Caroline and Eris

Merritt Studios began as a joint concept between two creative women, Caroline Armijo, an artist and the creator of the MerriMail concept, and Eris Ball, a communications and public relations specialist. Caroline and Eris are first cousins who grew up together and dreamed of starting a business together. The name Merritt Studios and MerriMail is derived from their mothers' maiden name of Merritt.

In the winter of 2004, after watching the first episode of Donald Trump's, The Apprentice, Caroline approached Eris with the MerriMail concept - sharing delightful gifts and thoughtful ideas with others. With full-time careers, the two casually discussed how to develop and deliver on this new business idea for the next year. In the summer of 2005, Caroline and Eris began taking action by making career changes in order to dedicate more time to the MerriMail idea. Their common goal was to turn the MerriMail concept into a thriving business.

On April 1, 2006, MerriMail was officially formed. The first issue shipped in September 2006 followed by a year full of new gifts, new ideas and a lot of fun.

In the Winter of 2007, Caroline and Eris decided to wrap up MerriMail as exciting new opportunities came knocking at their doors. Issue Seven was the final issue, which was shipped in late April/early May 2008. For subscribers who had not received all of their issues, reimbursement checks were mailed to outstanding paying subscribers and gift givers in early June 2008.

Caroline and Eris would like to share their deep appreciation for all of the MerriMail subscribers, whisperers, promoters, vendors, contributors, proofreaders and friends and family. MerriMail was an exciting journey that began with a simple idea. What an accomplishment to see it through seven great issues of gifts and ideas. Thank you!

What's Next?

About Caroline

Caroline Armijo knew that she wanted to have her own gift business as a little girl. She started her first business Hummingbird Gifts with her friend Sarah in middle school. Although the business never took flight, the idea stuck.

After graduating from The School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Caroline worked for a small advertising agency. During her tenure, she began developing gift products that she gave to her friends for Christmas and weddings. In February of 1997, she created fortunehearts, the name sake of her online gift business, which has been featured in Brides Magazine, Skirt! Magazine, Daily Candy, and Bust's Girl Wide Web. In December 2003, she completed her MA in Liberal Studies, focusing on creativity, art, cultural institutions and lifelong learning.

Caroline lives in Washington, DC with her husband Henry. Follow her adventures as she pursues her art at Beyond Friendship Gate.

About Eris

Eris Ball has 12 years experience in the field of communications and public relations. Eris gained her professional experience at various corporations including Duke Power, United Parcel Service and RF Micro Devices. During her PR career, Eris was an active member and served on the board of various chapters of the Public Relations Society of America. In addition to her professional career, in 2002, Eris co-founded a successful handbag business called Stogie Swank. She is a generalist and a novice in many crafts, including pottery, drawing and decorating, and she recently completed The Artist Way class. Eris holds a BA in English with a minor in communications and a concentration in public relations from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Eris lives in Elkin, NC with her husband Robert, daughter Cama, and their cat Chloe. In April 2008, she opened In Every Room, a gift shop located in Downtown Elkin, NC.

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