Meet Megan Zimny | Kitchen & Bath Designer, Small Business Owner

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

Hi Megan, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I know it sounds cliche but hard work and determination really do pay off. I like to start my day early and get as much accomplished before I open the doors and the phone calls begin. I also think it’s important to be consistent. I am going to be there when I say I am, answer my phone and return those emails. Overall I want to be reliable and dependable and I think that is a really good habit to form.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own the Kitchen & Bath Shoppe which is full service design showroom. We offer creative, original designs and quality products for your home. I also own The Shoppe which is an extension of the Kitchen & Bath Shoppe where we sell home decor pieces, gifts and mercantile items.

We take pride in immersing ourselves in our customer’s projects from the initial appointment throughout completion. Each project is unique and we strive to make this an enjoyable and easy experience that will exceed your expectations of the investment in your home.

I am most proud when I get a new referral from a previous customer. It lets me know that they were truly satisfied with the products and their experience.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned along the way is that it is not always an easy path to success. I think there is a misconception that owning your own business means you can come and go as you please and that you are making tons of money. What owning your own business really means is working lots of long hours and making sacrifices in order to succeed and pay yourself that salary. In the end though it is so rewarding to look back on what you have built.

If I was going to describe myself to the world I would say that I am an avid traveler who moonlights in kitchen & bath design…In all seriousness I collect much of my design inspiration from the places we go and things we see on our vacations. Traveling allows me to take in fresh designs and not get stuck in the same design box.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Beardstown, IL is a very small rural community along the Illinois River. If I was planning an itinerary for the day I would start out by getting fresh donuts at La Familia bakery on the square and then visiting the Old Lincoln Courtroom & Museum. The museum is dedicated to the history of our town on the Illinois River and this is the courtroom where Abraham Lincoln defended Duff Armstrong in the famous Almanac Trial. It is also the only courtroom where Lincoln practiced that is still being used today.

Just a short two block walk up on State Street will take you to the Beardstown River Look. From here you can spot eagles, watch trains crossing, take in views of the Illinois River and experience a beautiful sunset with the bridges in the foreground.

After you have taken in the nice river views you can walk back to the downtown and shop your way around the square all while listening to the music through out park sound system. Visit Revibed vintage shop, The 220 boutique, Rosebud and Co. flower shop, Amy’s Salon, Antique Treasures and our store The Shoppe.

For lunch you could enjoy one of our many Mexican food restaurants or try a local burger joint. We enjoy grabbing lunch and taking it to Art Zeeck park to eat. If you come in the month of June there is a Brown Bag Lunch in the park on Wednesdays with live music from 12-1.

For the afternoon you can grab your golf clubs or tennis racket and head to the park district to use the driving range and tennis courts. There is also a nice walking path and pond for fishing.

Grab a pizza for dinner and then relax and have a drink or two at the Nook.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is really hard to pick just one person, but my family would have to be at the top of the list. They have always encouraged me in everything that I have done and are always my biggest cheerleaders. My husband is also very supportive and a great teammate. In addition, I have had a few mentors along the way in the form of previous employers. I learned so much from each of them on how to run a business and refine my design skills. It takes a combination of all of the people in your life to have true success.

Website: www.kitchenandbathshoppe.com

Instagram: @theshoppebeardstown

Facebook: The Shoppe Beardstown

Image Credits
Molly Krohe (Kitchen and bath images)