Today we’d like to introduce you to Monserrath (Monse) Jasso.
Monserrath, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been a stay home ever since I had my second child in 2010. I’ve always been passionate about crafting. It all started with Jewelry making. I remember my mom taught Jewelry making classes for adults at a community center in Pasadena, and she also provided classes for after-school programs in the Pasadena area. I used to love making jewelry with her. So, I started making earrings, bracelets and finding myself making a lot of trips to hobby lobby. The cool thing about this was that my oldest daughter also enjoyed making bracelets at the age of two and three. I remember around this time, I also used to make my daughter her own tutus and I would DIY both of my kid’s Halloween costumes. My first big project was when I did my nephew a scarecrow costume from scratch for a Wizard Of Oz school play. It came out amazing, he got a lot of compliments, plus he looked so adorable. After my mom moved to the Dallas area in 2014, I kind of stopped making crafts. My husband was in and out of jobs and money got tight at times, plus we had to move a lot so I just sold my stuff and stopped.
Fast forward to 2017, it hit me that my kids were so grown and I felt like I hadn’t done anything for myself. I never went to college after high school because I went straight to being a mom. That’s when I started applying for jobs but no one seemed to want to hire a person who hadn’t had a job in so long, especially with the hours I wanted. With my mom in Dallas, husband working and siblings at a full-time job we really didn’t have anyone to help us pick up our kids. After a lot of failed attempts to get a job, I decided I wanted to work for myself. It was perfect, it would allow me to be my own boss and still be able to attend my kid’s events and help my sister pick my nephew up. At this point, I had a friend who’s sister did my personalized shirts and I was fascinated at how this was done. So, I decided to watch a lot of YouTube videos and learn myself since I couldn’t always afford to buy them with just my husband’s income. For Christmas, I got my machine, I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t know how to use it completely. I remember the first time, I used it my heart was beating so fast scared I would mess it up. But eventually, I got the hang of it and I was making decals for my husband’s lunch cooler and wine cups for family. Once I got completely comfortable with using the machine, I started selling personalized items to my family and friends. Then, somehow I started getting orders from their friends. At this time, I was making shirts with a regular iron, that was painful on my back. So, with the first money, I made I bought a heat press from my husband’s friend.
At this point, I decided to open a Facebook page and Instagram. Orders started to come in, a lot. I felt overwhelmed but blessed. It wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle. I enjoy designing what my customer wants. I remember I always wanted to go to school for web design, sure this isn’t web design but I love that I get to make a design, send it to my machine to cut, layer everything and heat press one layer at a time. I know have a lot of clients that come to me with their ideas of what they want and for that I am thankful. I am finally able to feel good about myself again. Monse’s Designs isn’t just a money business to me, besides my kids, it’s my life. Every single personalized item I make, I make it with all my heart and with a lot of attention to detail, trust me I sometimes stay up late making sure everything is perfect. I know one day, I will have my own shop and help others who want to start their own business like mine.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it hasn’t, in the beginning, I didn’t have a lot of money to buy the tools I needed. It was our daily living expenses or buy things for my then “hobby.” Thankfully now, I am able to invest and make a little side cash.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I do personalized items, anything from decals/stickers to cups, shirts & more. Anything that can be personalized I can do it. It’s a lot of work because I’m not just printing from a printer. I have to buy each sheet of color (vinyl) that is needed for a design. I then make the design on my software, load my machine which basically just cuts the design. I have to then remove the excess vinyl place it on the shirt and heat press it one layer at a time. For decals I have to use a transfer tape to remove it from the vinyl sheet and transfer it to the cup or give to the customer so they can place where they want it to. It can be a long process, especially for shirts. That is why I ask my customers to place their orders at least two days in advance, depending on how busy I am. Even though it’s a time consuming process I offer reasonable prices for my customers. I also give them the option to bring me the item they need personalized for a cheaper price. I always send them a picture of the design before it’s all set in stone so they can approve or request a change. I stand by my product 100% and I am always willing to fix any mistakes if any, but My customers always compliment the material I use and my work.
I offer bulk prices for orders of 12 or more items. I love to work with other small businesses and provide them discount prices. We are all just trying to make our business bigger and I think it’s important to support one another in any way we can. So if you need any personalized items message me.
What were you like growing up?
I was a tomboy as a child, I remember arriving at my uncle’s house and my cousins were just waiting for me so we could start playing outside. As a teenager, I think I was like most teenagers, you know all they care about is hanging out with friends. I used to make my own calendars, I loved making my own calendars with markers. I loved decorating my room, I was always switching it up. One thing I’ve always been is a people person, until this day I am. I love talking! I can strike a conversation with anyone.
Pricing:
- Kids 0-5T plain design $10
- Kids 2T & up elaborate design $15
- Adults plain design $12-$15
- Adults elaborate design $15-$25
- Decals $2 & up
- Cups, mugs, tumblers etc $5 & up
- For any other item not listed just message me
- Orders must be placed with time, deposit is required.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://monses-designs.business.site/?m=true
- Phone: 8326184100
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monses_designs/?hl=id
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monsesdesigns/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
