mary pow
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SHARK BITE BACK-STORY
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Inspiration for the first shark-shaped pencil case came from a happy accident.

​At the time, Mary was creating little bug-shaped bags to hold her two sons’ miscellaneous collections. She was having so much fun making these tiny bug bags that she decided she needed to buy more zippers, quick! Her husband was out running errands, so she called him up and asked him to bring home more zippers from the craft store.

Much to her dismay, he brought home the wrong kind of zippers!


Intending to return the expensive, chunky metal zippers to the store, Mary left them in the bag for days. However, instead of returning them, they got her imagination working, and she imagined making ferocious looking shark bags with big, sharp (zipper) teeth!

Mary posted a photo of her first creation on her personal Facebook page. Amazed by the out-pouring of compliments and orders from friends, Mary decided that maybe she was onto something! Soon thereafter, MinneBites was born.

The very first 'Shark Bite' pencil case was designed by Mary Pow in late 2010. Since then, Mary has personally made and sold well over 1,500 of these beloved shark cases! They have been shipped to customers and retailers all over the world.  ​
Mary enjoys taking silly photos of her shark bags and creating fun personalities for them. Shown below is an assortment of images she's shared on social media throughout the years.
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NEWS
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Studio 228 • Thorp Building
1620 Central Ave NE
Minneapolis MN 55413
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Website designed by Mary Pow.
©2025 Mary Pow Designs. 
All rights reserved.
  • Textiles
    • Portfolio
    • Custom Pillows
    • Handbags
    • Turtle Love
  • Soft Pastels
    • Gallery
    • Portrait Commissions
    • Prints
    • Works in a Series >
      • Lake Nokomis Area
      • In the Hive - Bees Series
      • Mom's Bouquet Series
      • Social Justice Series
      • Portrait of a Quarantine Series
    • Archive >
      • Artist's Collection
      • Sold Pastel Paintings
  • ABOUT
    • About
    • Contact
    • Visit the Studio
  • Events
  • Classes
  • Shop All
    • Shop Prints
    • Shop Note Cards
    • Shop Textile Art
    • Shop Pastel Paintings
    • Shop Pillows