Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Navarrete.
Monica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I had to quit my full-time accounting job when my son was two years old due to his health issues, surgeries, doctor visits, therapies, etc. It was such a crazy schedule that working an office job was not a possibility. I began my wreath business about five years later as just something to express my creativity and give me an outlet. I would make pieces for friends and take part in a few fall/winter craft shows each year. I have evolved my style over time to include all types and sizes of wreaths plus garlands, swags, etc. I also love to teach wreath making classes and this past year leased retail space at Doozie’s Corner in Downtown McKinney to show my stock. Now I am working on starting my website, getting up on Etsy, and hope to expand into the wedding decor/flower business. I still love to make pieces for friends and I look forward to what the future holds as I take my business to more of an online presence vs. doing local craft shows which can be very time-consuming. My favorite thing is to work with customers on creating a custom look based on what they truly want or need.
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?
Deciding to stop doing local craft shows and create more of an online presence has been a struggle for me. I love to meet people face to face and interact, but the shows I have been working just don’t have a good rate of return for the amount of time they take. It was hard on my family as I was gone during key weekends missing sporting events, etc. They didn’t like to hear that mom was going to be busy all Friday and Saturday working a craft show. It’s a hard lesson to learn when you work diligently to create something you are excited about, but the selling avenues you have chosen don’t work out like you hoped. I am very old school and jumping into online sales has been a mental struggle. I need to build my business and shifting focus is the only way I can do so.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Monica’s HangUps – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I make wreaths, garlands, and swags for all occasions and seasons. I specialize in custom orders where the customer can determine the entire look. I fully believe that what the customer wants is what they need to get no matter how many phone calls, emails or texts of ideas it takes. I have never turned down a custom order and make all types of wreaths from deco-mesh to grapevine. As far as I am aware I have never had a complaint about anything I have sold which is a wonderful feeling. I have customers who have ordered simple $25.00 wreaths to $600 custom Christmas looks including 36″ wreaths with matching garlands and teardrops. I also do party rentals including customizable champagne flutes and garlands. I think every order is equally important, no matter how small or how big.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am getting ready to go live with my website sometime in the next few months plus will finally start my Etsy shop. Taking my business to more of the online arena is a necessity. I am also really looking forward to expanding into the wedding industry with silk floral designs and decor items. My party rentals are also a new arena with fun champagne flutes and garlands that can be customized as needed for any type of gathering from bridal showers to special anniversaries.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 972-979-8240
- Email: monicashangups@gmail.com
- Instagram: @MonicasHangUps
- Facebook: Monica’s Hang-Ups
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