Meet Mary Wyar | Residential Designer & Multidisciplinary Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Wyar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After the 2020 pandemic, I decided to take a career shift away from portrait photography and move towards a different medium. Merrily Modern was developed after seeing numerous local builders renovation projects on mid century modern homes where era appropriate design decisions were not being made. My unique design taste, knowledge on how to navigate this specific era, and need in the market made formalizing this business a no-brainer.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
We all have our own unique perspective and story. My creative journey began while pursing my college degree in film/video production. I was immersed into a world of multimedia inspiration, through various decades of artists, and limitless possibility. I explored working in different media and developed an eye for color, texture, balance, and negative space that can be used across various forms of artistic expression.

My entrepreneurial spirit is one that I have always had. I was a hustler at the age of 5… I had a lemonade stand where I would offer complimentary pretzel rods and pin the funny comics on a tree to get kids to not only hang out longer, but inevitably buy more than one lemonade.

I love the challenge of finding a way to be innovative in whatever business venture I am tackling. Remember there is always a space to innovate… without innovation, your business will die.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am an avid yogi… a few times a week, I teach a method of yoga called LYT. My Yogaja Yoga community is a place that feels like a second home and might be Toledo’s best kept secret. Spending a couple hours there on a weekend is not difficult to do. A short stroll from Yogaja is SIP Coffee that makes a lovely iced, golden milk… warning, do not wear white while drinking one.

Toledo has various Metroparks, all with unique offerings. Wildwood Metropark is a favorite for a walk and chipmunk watching. Secor Metroparks is my favorite place to take a bike ride on the trails… just have to watch out for snakes. Additionally, Oak Openings is one of the most magical and serene places that one can visit in our area.

I love taking a slow stroll through Hoen’s Garden Center and enjoying the various houseplants they have… I kill most of mine, but one can dream. A luxurious treatment at Skin Health Spa is the best way to spend 60 minutes… they spend the time to not only give you glowing skin but offering a luxuriously relaxing treatment is just as much of a priority.

There are many places to eat in Toledo… I typically don’t eat out but depending on what the occasion is, I love Stubborn Brother’s wings and pizza, the Sunshine sushi roll at Domo Sushi isn’t on the menu but worth asking for, and Registry Bistro for an upscale yet casual experience that offers the best mocktails and seasonal menu.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The pandemic was a major shift in many of our lives and mine was no exception. After having virtually no income, I decided it was time for a new chapter. Many people were spending more time at home, not vacationing, and choosing to start home renovation projects. I want to give a shoutout to my friends Negar and Josh who entrusted me in helping them in the design of their full gut, home renovation. They both encouraged, challenged, and trusted me throughout the 9 month process. It was a confidence boost that I could hold my own in this industry and I will be forever grateful for them.

Website: merrilymodern.com

Instagram: @merrilymodern.com

Image Credits
headshot: Noelle Shumer portfolio images: Jordan Powers