Interview with: SG Monogram

Who is SG Monogram?
SG Monogram is a website boutique that specializing in personalized gifts for women, children and babies. It's our goal to offer fun and unique products that make the special occasions in our customers lives even more meaningful. (We are located in) Michigan.


How did you come up with your business name?
SG are my initials (or monogram)and Monogram gifts are the core of our gift offerings. I wanted the name to be personal because that was what I was offering my customers.

When and why did you decide to start your own business?
It had taken my husband and me a long time to get pregnant. When we were finally blessed with a sweet baby boy, I couldn't imagine leaving him to go back to work in my corporate job. When I was pregnant with my son I was showered with the most beautiful personalized gifts from family & friends. Because I had received so many compliments from other moms on my personalized baby items, I wanted to offer other women the same opportunity to bless their friends and families with similar special gifts.


How did you get started?
I created a website and began contacting potential vendors. I looked for products that were created by moms like myself and were what I refer to as "great quality". I began hosting home shows to let people know about my business. When people saw the variety and quality of products and started buying I knew I was onto something.
What motivates you to keep your business going?
My family motivates. It's such a privilege to have the opportunity to be home with my son. I also love that I can use the skills I learned in my previous positions to be a mother and entrepreneur.


Do you have a particular product that's a best seller on your site?
We do really well with our children's products. Our lap desks and monogrammed crayon keepers sell really well. They are reasonable priced and make great gifts. Our women's monogrammed jewelry and totes are also really great sellers.

How do you advertise your business? Which methods proved successful/effective?
I do a pay per click campaign and am constantly working on my site’s SEO to move up in the search engine rankings. I write press releases and advertising in the local newspapers and magazines. I also do home shows that have been really great word of mouth advertising.


How do you juggle family and work at home?
It's difficult at times. I try to keep a schedule of when I will be working, usually evenings or early mornings. When things seem to be getting unbalanced, I refocus my energy on what matters most. My family is my first priority.

What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
Set a schedule. Talk to other moms that have similar businesses and find out what works or doesn't work. Be willing to take risks and fail at times. I've learned the some of the greatest things from my failures.


Current promotions/specials at SG Monogram:
We are offering 10% off our monogrammed frames for graduation gifts May - June.


Anything else you'd like to add about SG Monogram or about being a WAHM in general?
It's really amazing to be able to work from home and raise your children.


Visit SG Monogram at: www.sgmonogram.com