About Moriah Wengerd and Sincerely Myrtle
The
Story
Backstory
In 2021 I bought my first DSLR camera. In 2024 I bought my first mould and deckle set. Today, I'm offering you professional photography and handmade paper products. That's not all though. This story, like many, is a tale of a journey- one that I’m still on. I hope you’ll join me! After getting married in January of 2024, I began to lose all passion working for an employer. I studied Proverbs 31 and became passionate about working with my hands- not simply for the purpose of making money but for the purpose of caring for my home and the people around me. This led me down a trail of asking God- “what do I do with this?” I knew I couldn’t just quit work and stay at home, in this season my husband and I both needed to bring in some income to support our lifestyle. The woman in Proverbs 31 has no name. The chapter is given as advice- like many of the proverbs in scripture. The king’s mother tells him what qualities he should look for in a wife. The woman she describes works with her hands, is clothed with strength and dignity, cares for her household, sells the goods that she makes, chooses quality merchandise and property for her family, is spoken highly of by others to her husband; whom she brings honor to, brings food from afar, and is rare as rubies. Sincerely Myrtle was born from a desire to elevate value. While I could begin to incorporate the Proverbs 31 elements in daily life at home, the virtuous woman sold her goods as well, and we don’t have street markets in Ohio quite like they had them in that day. I made a list of the wares of a virtuous woman, things like wool and tapestries and flax…and I asked God what this means for me today. In a world where these handmade and homegrown products are so easily made with machines and our consumer culture wants convenience over quality, how can abiding in this character result in a valuable mercantile? How can I be “her” in today’s world without giving in to the hustle? The answer can be seen in Sincerely Myrtle's logo. I am a butterfly, a "harnesser of good things", flitting from flower to flower and gathering the good nectar from each one. That nectar is what I have to offer you.
The Name
"Sincerely" is a nod to intentionality in communication. I personally love to express this in little details, like wax seals on letters and "just because it made me think of you" gifts and trinkets. "Myrtle" gets a little bit deeper. “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. ” — Isaiah 55:13 This verse is part of another chapter in the Bible that I’ve spent some time studying. Isaiah 55 is centered around one main theme: what satisfies? To paraphrase, God is saying to his people through the prophet Isaiah “you need it, I have it, it’s free.” I could write an entire devotional on this chapter, but I want to bring another verse of scripture into play. I have experienced many seasons in my few years on this earth, and some have been dark and dry. One such season was in 2020, when I questioned my existence and purpose. God answered my cries with Philippians 1:6. “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. ” — Philippians 1:6 Forever after that day in July of 2020 I claimed this as my life verse. I had full confidence in God to carry out a beautifully designed purpose in my life. This was my promise from Him and I would hold onto it. There are many significant themes associated with myrtle trees, but in Isaiah 55 God gives them as a promise; that where things were once barren and thorny, the earth will instead bud and bring forth flowers. It is to be for His name, and a picture of His covenant. In my life, after connecting with this chapter I have always viewed myrtle trees as a symbol of fulfilled promise and fruitfulness. Naming this brand “Sincerely Myrtle” is a reminder for me: A reminder that it is to be to the Lord for a name (the glory in my life is always for Him) and a reminder that He will fulfill His promises in my life.
I will do all things with a knowing of deeper purpose
I will inspire you to live within your means and use everything to it's full potential.
I will enjoy things in my possession with gratefulness and thoughtfulness
I will promote that which is truly valuable, from the greatest truth of God to the smallest detail of love displayed
Core Values
what you'll find here
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Photography
I am a 2023 graduate of Rocky Mountain School of Photography. I'm passionate about clear, bold, colorful captures that flatter all seasons and will look great framed in any home!
Handmade items
For years I have created and been drawn to things with texture- from knitted blankets to deckle-edged recycled paper. There is a deep satisfaction from this kind of art, and I love teaching it to my friends and family as well!
Printed products
My photographs extend beyond taking your portrait; I'm especially fond of nature and wildlife shots. I give these pictures their place in print- on thick, luxurious cards with foil lined envelopes.
Home Journal
Who reads blogs anymore? My home journal is an instagram page dedicated to sharing my values at home with you. Stewardship and sustainability come across strongly here, and I utilize professional photography to make it fun to look at!
Thrift Finds
Thrifting is a natural by-product of living sustainably. I joyfully add thrift finds to my personal collection of home decor, but not all of the beautiful things I find are meant for our family's space. Some of them deserve a place in your home, and I make them available to you here!
Diy Inspiration
The Sincerely Myrtle Pinterest page is a collection of all the beautiful things. You'll find much of my own work here, but also inspiration that I draw from that you can utilize as well!
