On September 27, 2024, company owners Megan and Sean St. Marie hosted a dinner at the Blue Heron Restaurant in Sunderland, Massachusetts celebrating the 30th anniversary of Modern Memoirs. The following is a toast Megan gave in honor of Bookkeeper Julie Shively, departing Publishing Associate Emma Solis, Book Designer Nicole Miller, and Genealogist Liz Sonnenberg.
Bookkeeper Julie Shively
Just as I can’t take credit for hiring Ali, I am indebted to Kitty for hiring the wonderful Julie Shively as bookkeeper. Julie, what would I do without you? May I never find out! As I toast your scrupulous way with numbers, your encouraging spirit, and your efficient yet patient manner during our weekly tête-à-têtes, I want to thank you from the bottom of my mathematically challenged heart for helping me navigate the financial and administrative side of the business. The systems you’ve created for our accounts, and your advocacy for our success, give me clarity and confidence, and I am forever grateful.
Publishing Associate Emma Solis
I do take credit for hiring the rest of our team, most recently, Emma Solis. Emma, we are all so sad to see you go, but we will cheer you on from Amherst as you spread your wings in New York City. I speak for the rest of the team when I say how much I’ve appreciated your willingness to dive into any task, and how much I’ve enjoyed the beautiful writing you’ve shared. Please keep in touch to let us know how things are going in the Big Apple, and never hesitate to send along your latest pieces of writing. You have so much to share with the world, and I am glad we got to play a part in the very beginning of your career.
Book Designer Nicole Miller, with one of the vases gifted to the staff at Modern Memoirs' 30th anniversary dinner
Speaking of New York City, Nicole Miller, when I contacted one of your references during the hiring process he said, “She belongs in New York, so you’re lucky if you can hire her. You’re not going to find many designers with Nicole’s level of talent around here. She’s a true artist.” Over the past three years, you’ve proven him right countless times, but I’ll say that you belong right here! You are an integral member of our team, and the frequent gasps and exclamations of delight that come from our staff upon viewing each new cover design or draft layout are testament to your talents. Your patient flexibility and openness to feedback enable you to serve even our most exacting clients, and your good humor and keen marketing insights benefit us all. Thank you, thank you, for all you do.
Megan St. Marie with Genealogist Liz Sonnenberg
Last but not least is the first person I hired, Liz Sonnenberg. Kitty said it was “beshert” or meant-to-be when we began discussing the business purchase. Liz, I think our meeting was beshert, too. I thank my lucky stars that you saw Sean’s name listed as company owner on the roster of a genealogy class he didn’t end up being able to complete when you were studying at BU. We think his enrollment was fate, if only to direct you to us. You appeared like someone heaven-sent as I struggled with how to complete the genealogy portion of a client project at the time. After seeing your extraordinary freelance work on that book, I told Sean, “She is so good, I’d be a fool to let her go!” Hiring you was a time when I really listened to my heart and did what I knew was right even though it wasn’t my initial plan. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, your passion, and the meticulous eye you bring to all you do. In the words of the childhood book-of-my-heart, Anne of Green Gables, you are a “kindred spirit.” I am so fortunate that my personal history includes knowing and working with you.
Cheers to all of you, the remarkable Modern Memoirs staff!
Megan St. Marie is president of Modern Memoirs, Inc.