Folks We Love with Cony Larson from Mikoleon
Tell us a little bit about your journey and how you’ve come to arrive here?
Eight years ago I went back to visit Guatemala; I grew up there and left when I was 18 years old; my return reminded me of my love for the people, our textiles, the food, and of course, it was also a reminder that so many women and children live in great poverty and with such limited opportunities! The idea of creating a company that would provide sustainable jobs to world-class artisans was extremely appealing and doable.
Who’s in your family? Ages? Names?
My sweetheart and I have raised 5 children, and now I’m enjoying 15 grand-children including triplets! Too many names to list!!
How did you choose your kids names?
I’m a huge fan of preserving family traditions and honoring those that have made our journey easier and better; each of my girls bears the name of a family ancestor and my two boys do too!
Location?
After living in San Diego for fourteen years, we settled in Highland, UT, we were both craving for land, we currently live in a two acre ranch with a beautiful garden I had the chance to design myself, and, we LOVE it!
Occupation?
I’m an entrepreneur at heart; I have created and have sold several companies, currently, I’m the founder and CD of Mikoleon LLC. I’m also co-founder and over manufacturing for Nena & Co., I know, tons to do, but knowing that our products make such a difference in the life of so many people makes it all worth it!
What’s on your manifest board?
I don’t have one…I should, it would probably be, “Live life simply and elevated”, or, “Stop taking so much and start giving!”
What are some things you really believe in?
God, family, love, working hard, giving back, AND in lowering our carbon footprint!
Where do your passions lie?
Mostly in learning, creating and making things work. I love to travel and explore world cultures!
What are some of your favorite life lessons you’ve grown to love? (even if learning them at the time was hard)
Be loyal to your family, they come before friends, money or business!
What do you wish you could’ve told yourself when you were a teenager?
Choose to be happy, you are the master of your own happiness, not your spouse.
What do you find most challenging about being somebody’s parent?
Letting them grow and go.
What do you want your kids to learn about the world?
That it is a gift from God and we are the keepers. That what we buy and consume, and what we do to it matters and has an impact for future generations.