Doer of the Week: Suzanna Vasilevski

What were you doing (careerwise) when you decided to create your own business?
I am a primary school teacher; I had been teaching for seven years. I have always been one with creative flair from a young age; after the birth of my two boys, I felt there was something more creative that I could do.

When did you start your business?
It was during my time at home on maternity leave in 2008 that I decided to create Mon Tresor. I felt inspired by my boys to create stylish birthday parties and dessert tables. Making hair bows and bracelets was my girly outlet as I was surrounded by only boys at home! I found myself blogging and using social media as a means to promote Mon Tresor and gain inspiration.

When did you know that you could really make a go of this?
My ribbon bows and bracelets were quickly snapped up by boutiques and I received a lot of positive feedback. I then delved into creating cupcake toppers and sourcing unique “party pretties,” which in turn inspired me to create my own online emporium. It all flowed naturally and the timing has been just perfect.

How did you turn your idea/dream into a business plan?
I always write down my ideas and dreams and work toward my goals so that Mon Tresor can continue to grow. I like to have a clear direction; I am constantly learning about the business side of things.

What inspired you to do this?
My two beautiful boys have inspired me to create stylish parties and source gorgeous party products. This, together with my love for handmade products, has been my passion and inspiration for Mon Tresor.

What was your start-up cost? How did you get the money and what did you use it for?
My initial start up cost was about $1,000 -- this was purely for materials to create my handmade girls’ accessories. Once this was proving to be successful, we used some of our savings to purchase party products and create a website. We had a budget for advertising online and in magazines too.

What was the biggest obstacle?
The biggest obstacle in the beginning was getting my business name out there. Now it’s being able to find sufficient storage space at home for all my products and collection of vessels, cake stands, and more!

Did your friends and family support your dream?
My husband has always been so supportive of me and my ideas from the very beginning, and I always receive encouragement and praise from family and friends.

How did you maintain your confidence when doors were closed in your face, when people didn’t get it or said “no”?
It was hard in the beginning to face being told “no.” I am always one to please, so it was definitely an eye-opener. I remain positive and confident by not focusing on the negative. Instead, I look at the positive light -- this is what keeps me going. Having a supportive husband and encouragement has helped me in a huge way.

How long did it take you to get everything off the ground?
Once I had purchased my products and tools and had my website created, it all grew from there in approximately one month.

How long did it take for your business to become profitable?
My overhead was quite low, so within the first year I was able to see a profit. As soon as I opened my online store and used social media outlets to promote Mon Tresor, I gained more and more customers.

What’s the hardest part of what you do?
The hardest part is that I am constantly working, making, creating, e-mailing, or on the phone or Internet. I am eager to please and meet urgent orders and deadlines. I need to be sure that I stick to a set balance of work and home.

What's the most fun part of what you do?
I love coming up with new designs for my latest party printable collection, as well as finding new party products for Mon Tresor. I love receiving beautiful feedback from my clients; it always puts a huge smile on my face and is a reminder of why I love doing this.

Where do you work from?
I currently work from home and hope to find a studio/storefront in the near future.

How have you been using social media to grow your business?
Social media has been a fabulous tool for me to promote and grow Mon Tresor. I love the networking aspect and being able to chat with others who love to do what I do. Being featured on numerous well-known blogs, such as Amy Atlas Events, has been so rewarding and has opened up many opportunities. I am regularly on Facebook and Twitter, and like to blog as well.

Do you have entrepreneurial role models? What’s so inspiring about them?
I have always been a huge fan of Martha Stewart’s work; she is my role model. I have religiously recorded her shows to watch over and over. I am also an avid reader of Martha’s website, where I continually gain inspiration and ideas. Another wonderful role model for me is Amy Atlas. Her designs and her work are ever so inspiring. It would be an absolute dream and an honor to be able to meet both my role models one day.

If you had it to do over again, what, if anything, would you do differently?
Nothing to date. I have had the luxury of taking small steps that have been well thought out, and so far things have been great.

What is your favorite product/service that you offer?
My favorite product/service is styling dessert tables and creating party printables to coordinate.

What advice would you give to Dreamers who haven’t become Doers yet?
Do what you love doing most and do not be afraid to try.

Is your "Dreamer" business your full-time job?
I am currently still teaching two days a week. I aim to turn Mon Tresor into my full-time job in the near future. 

Keep Up with Suzanna and Mon Tresor

MonTresor.com.au

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