Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique McCrae.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been crafty and enjoyed creating personalized keepsakes for family and friends for decades. I made some personalized goodies for my daughter and her friend’s spring break trip – a beach bag, water bottle, towels, etc. and when I posted them on my social media, I got inquires on making other items, such as tee shirts and wine glasses. My daughter has always encouraged me to start my own business and I decided this was the time and Monie Maker launched in March!! Little did I know that we would be quarantined and everyone would be forced to find creative and non-traditional ways to celebrate various life events. I quickly received orders for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, etc. Before I knew it, my little business was off and running! Monie Maker has officially been operating for six months and in that time, I have had a steady flow of orders and been able to have a creative outlet while I’m quarantined in the house. It really has been God send.
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?
All in all, it has been a relatively smooth road starting Monie Maker. Of course there will always be some learning curves along the way when starting a business. For example, setting up a website and getting an LLC took some focused effort on my part because I’m creative but not necessarily computer savvy. When I started getting out of state orders, it forced me to think about the kind of packaging I needed and how I wanted the packaging to represent my brand. I’ve only been up and running for six months, so I’m still on the new business journey!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Monie Maker story. Tell us more about the business.
Monie Maker is a business specializing in creating custom gifts. I specialize in tee shirts, face masks, gift boxes, glasses, mugs and candy jars. Anything you want to celebrate your special occasion, I can customize for you. What I am most proud of thus far is being able to deliver for the client and having them be excited about the outcome of their order. It makes me so happy when I get a new customer through word of mouth from another customer!! I think what sets me apart is that I create what YOU want – I bring to life what the customer’s idea is and often I can suggest ideas to enhance an order.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have been extremely lucky to be able to start my own business. This year has been usual to say the least and I think the timing of starting this business was equally lucky and unlucky. Obviously starting a business during a global pandemic is very unlucky, but I believe the luck of it for my business was that people were forced to celebrate their special events in new and creative ways. Starting Monie Maker has been an opportunity to add a little happiness in a difficult time.
Pricing:
- Tee Shirts $25
- Face masks $15
- Gift boxes $25
- Sweatshirts $40
- Drinkware $20
Contact Info:
- Website: www.moniemaker.com
- Email: moniemakertx@gmail.com
- Instagram: Monie.maker
- Facebook: Monie Maker
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