’. In my experience, I tried to appease the demand and I missed out on being present for some of the most precious years of my son’s life. They’re gone now and I can’t get them back. Be willing to upset people, if they value you and your work, they will be willing to wait. Kids come first.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
Connection. With all art forms I practice, the most rewarding part for me is creating a safe space for people to feel seen, known and understood.
Photo contributed by Megan Njoroge.
What is a piece of advice you would give to someone considering starting a business?
As a professional over-thinker, I would suggest creating a vision board. Clarity paves the way for effective action and purpose. The business world can be messy and ‘image’ can make it easy to lose sight of yourself. The more clarity you have for why you started, the more likely you are to stay true to yourself amidst the mess.
Do you have any specific advice for someone interested in starting a side hustle or art based business?
It depends… to those content with a side hustle, protect the fun aspects of it as much as possible. Outsource all of the boring stuff if you can, especially if your main gig can support that.
For those dreaming of fully investing in an art-based business, stay true to yourself and get clear about why you started and what matters most to you.
Money tends to complicate most things and if you’re like me, the pressure of a dollar may leave you feeling pressured to ‘get it right’ instead of doing what you love. Remember, not everyone is going to value what you have to offer.
You are a gift and your vision is invaluable. It is okay to protect your peace and the joy of what brought you to art in the first place. Money is one of the most common things in the world, time is fleeting. It’s okay to protect it unapologetically.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I love good food, drinking coffee, snuggling up with a good book, cuddling my cats, plants, thrifting, hiking and kayaking.
Thanks so much for reading about Megan and her business! For more information on The Rooted Pine, click the link below!
