Cincinnati.com Article about FENNOfashion

Fashion designer donates to hospital

Kurt Backscheider/Staff 

Green Township resident Megan Fenno, who owns FENNOfashion.com, an online jewelry, fashion and accessories boutique, makes a necklace in her home studio. Fenno recently donated 50 pieces of jewelry to teens undergoing treatment at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

Megan Fenno said the mission of her fashion company is to not only create trendy accessories, but to also be an active part of the community by participating in fundraisers, making donations and raising awareness for different causes.

The Green Township resident stayed true to her company's mission by recently donating 50 pieces of jewelry for teenagers undergoing treatment at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

"My parents brought me here (Cincinnati Children's) as a child and I had a great experience," said Fenno, owner and founder of FENNOfashion.com, an online jewelry, fashion and accessories boutique she runs out of her home.

"The doctors and nurses all went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and at ease, and when I found out that a group of children there are under quarantine because of the H1N1 scare, my heart just went out to them."

Knowing the positive impact a high self-esteem can have, especially teens receiving treatment, she said she was excited to do something to lift their spirits.

"I know how important it is to feel pretty, especially for the young girls, and I'm hopeful this small gift will do just that," she said.

Cathy Westrich, donor relations officer for the hospital, said Children's was thrilled to receive the donation.

"No one ever seems to remember there are teenagers here undergoing treatment when they make donations," Westrich said.

"We receive a lot of toys and gifts more appropriate to children 12 and under - dolls, teddy bears and games like Candyland. I think the teenagers, especially the girls, are going to be thrilled with the jewelry and we're so thankful to Megan for thinking of us."

A Western Hills native who moved to Florida with her family as a child, Fenno recently moved back to the west side after living in Austin, Texas, where she launched her design business.

"I made it back home," the 25-year-old said.

Starting her own business was a dream she had since graduating from the Savannah College of Art & Design, where she earned her bachelor's degree in fine arts and specialized in fashion and accessory design.

Named a 2009 Cincinnati Woman of the Year for fashion by Cincy Chic, Fenno makes vintage-inspired jewelry and environmentally friendly handbags, and she plans to expand into fashion design in the near future.

"I get to do what I love and it doesn't feel like work," she said.

To see Fenno's designs, visit www.FENNOfashion.com.