As you probably noticed from all of my Handmade Haven posts, I’m a pretty big fan of handmade businesses. I love that every piece is unique and I love supporting small businesses. Combine that with my soft spot for mommas and my new Momtrepreneur column was born.
Once a month I plan to interview a small business owning momma to get an inside look at how she juggles it all. This month I’m talking to Monica from Moon Over Maize.
Tell me a little bit about your business. When did you start it? What inspired you to get it going? Did you start before or after having your kids?
I started Moon Over Maize in spring of 2008. My second baby, who was born at home, was about 8 months old and I was wanting to try my hand at designing and creating jewelry. It was something I had done several times in the past, but I felt like I wanted to take it further this time. A few of my other home birthing friends asked me to come up with a piece for them to wear that also incorporated our passion for home birth. That is really where it all began.
Moon Over Maize rainbow moonstone sterling silver doula necklace
Moon Over Maize breastfeeding birthstone necklace
How do you balance motherhood and running your business?
Balancing motherhood and running my business has been relatively easy as I always make being a mom the priority. Most of my jewelry work happens after my children are asleep and on the weekends when my husband watches them. I have three children and the older two are home schooled so my days are filled with reading, writing, crafting, adding/subtracting, etc. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What inspires you creatively?
In my shop you will find a section devoted to pregnancy, home birth, midwives, and doulas. My inspiration for this line comes from my love for the beauty of pregnancy and my experience with my wonderful midwife and doula. The other pieces in my shop are inspired by natural stones of all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Finding unique stones to make into jewelry is so much fun and something I have been doing since childhood.
Do you have any tips for other moms who are looking to turn their passion into a business?
If you have a passion for something I say… go for it! There are always bumps and bruises along the way, but stick with it and see where it takes you.
Moon Over Maize rainbow moonstone oxidized sterling silver necklace
Moon Over Maize black tourmalinated quartz sterling silver necklace
Moon Over Maize natural aquamarine sterling silver necklace
Moon Over Maize personalized latitude longitude necklace
Monica is generously offering Cuddles and Chaos readers a 20% off discount on pieces in her shop for the next five days. Just enter coupon code CUDDLES at checkout!
Related posts:
Hi! I'm Jen, a freelance writer and girl mom who loves reading the newest children’s books as much as I love a good psychological thriller. I believe fiercely in the power of kindness, empathy, and really good quality chocolate. When I'm not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find me sprawled out on my couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on my face. The struggle is real. 
Leave a Comment