We talked to NYC-based illustrator Meredith Wing to hear about her wildly successful MooMooi brand of three-dimensional artworks that celebrate women and everyday materials. Her #SomeFlowerGirls illustrations—combining fresh flowers, produce, and other found-objects—have gained a loyal Instagram following since she launched in 2014, and she has since acted as artist-in-residence at Soho House for Coachella, created Herbal Essences TV commercials and advertisements, designed limited-edition packaging for Burt's Bee's, graced the walls of Tokyo public plazas, assembled bespoke portraits for Tory Burch, adorned the interior of NYC boutiques, and landed pieces in Vogue, Town & Country, Elle, and more. Here, she shares her personal journey, what being bold means to her, and of course, how Birdies help her feel bold, bright, and confident.
What is your definition of bold and how do you incorporate this into your day-to-day?
My definition of "bold" is following through with your moral compass and preferences even when they are the less popular choice. In a world of social media where outside approval is instant, it takes courage to really be yourself. In my day-to-day life, I try to speak up for myself and my worth.
What’s a bold move you’ve made in your life?
After devoting three years of my life to earning a Masters in Architecture degree from Columbia, I decided to follow my bliss instead by launching @moomooi and try to make an income creating original 3-D artwork (now known as #SomeFlowerGirls) for brands. Soho House asked me to go to Coachella with them in Spring 2015, I got some great press in Town & Country, I had a Pinterest image go viral...and from then on, I said to myself, "As long as I can make a little money and meet cool people, I am going to see where this takes me.” And that was 4 years ago!
What’s one way you plan to make a bold move this year?
Being an attentive and caring mama while also being a small business owner is my bold move of the moment. I gave birth a few months ago and have already started working again! It’s hard to be away from my daughter, but it’s also important for me to grow my business and have an identity as a founder and creative.
What advice would you give future generations of women to live boldly and with purpose?
My advice to future generations of women who want to live boldly is to set specific goals, write them down, and pursue them with conviction. Wishy-washy desires without actionable steps will get you nowhere.
How do Birdies make you feel bright, bold, and confident?
Birdies make me feel bright, bold, and confident because NYC is a city for hustlers, and you can't hustle if you can't pound the pavement! I know I can go to coffee dates, meetings, and my studio in comfort and in style—and that combo of qualities in a shoe is priceless.
Meredith is part of our new “Bright. Bold. Birdies.” campaign, featuring and celebrating women who embody what it means to be bold inside and out. In this series, they share their stories of success and how Birdies help them soar.
