SOMA Living October 2025

MEET THE McGOWAN FAMILY

Photography by Jamie Meier

In the leafy streets of Maplewood, the McGowan family stands out for more than their vibrant personalities and close bonds. For Magie and Brian, creativity is not just a job; it is the pulse of their family, their business, and their community. Their story began with a splash of color. As young mural artists in New York City, they met while collaborating on a public art project. Their artistic chemistry sparked a romance that led them to blend their families and relocate to Maplewood during the COVID pandemic. “We met with a shared passion for public art. It was great to work together, and it allowed our relationship to grow organically,” Magie recalls. A Brooklyn native and FIT illustration graduate, Magie channels her artistry into every facet of life. She owns Home Sweet Home, Maplewood’s tattoo parlor, a business she built from the ground up and named after a suggestion from her youngest, Margo. “I am proud to own and operate this business,” she says. “Twenty five years ago, when I first became a tattoo artist, clients were skeptical of female artists and would ask my co workers, ‘Is she any good?’ Attitudes changed over time. Now there are more female artists and there are women owned studios like mine.” Born in Staten Island and an English major, Brian works as a sales consultant for construction projects and devotes his free time to public art. He regularly joins Magie on creative ventures, from murals to community installations, and he completed a large mural on Springfield Avenue in 2018. “Brian is a great artist and a talented writer,” Magie says. “He helps shape concepts and present them to design review boards.” Their partnership shines throughout Maplewood. Recent projects include a celebratory mural for Corner Slice for the town’s July Fourth festivities and

6 somalivingmagazine@gmail.com

@somalivingmagazine