Rising Stars: Meet Monica Abrego

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Abrego.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My business first started when COVID happened and everyone had to be masked. I started making myself and my family masks and then my mom started referring her coworkers to me and my coworkers asked if I could make them masks and it took off. I later then started to make badge reels for my fellow healthcare workers and I was told that I should create an Instagram account to start promoting my products and I did, and now I currently sell my items inside Pretty Little Poppy Marketplace. To see my items available inside a shop has been my greatest accomplishment for my business thus far. I love to learn new crafts so then I learned how to make tumblers, shirts, and now I currently offer knitted words for wall decor. I never thought that I would be where I am today with my small business, but I love what I do and I love being able create something special for everyone.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This road has been far from smooth. I was working full-time Monday thru Friday 8:30-5, and would work on my business after work. It has been a struggle trying to balance my regular job, keep up with orders, take care of my family, find time to work out and keep up with life. There were many times I wanted to give up because it was all overwhelming and I felt like I was always working. Social media is also somewhat a struggle because there is so much pressure to create content and post constantly to grow, and that contributes to stress and doubt. Many times I thought, “Well, there are so many other businesses creating the same thing”. But I love creating, I love crafting, and crafting helps with the stress from being a nurse.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
One thing I am most proud of is graduating as Valedictorian from nursing school. I left my receptionist position to go to school full time and my daughter at that time was about four years old. Being able to graduate and have my daughter there was such an indescribable feeling because I did it for her. At work, I am known as the one who creates the cute badge reels or the crafty nurse.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The biggest form of support, for me, is word of mouth or a simple sharing on social media. I am open to all ideas and collaborations, so I can be contacted via email or a message on Instagram.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.craftynursecorner.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/craftynursecorner