Megan Montgomery

Megan Montgomery founded Jaws Jewelry Co. after moving from Michigan to Wilmington, North Carolina, approximately three years ago. She creates shark tooth jewelry by walking the beach, sources shells from Puerto Rico, collects beach glass from her time living on Lake Michigan, and designs normal gold and silver jewelry with charms. Montgomery earned her bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Michigan State University with a minor in exercise physiology and previously worked in cardiac stress testing and cardiac rehab as an exercise physiologist. She donates 10 percent of her monthly sales to Oceana to support shark conservation and organized the FinFest event at a local bar where she invited vendors and donated proceeds to the cause. Montgomery has gained traction through participation in the Supergirl Pro surf event and the Loggerhead Surf Festival, where she made connections and increased visibility for her brand. She attributes her success to her boyfriend, who encouraged her to start the business and suggested the name Jaws Jewelry, along with supportive friends who share her work. Her advice to others includes not fearing what people think and putting oneself out there to grow a business, as well as believing that no idea is a bad idea and persisting through challenges.