Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Diehl.
Hi Meghan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My business partner, Maura, and I met while training for a corporate job in Atlanta in 2015. We were sent to a hotel conference room with a group of strangers, and all left for our respective cities to begin our new positions. We decided to exchange numbers to keep in touch and to use each other as a support group. Thus, our group chat started, “The Peaches!” Fast forward to 2020, when all of our lives were turned upside down in one way or another, and Maura and I decided to launch a subscription box company together. We knew we shared a passion for supporting other women in business, particularly small businesses like those often found in local boutiques, farmer’s markets, or Etsy. We wanted to feature a variety of these types of creatives by curating seasonal boxes and connecting with our subscribers and the makers at the same time so they could learn and grow. We decided to name our business “Millions of Peaches Box” after feeling inspired by our group chat, our Peaches. These women inspire us every day, and we knew “millions” of others out there could resonate with our mission.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is South Carolina known for its smooth roads? (LOL!) It has not been smooth at all. Starting a business is hard, no matter how much support you have. We were lucky to connect with several networking groups specifically for women in business. We found several fabulous ladies in different fields who could provide insight and direction for web design, photography, finances, etc., which helped us leverage our strengths as we launched. Still, it constantly feels like we’re flying by the seat of our pants! 2023 was a difficult time for many businesses, ours included. Many of our initial subscribers decided to cut back on spending, and since our product is considered an “extra,” sadly, we saw a downturn in sales. We have had to reconsider some product options, pricing strategies, marketing, and inventory management as we go into 2024, and we’re on track again. Time will tell!
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve always been a creative at heart. I majored in interior design in college but got burnt out quickly, and it took a while for me to find something that I was truly passionate about. I had undiagnosed ADHD until fairly recently, so it’s taken some self-reflection to understand how my brain works and what I’m capable of doing long-term vs. what is often referred to as an ADHD “dopamine rush.” I spent many years in the service industry and learned so much about the sales process in general and what makes people tick. Working with the public is not for the faint of heart, but different experiences, both positive and stressful, can teach you so much. As an event planner at a high-volume entertainment venue, it was chaotic, and I left every day feeling like I learned something new. That feeling has driven me to want to run my own company. With ADHD, I can’t do the same thing every single day, so I have to constantly teach myself new techniques, whether that’s learning how to update our business website or how to leverage the latest social media trends. I also consider myself an introvert, yet I always find myself in social situations where I can create genuine connections with new people. Moving to Greenville has been an incredible experience in that sense! I’ve met people from all over the country and have forged relationships with talented chefs, artists, musicians, makers, bakers, you name it. Something about this place is super inspiring, and I wouldn’t trade it.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
It sounds cliché (and I hate clichés!), but seriously, start! I know so many people who say they want to start something. They want to dye their hair (mine’s mermaid colors), start a band, pursue a passion, go on a solo vacation, and start a business, but they’re afraid. It’s all daunting, but what have you got to lose? I wish I had started sooner. I wish I had a greater network when I was younger, but I stayed in my comfort zone. Don’t stay in your comfort zone.
Pricing:
- Seasonal Subscription: $59
- Millions of Peaches Mystery Box: $25
- “We Dissent!” Writing Set: $30
- Millions of Peaches Birthday Gift Box: $49
Contact Info:
- Website: www.millionsofpeachesbox.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millionsofpeachesbox/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/millionsofpeachesbox
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/millionsofpeachesbox/
Image Credits
Amanda Ramirez – Nice Life Photography
