MonoEmono Creations Owner, Jennifer Spears Talks With The Spartanburg Review

Debbie Hall with The Spartanburg Review sat down with Jennifer Spears, owner of MonoEmono Creations. Jennifer makes handmade home decor, craft pieces, etc. Read more to find out about this unique business!

TSR: Why did you choose this line of business?
Jennifer: I have just always like crafts, doing things. I am a teacher, so I finished schooling and raising kids, and this was a chance to get back to doing what I like. This ended up being a hobby that I get paid for.

TSR: What made you decide to start your own business vs. working for somebody else?
Jennifer: I’ve always kind of done a lot of extra things. This way, I can do this at home, my husband and I kind of can do this together, sometimes when I get really busy the kids can help too. It’s good to be able to make money while doing something fun with all of us together.

TSR: Starting a business is a tough thing to do! What inspired you to keep going as you were getting it off the ground?
Jennifer: I really like when people bring me pictures, send me things and say “Hey, can you do this?” and then for me to attack it, see if it’s something I really want to do. I just love when people do that, and anytime I kind of get bored doing a few similar things, someone new always comes along with something new I can try.

TSR: When would you really say your business went from a concept to actually functional?
Jennifer: It really took only about four months. With this type of business, there’s no overhead, we started at home as just a hobby.

TSR: Looking back, what was the most difficult challenge you faced right away?
Jennifer: Figuring out to say NO to things… people come up with things that are just them looking for a deal. I understand my value. People should realize what you are doing counts.

 TSR: What do you enjoy the most about the Spartanburg communities your business takes care of?
Jennifer: There’s just always someone wanting something done custom. I love custom work. I kind of tease and say there might be some people in Spartanburg that I am just outfitting their house because I can do what they want, just me.

TSR: If a potential customer has to pick from 3 different businesses providing what you provide, what would make your company really stand out, and them choose your company over the others?
Jennifer: I’m pretty fast at what I do. I am lucky to have a husband who does graphic art, I can’t do it myself and he can do whatever… I have enjoyed moving into the wood side, he really enjoys that while I can work on the customizations that they want. I am easy to work with.

TSR: Has internet technology played a big part in your growth, and making your company more successful?
Jennifer: It’s the only way to get out there anymore. It’s the only way I sell. If I don’t advertise, I don’t have orders.

TSR: Where do you see your business in the few months we have left of 2018? 
Jennifer: This will be my first full calendar year, my goal is to double what I’ve made in the six months previous. A huge bulk of my business is repeat customers.

TSR: What is it about your team players that contributes to your company's overall public perception?
Jennifer: My family… I have three beautiful girls, my children are very quick to post whatever I am making, and they encourage me all around. And what it had taught them… getting out of debt, working for something we want, like going on a cruise. The can see if you want something and you work for it, without using budget money, you can do it. Now one of my girls has started something all her own.

TSR: Thinking back to day one, can you think of anything you may have done differently to overcome challenges, and to meet your business goals in a more efficient amount of time?
Jennifer: I think just learning as you go along. I think I bought some things I ended up never needing, so we are learning as we go along. We change the processes as we learn a better way, a faster way. We won’t have a “one way” we do any one project… that would alter the creativity. We said from day one, if I get bored or overwhelmed, we will step back. This way I can just do my own thing.

To see more of Jennifer's creations, or to place an order for a creation of your own, visit their website MonoEmono Creations or on their Facebook page!