Monica Holdsworth – Monico Jewellery Design Studio

Tell us a bit about YOU and your family (where you are based, single / married, number of kids, etc)

I am married with 4 children. Two from my first husband, Milosca Phyfer 21 and Brandon Phyfer 18. Then I have two babies from Andrew and they are Macaela 2 and Aaron 6 months. We live in Sunset Links Golf Estate, Sunset Beach.

What is the name of your company and when did you start your business?

Monico Jewellery Design Studio – I’ve just started it in December 2010.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I wanted to start a business that my daughter and I can do together. She just came back from rehab and did not want to go back into the “world” straight away. I also wanted to do something that we’ll both enjoy and something that I could do from home as I have to two little ones. My daughter and I both did jewellery as a subject at school and I thought it would be appropriate.

What are the challenges you face or have faced being a working Mom and how have you overcome them?

My biggest challenge is to market my product and sell it. I make most pieces at night after everyone has gone to sleep, but I have a real problem finding a way to sell it to the public. I’ve contacted various shopping centres asking if we could do displays/exhibit’s but without any success. I really need help reaching the correct market.

What is the hardest part or have been some of your struggles starting your own business?

Finding time without neglecting the children. You get a little agitated when things don’t work out as you plan it, but patience is a virtue… I am one of those people that want things done immediately, so it’s very hard not having the time and sometimes energy to make things happen.

How do you balance your business and your family?

Like I said, I do most of the work at night after hours, so it’s very hard, but very rewarding. I truly love it when someone is in awe of my creations, buys them and wears them.

What or whom has been the greatest support for you and your business?

My family.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I would start with a business plan, find out where I can market my product and make pre-arrangements for the selling of it.

What advice can you give other Moms out there who are starting a new business?

Never give up!

If other Moms would like to keep in touch, how can they contact you?

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mmholdsworth
Link to Monico’s photo’s: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=100001111319061&aid=27645