From EOU to Entrepreneur: Megan Gustafson ‘25 Turns Lessons into a Thriving Business

From EOU to Entrepreneur: Megan Gustafson '25 Turns Lessons into a Thriving Business

From EOU to Entrepreneur: Megan Gustafson Turns Lessons into a Thriving Business

Before turning 22, Eastern Oregon University (EOU) alumna Megan Gustafson turned classroom lessons into real-world success, launching her own marketing firm, landing her first client, and wrapping up her MBA. These days, she balances business plans, client meetings, and soccer coaching with an energy that reflects both drive and purpose.

The Boise native earned her bachelor's degree in marketing with a minor in Spanish at EOU and is finishing her MBA this term, all while building her brand, MG Creative.

"I came to EOU for soccer," Megan said with a laugh. "But I stayed for the community. I loved the small classes, how close you could get with professors, and how people there truly helped me grow."

A Foundation Built at EOU

Megan's path began on the soccer field, but it really took shape in EOU's classrooms. Courses in marketing, strategy, and communication helped her discover her passion for telling small-business stories and finding her professional voice.

"From freshman year to now, it's wild how much I've grown in confidence and public speaking," she said. "Classes like Dr. Shari Carpenter's pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way, they taught me how to lead, speak up, and take on challenges."

Mentorship also played a key role in her journey. Megan credits Professor Shari Carpenter of the College of Business for her academic guidance and Shawna Elsberry, Director of Career Services, for providing hands-on experience and encouragement through her campus job.

"Having mentors made such a difference," she said. "Dr. Carpenter pushed me to be my best, and Shawna kept giving me opportunities to grow. EOU is the kind of place where people invest in you."

Her experience working on campus gave Megan more than a paycheck; it offered a chance to apply what she was learning in the classroom and discover her strengths in a professional setting.

"Megan developed opportunities at EOU," said Shawna Elsberry, Director of Career Services. "She turned her student campus job into an advanced internship experience. She took on the challenge of directly applying her coursework and self-learning to design and problem-solve department projects. Megan built confidence in interacting professionally with administrators, community members, faculty, staff, and students. That's what EOU does so well. We create spaces where students can explore possible routes to solving problems and turn those experiences into career-readiness."

Building MG Creative

After completing her undergraduate degree in just three years, Megan moved straight into EOU's MBA program. As graduation neared, she took the next leap-starting her own business.

"When I moved back to Boise after earning my undergraduate degree, I saw how much small businesses needed marketing help," she said. "Boise is growing fast, and not every small business can afford a full-time marketer. I saw an opportunity to help them tell their stories-and to challenge myself."

That vision became MG Creative, a firm offering design, photography, and digital strategy for small businesses. Her first client, Mosaic Remodeling, hired her to modernize their logo, design business cards, photograph completed projects, and build a new website.

"It's so exciting to watch it all come together," Megan said. "We launched the site, we're connecting it to Google, and we're creating lawn signs. Marketing helps people show their work and credibility, that's rewarding."

Lessons in Leadership and Balance

Running a business while finishing grad school and working part-time isn't simple. EOU's MBA program provided tools Megan uses every day.

"One of my favorite classes at EOU was Emotional Intelligence," she said. "It focused on building habits for success and balance-how to stay grounded and avoid burnout. Those lessons have been huge as I juggle everything."

That mindset carries over outside the classroom, too. Megan recently completed a Half Ironman race, a 70.3-mile test of endurance including swimming, cycling, and running.

"Stepping out of my comfort zone always makes me grow," she said. "After that race, I thought, 'If I can do this, I can do anything.' That mindset carries into business."

Defining Success

For Megan, success isn't measured by numbers alone, it's about fulfillment.

"I heard a quote that said, 'If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life,'" she said. "That really stuck with me. To me, success means finding something I'm passionate about, helping others, and continuing to learn and grow."

Her advice for current EOU students who dream of starting a business? Don't wait.

"The first step is just doing it," she said. "Create a name, make a plan, and take it one step at a time. There's never going to be a perfect moment-you have to take the leap."

Looking Ahead

As she finishes her degree and grows MG Creative, Megan plans to stay in Boise for now, expanding her client base and refining her brand. She's grateful for where she started, and excited for what's next.

"I'm just getting started," she said. "EOU gave me the foundation. Now I get to build on it, helping other businesses grow while continuing to grow myself."