Monika Grewal
ElevEats Graze and Charcuterie
Charcuterie Designer, Owner and Operator
Facbook.com/ElevEats-Graze-Charcuterie
IG: @EleEatsGraze
(713) 298-4933
How did you get the idea to create your business?
I have always taken pleasure in being a hostess and putting together elaborate spreads for everyone to hang out around. Eventually, everyone started telling me that this is something I need to do as a business. After being pushed by my best friend and sister, I took the plunge!
What are you most passionate about?
My children and their happiness. But recently, discovering and redefining myself after so long has become a passion of mine.
How do you balance career and family life?
That’s something I’m still trying to figure out! I have three kids, all 5 years old and under, so it’s tough! But that’s why having my own business has been so great. It provides me the freedom of schedule so that I can work when I want and be there for my family as well.
What’s the best life advice you’ve ever received?
Stop worrying or thinking about what other people will say or think and just do you. It’s never too late to start over or redefine yourself. Always trust your inner voice.
Why is your business different?
It’s not a mass-produced factory product. There’s a uniqueness and a little bit of me in each board.
Carla Francis & Monica Hutcheson
Hangerlust, online boutique
Co-owners
What are some major values or principles you live by?
C: Live every day to the fullest and enjoy what you’re doing! Treat others as you would want to be treated, being honest and respectful has always served us well.
What are you most passionate about?
M: Being able to use our creative sides to make women feel beautiful has always been a passion of ours.
What’s the best life advice you’ve ever received?
C: Don’t sweat the small stuff and never lose sight of the big picture.
What do you enjoy most about your business?
M: When you put an outfit together and someone says, “I never would have thought to put that together.” Then when they order it as we have styled it, we feel extremely rewarded!
How did you get the idea to create your business?
We have always been passionate about shopping! Being both laid off from the corporate world made us put our lives in perspective and re-evaluate what truly made us happy. We looked at each other one day and said, “Let’s start a business together.” Once we figured out what we were both passionate about, the rest was history.
Ema Lodhi
Sip and See Party
Owner, Event Stylist
IG: @SipandSeeParty
What are some major values or principles you live by?
Life is short, do the things that bring you joy. Buy the dress, take that trip that you wanted to take, and do what you love.
What are you most passionate about?
Family. They are the core of my passion and everything stems from them. I always had a passion for creativity but my children help me take it to a new level.
What’s the best life advice you’ve ever received?
Be patient. Whatever it is we are seeking or waiting for, we must be patient. Patience is perseverance, strength, endurance, steadfastness and determination. Patience is everything.
How did you get the idea to create your business?
The idea stemmed from designing parties for my family. I had a difficult time finding small tables and seating rentals for children (we have a big family). My mother-in-law encouraged me to start my own business and I finally took the leap. Best decision ever.
Why is your business different?
Tiny details make all the difference especially when they are handmade. Each client will truly get something from me that can’t be purchased anywhere else because I design and create it myself in-house.
Carmalyn McCracken and Teresa Nornes
Care Package Queens
Founders and Co-owners
What are some major values or principles you live by?
C: I try to stay in the present. Stress comes from thinking about the future “what ifs” and guilt comes from the past “should haves,” but in the present I am able to find gratitude and joy!
What’s the best life advice you’ve ever received?
T: Be dependable and always do your best.
What are you most passionate about?
C: I am most passionate about helping others find joy. Life can be so messy and chaotic that sometimes we feel there is not much to be happy about, but I love helping others find their joy along the messy way.
Why is your business different?
T: We are different because we focus on creating gifts to touch the soul, with inspiring products and messages to uplift the recipient.
What do you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?
C: I love that I am responsible for every success, I am constantly being pushed out of my comfort zone and learning how to do new things regularly, and finally I can decide how to give back to the community.
How did you get the idea to create your business?
C: Many friends wanted to send packages and their package would sit in their back seat for weeks. Because we love shopping and creating, we made it easy for customers to ship wonderful packages to their favorite people! It is a win/win.