OUR STORY
A small idea that got slightly out of hand (in a good way). Here’s how it started.
THE ARTISTS BEHIND MEJ MEJ
Cathy Heck and Julianna Larsen are the mother-daughter artist-duo behind everything you see at Mej Mej. Julianna grew up in her mother's studio watching Cathy work as an illustrator for over 30 years. From analog to digital, from hand-painted to press-ready, from local shops to large chains, Cathy has done it all. A decade ago, along with Cathy's husband, Jim, they decided to created Mej Mej, an online shop, where new parents and grandparents could shop directly from the artists to create beautiful spaces and find unique gifts for children. Julianna and Cathy draw inspiration from everything around them, from nature, to travel, to bedtime stories with the kids. Their collaborations span various mediums, including watercolor painting, block printing, digital art, and mixed media. They sometimes even finish each other's art! Julianna's husband, Anton, has recently joined the team and the four of them love making and sharing the joy of exceptional designs and high-quality products with families around the world.
MEET THE WHOLE CREW
Cathy
Cathy began her career as an art director in New York City followed by 40 years as a freelance illustrator. Her artwork has been licensed for thousands of products for babies and children of all ages. In fact, over 2 million babies' memories have been recorded in a Cathy Heck baby book. You might even have one in your own keepsake box. :-) Today, Cathy, with her daughter, Julianna, and their husbands, Jim and Anton, work together to design, manufacture and ship Mej Mej wall decor and unique gifts to children and families around the world.
JULIANNA
Julianna is a lead illustrator and designer at Mej Mej, and the "daughter" half of the mother-daughter artist duo behind all of our artwork. Her creative journey began in her mother's art studio where she learned to use pencil and paint long before she could spell "art." After earning degrees in fine art and design, she now creates in her own studio—with two little boys watching her work, just like she once watched her mom. From watercolor to digital art, Julianna brings imagination to life in every piece. Together with her parents, Cathy and Jim, and her husband, Anton, she helps design, manufacture, and ship unique children’s gifts to families around the world.
Jim
But really his name should be Jack, because boy howdy he knows a lot of trades. Jim has done it all. From banking to teaching and everything in between. He is the head of printing and customer service and is the main reason Mej Mej has over 7,000 5-star reviews. Always tech savvy, he has been honing his skills the last decade and has recently been named head of IT. He makes it possible for Julianna and Cathy to work on the same digital files in real time from two different locations.
Anton
Husband to Julianna, Anton is the newest member of the Mej Mej team. He is the head of shipping and is the reason all of your amazing orders reach your doors steps in lightning speeds. He recently joined the crew and has brought his background of logistics and shipping with him to help improve and renew. His love for spreadsheets is real, and we are thankful as he has provided a new sense of clarity and vision. He likes to work behind the scenes, but every once in a while, he is pulled into a video or tutorial. So keep an eye out for the 7-foot-tall gentle giant.