Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Armstrong
Hi Megan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Megan Armstrong, and I am the owner and designer behind Ostella Shells. Ever since I was little, I’ve been drawn to the ocean. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, I spent much of my childhood in a swimming pool—my closest connection to water, though it wasn’t quite the same as the ocean. When I was recruited to swim at the University of South Carolina, I knew I was about to experience something special: I’d be just two hours from the coast.
But my college years came with unexpected challenges. In March of my senior year of high school, COVID-19 hit, disrupting not just my family’s life, but also my plans for my swimming career. I finished my high school year at home, learning online, with no access to training. By the time I moved to South Carolina, the pandemic was in full swing, and I was leaving home during a time of uncertainty.
College athletics quickly became my full-time job. Between the intense training, academics, and pandemic restrictions, it felt nearly impossible to find time for the ocean or even to explore it. I was just 115 miles away from the coast, but with little free time, a tight schedule, and a lack of income, I couldn’t connect to the water in the way I had hoped. During those challenging years, painting became my refuge. I began painting ocean-inspired landscapes from photos I had taken during rare visits to the beach. It was a way to bring the ocean to me when I couldn’t get to it.
When I graduated in 2024, I made the bold decision to move to Savannah, Georgia. I was ready for a fresh start in a city known for its vibrant arts scene—and, of course, its proximity to the ocean. There, just 20 minutes from the water, I found the freedom and inspiration I had been craving.
In September 2024, I launched Ostella Shells, a business born from my deep love for the ocean. With no ties in Savannah, I had plenty of time to collect oyster shells along the coast, wash them by hand, and begin painting them. What started as a personal passion soon grew into something much larger as I began sharing my work with others.
Every shell I collect tells its own story, and my goal is to highlight the natural beauty of each one. The ocean and its creatures are the true designers; I am simply the vessel that brings their beauty to light. From selecting each shell to handcrafting the designs, every piece of Ostella Shells is infused with the care and love I have for the water.
Starting Ostella Shells is about more than just creating art—it’s about sharing the ocean’s beauty with others and inviting them to experience the peace and wonder I feel when I’m by the water. Each shell I paint is a little piece of the ocean, designed to bring a bit of its magic into your life!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The transition from college to life afterward is often filled with uncertainty and challenges, and moving to Savannah was no exception. When I arrived, I had no clear idea of what my new life would look like. Starting Ostella Shells in a new city brought its own set of hurdles, but those challenges have made the process of creating and growing my business even more rewarding. Every obstacle has turned into a valuable learning opportunity.
Promoting my business, trying to build connections in a new city, balancing a full-time job, and still finding time to enjoy life in my 20s have taught me the importance of balance. Navigating these experiences has shown me how crucial it is to prioritize both my business and personal life. Every bump along the way has opened up new opportunities I might not have encountered otherwise, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
To recent graduates navigating this next chapter: remember to decompress and prioritize time for the things you love. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of a new job, a new city, and growing responsibilities. But taking time for yourself is key to staying grounded and maintaining the energy and creativity needed to thrive in both your personal and professional life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ostella Shells is centered around creating artwork using oyster shells! This includes jewelry dishes, centerpieces, napkin ring sets, and more. I am the sole designer for my business and each piece is handmade from start to finish. The process can be time consuming, but each step is important for the final product. Every piece is designed by utilizing the particular shell’s characteristics. The shell size, structure, undertone colors, and appearance all play an important role for the final product. My goal is to combine the shell attributes with my own creativity for a final one of a kind piece.
From the start of Ostella Shells to now, I am most proud of the work and care that goes into each piece I make. I love the process! From collecting the oysters, to painting each piece, I take pride in making art that highlights the beauty found within each shell.
Living in a popular tourist town, coastal decor is sold everywhere. Most oyster shells are stripped to white and sold bulk, losing the creativity and unique characteristics they encapsulate. Ostella Shells is founded on creating art that not only highlights the beauty found within the ocean, but also local shells found here. There is no better way to represent the joy of living in a beautiful place than making art that encapsulates it. I am more than happy to endure a harder process knowing that it truly represents my home.
How do you think about luck?
Personally, I believe that luck—whether good or bad—ultimately comes down to perspective. This mindset applies not only to my business but to life as a whole. Starting a new business on my own means encountering challenges, and yes, some bad luck is inevitable. There will be moments when my pieces don’t sell, when I miss out on vendor events, or when marketing investments don’t pay off as expected. Instead of letting these setbacks define me, I try to take them as opportunities to learn, adapt, and ultimately alter the course of the outcome.
Bad luck has played a significant role in shaping who I am, both as a person and as a business owner. I believe that in order to experience good luck or positive outcomes, you have to first face challenges. Life isn’t always within our control, and sometimes the outcome is simply not what we hoped for. But in those moments, perspective is everything.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change any of the “bad luck” I’ve encountered. Each setback has been a lesson that’s helped me grow stronger and more resilient. And while I can’t control everything, I do feel incredibly lucky when I find that one perfect shell for a new dish. In the end, it’s the combination of both good and bad luck that helps shape the journey.
Pricing:
- Napkin Rings – Set of 4 $40
- Small Oyster Dish : $25+
- Large Oster Dish : $30-45+
- Magnets: $30
- Personalized Name Plates: $10 (each)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ostellashells.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ostellashells
