For Meagan Downey, creating a business was about solving a problem that spoke to her values. As the founder and CEO of Shiki Wrap, a company that produces reusable and sustainable gift wrap, Meagan used her passion for environmental responsibility and her Champlain College Online MBA to turn a unique idea into a growing business. Her journey reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and the power of applying education to real-world solutions.
A Lifelong Passion for Gift Giving and Sustainability
Meagan’s passion for gift-giving started at an early age, and this love for thoughtful presents sparked her business idea. "I’ve always loved the joy and intimacy that comes from giving a meaningful gift," she recalls. However, as a busy working mother, she found herself increasingly frustrated with the waste that comes with traditional gift wrap. “After every celebration, I was left with piles of trash, and I felt guilty about the environmental impact.”
This guilt led Meagan to explore sustainable alternatives, which is when she discovered furoshiki, a centuries-old Japanese tradition of wrapping gifts in cloth. Inspired by its elegance and sustainability, Meagan saw an opportunity to bring this eco-friendly concept to a modern audience. “At first, I just wanted to purchase some furoshiki for my daughter’s school fundraiser,” she says, “but when I couldn’t find anything that met my design and sustainability standards, I realized there was a market opportunity.”
From Inspiration to Innovation: The Birth of Shiki Wrap
In 2020, Meagan founded Shiki Wrap with the intention of making gift-giving more sustainable and beautiful. “Our mission is to change gift-giving for good,” she says. Shiki Wrap creates reusable gift wraps and bags made from recycled plastic, which keeps waste out of landfills while offering an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional wrapping paper.
The product has a modern twist on the furoshiki tradition but unique features like added stretch and durability. “Traditional furoshiki doesn’t tend to stretch, but with Shiki Wrap, we wanted to create a version that was easier to use and more versatile,” Meagan explains. Customers have found creative ways to reuse the wraps, such as scarves, headwraps, and tote bags. "It’s all about reducing waste while adding beauty to the gift-giving experience," she adds.
The Role of Champlain College in Shiki Wrap’s Success
Meagan’s journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t without its challenges, but her time at Champlain College Online gave her the tools she needed to build a business from the ground up. She earned her MBA in 2016 and credits the program with helping her navigate the complexities of launching a startup.
“One of the best courses I took at Champlain was on values-driven decision-making,” Meagan shares. “That class has influenced how I run Shiki Wrap, from ensuring the product is sustainable to making ethical choices about our supply chain.”
Champlain’s flexible, asynchronous MBA program allowed Meagan to balance her full-time job, family, and education. She particularly appreciated the real-world application of the course material. “Everything I learned at Champlain was designed to be put into practice right away. The finance courses, particularly, were crucial when navigating the rapidly changing supply chain during the pandemic.”
Overcoming Challenges as a Founder
Like many businesses launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shiki Wrap faced significant supply chain challenges. However, Meagan’s resilience and problem-solving skills helped her pivot. “We had to adapt quickly, but Champlain’s focus on Appreciative Inquiry helped me approach the problems with a strengths-based mindset,” she says. “Instead of dwelling on the challenges, we focused on what we were doing well and how we could improve.”
Meagan’s determination paid off. Shiki Wrap gained attention from notable outlets, including being featured in the New York Times Style section. The Kardashians even selected Shiki Wrap as a holiday mailer for their celebrity friends, helping to raise the brand’s profile further.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Meagan offers this advice for those considering starting their own business: “Fall in love with your customer’s problem, not your first proposed solution. Your first attempt is rarely perfect, and if you focus too much on your initial idea, you might miss opportunities to really solve your customer’s needs.”
She also emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community. As a solo founder, Meagan knew she needed guidance and mentorship. “I have a group of advisors with expertise in marketing, finance, and sustainability who help keep me on track,” she explains. “You can’t do it all alone, and having a strong support system is essential.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Meagan is focused on growing Shiki Wrap’s presence and impact. “We know that the shift to reusable gift wrap is inevitable,” she says. “It’s similar to how S'well changed the market for reusable water bottles in 2010. We’re positioned to do the same for gift wrap — creating a beautiful, sustainable alternative that consumers will love.”
Take the Next Step with Champlain College Online
Meagan Downey’s journey shows the powerful combination of passion, sustainability, and education. Her success with Shiki Wrap is a testament to the value of Champlain College Online’s MBA program, which equips students with the practical skills needed to make a meaningful impact in their industries.
If you're ready to advance your career or start your own business, Champlain College Online offers a flexible, 100% online MBA program designed for working professionals. Champlain College Online's MBA focuses on real-world application and helps you develop the skills you need to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment.
Why Champlain College Online?
- Practical Learning: Apply what you learn immediately in your career or business.
- Flexible Format: Study on your schedule with Champlain’s asynchronous, fully online courses.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from industry professionals who bring real-world experience to the classroom.
Ready to take the next step? Explore Champlain College Online’s MBA program today and discover how you can elevate your career or business with a degree designed for today’s professionals.
