NEWH - Summer 2024 - 58

Q&A
GET TO KNOW
Megan
May
What have you found to be most valuable about your NEWH involvement, both personally and
professionally?
I joined the board as soon as I graduated college after witnessing one of my good friends win a student
scholarship. I sadly did not apply because I felt I was too busy. Therefore I spread the message to
students now: You are never too busy to apply for money!
As a young professional entering the industry, the board was so welcoming and they became role
models and mentors for me. This propelled my career; I was recommended for jobs that I could have been
looked over for otherwise. I grew so much by getting out of my comfort zone and networking. Many of
those role models have become truly supportive and amazing friends.
President, NEWH Atlanta
chapter and sales executive,
Ulster Carpets
What would surprise people about you?
I'm extremely shy and introverted. No one ever believes me, but it really is this industry that has pushed
me out of my little crab shell (my zodiac sign is Cancer). I'm so glad that this industry, my career, and
support has helped me beat some of those shy tendencies. However, after a full day of networking I love
to go home and hibernate to decompress.
What would people be interested to know about your company?
I represent Ulster Carpets, a company that I was referred to by someone I consider a role model, who is an
NEWH board member. (I can't say it enough: NEWH really did pave the way for my success.) I love Ulster
Carpets and I'm grateful that life led me to this family-owned company. As a designer who had not really
delved into the Axminister world I was shocked by the unique patterns, scale, and the 25-plus colors that
we could use. Though I left design, I still get a kick out of helping other designers produce the beautiful
artwork that Ulster can create using their innovative looms. Ulster stands behind a quality product from
start to finish and values their employees; I know people by name at our mill and have had the opportunity
to meet them face to face. I'm truly humbled and so proud to represent this company that has been
operating for over 80 years.
What is your proudest recent NEWH accomplishment?
It is hard to say what my proudest accomplishment is because the NEWH Atlanta board tries to work as
a team as much as possible. I did influence a change at our end-of-year gala and was able to successfully
implement it with the team. I wanted to make awarding our TopID and scholarships more engaging, so
now the professionals and students get to give a short speech. The student speeches have impacted the
attendees of our fundraiser; I have had people approach me saying they cried during a speech, or felt so
moved seeing what their sponsorship does. It adds such a personal and heartwarming touch.
When you aren't working or at an NEWH event, where can we find you?
I will probably still be working or volunteering. Outside of NEWH and sales I run a full-time cake business
called Body, Mind, & Cake, LLC. I have volunteered with the Atlanta Humane Society and for a nonprofit
called Silence the Shame that provides resources and tackles the stigmas around mental health. If I'm
absolutely not working, you can find me hanging with my dogs, reading a book, attending a yoga class,
hiking, ziplining, traveling, relaxing on the beach, or hanging out with friends and family (I tend to show up
with cake these days!). ❙❘❚
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NEWH - Summer 2024

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