Everly magazine talks to Megan Pozzi, owner of One But Many Puzzles, who has enjoyed great success with her lady startup over the past few years. However, in November 2023, Megan announced she was closing her business after achieving what she set out to do. We talk about the power of purpose and when she knew it was time to step away.
How did One But Many Puzzles come about?
Six years ago I was in a mother baby mental health unit with my first child, Olive, for severe postnatal mental illness. I spent a month in hospital alongside many other women in the same situation. Puzzles were one of the only activities we were allowed to do in the mental health unit and served as a beautiful form of mindfulness.
The idea for the puzzle business dropped into my mind as a random stroke of 4am inspiration early in the pandemic. I had a very clear ‘why’ behind the business, because I wanted to raise awareness about perinatal mental health, but I also knew it would be a challenge starting a small business in the midst of a global pandemic; during a recession and following the worst bushfire season in Australia’s history… but when you know, you know.
It took me nearly three years after my hospitalisation to start my business and speak openly about my experience in the mental health unit. Since being more open, I’ve seen the many benefits that have come to me and others from sharing my story… Fortunately I’ve been well for the last 5+ years and my experience feels like something that happened to a completely different person than the one I am now.
Can you tell us a bit about your recent TEDxQUT talk?
This felt like a really fitting way to close this chapter of my life and start a new one. It charts nicely how I went from mental health inpatient to puzzle business owner, and what I learned along the way. It’s really about how I learned to love and be thankful for one of the worst experiences of my life…
To read the full story about Megan and plenty of other articles, pop on over to the Everly Mag Shop where you’ll find Issue 4. Please note, this mag is a ‘digital only’ issue.