By Ann Gill (M.A., ’76)
Megan Larson (B.F.A., ’08) and her husband Miles (B.S., ’20), better known as “Mick,” were born in Choteau, Montana, a town of about 1500 people. Her journey to award-winning business owner in Northern Colorado is about making the most of every opportunity, working hard, and helping others.
After graduating from high school, Megan spent a year at the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Lakewood, then transferred to Colorado State. When she went to the art department for her portfolio review, it was the first time she had ever been in Fort Collins.
Megan worked many hours to put herself through school, starting as a certified nursing assistant at Columbine Health Systems. The job and school took up all her time. Her favorite memories of campus are of “the wonderful group of people in the graphic design program;” she is still great friends with the first person she met there. She also attended football and some volleyball games while a student.
During her last three semesters, she had an internship with United Way in their marketing department, which turned into a full-time position upon her graduation. Over the next nine years she went from United Way’s marketing associate to its creative director and, in the process, “learned a ton!”
She then started her own graphic design business in Wellington. She explains: “M Rock Creative was ‘officially’ born in 2013 but was always part of me. From a young age, I knew I was going to be an artist.” She describes the process as “terrifying in a good way.” There was a lot of pressure, which she handled by “leaning on resources and friends.”
It was not easy. Mick was laid off from his job and decided to go back to school for a business administration degree. She was pregnant with their third child. Nevertheless, she succeeded magnificently. As her website details, M Rock Creative offers graphic design (branding, logo design, advertising, infographics, marketing materials) as well as website design (development, content strategy, site mapping, copywriting, maintenance) services.
At times a master of personal understatement, Megan says she “becomes expert by doing” and is “still learning as I go.” She has done work with many companies and organizations. A few examples illustrate the range – Silver Reef Organic Farms, Shamrock Buildings, LLC, Next Energy Solar, The Bush Waxing Boutique, Children’s Museum of Northern Colorado, and Craig Angus Ranch.
Her work has been rewarded not only by commercial success but also by professional accolades. She was named one of Biz West Media’s 2019 40 under Forty, honoring outstanding young business professionals. M Rock Creative was named Wellington Main Street 2021 Business of the Year.
Megan is extremely active in the community. She is co-founder and chair of the Wellington Brewfest, a Wellington Main Street Program Board member, a volunteer at Rice Elementary School, and a Realities for Children Business member. She and her company support Wellington Fun Run 0.5K, Well-O-Rama, Wellington Eagles Baseball Team, NoCo Grinders Baseball Team, and The Family Center/La Familia. She also is a CSU Alumni Association member. This stalwart Ram particularly likes the opportunities the Alumni Association and its events afford her to connect with other alums.
Megan and Miles have three children, Audrey, age ten, Blaire, age seven, and Miles, age five. Her waking hours are filled to the brim with work, family, and community involvement. She sums up her life by saying: “I wouldn’t change a thing. This self-employment gig is hard, but so damn rewarding.” She adds on her M Rock Creative website: “Through it all, I’m a real person, supporting a real family, helping real businesses (who are also real people, supporting real families….)”
Alumni Business Directory
As a member of the CSU Alumni Association, Megan Larson can list her business in the new Alumni Business Directory for free. It’s a great way to promote your business with fellow Rams!
