An Interview with Mompreneur Jacqueline ‘Jacq’ Cua So, Proprietor of Sparkle Accessories Galore
Jacqueline So has been married for 7 years and blessed with 2 lovely kids (one is 6 years old and other one is 1 year old). She is a full time mom and never really worked in a corporate environment. She is used to focus all her attention and energy to her family, but of course, she realized that she also needed to do something during her free time. Because of her prayers, God made her realize that she can turn her passion for designing and creating accessories into something profitable.
Jacq So with her husband, Brad, her eldest daughter Breanna Katelyn and her son Brennan Marcus
Ginger: Hi Jacq! Tell us more about Sparkle Accessories Galore.
Jacq: My business, Sparkle Accessories Galore, officially started last December 2012. I make one of a kind, luxe and handcrafted headpieces that would make any girl feel like a true princess. I consider my headbands as modern day tiaras. I want the girls wearing them to feel extra special knowing what they’re wearing is one of a kind.
Currently, they are available in Baby Fashionistas Eastwood City Mall and Lucky Chinatown Plaza in Manila. I am also planning to distribute my goods online.
Sparkle Accessories Galore
Ginger: How cute! Who is your market for your products, Jacq?
Jacq: I target mothers who want their girls to standout and feel special. Mothers are not easy targets, they can be meticulous when it comes to their daughters. But I manage to satisfy their needs by giving them unique designs and prices that are reasonable.
Sparkle Accessories Galore products
Ginger: How did you come up with this idea? What made you decide to start this kind of business?
Jacq: I came up with this idea when my daughter wanted to buy a headband in a specific color and design. As a mom I don’t want her to get upset knowing that I won’t find the headband that she wanted, so I made one for her and thank God, she loved it.
I decided to start the business when friends and mothers from school started to notice the pieces and asked if I can make some for their daughters.
Cute Accessories from Sparkle Accessories Galore!
Ginger: Wow! That’s impressive! So it started with a need that your own daughter ‘presented’ to you. Were there any obstacles that you faced when you decided to pursue becoming a momtrepreneur? What are these?
Jacq: Focus is my biggest concern. My business is about producing the product myself, so when I am “in the zone”, I do not want to be disturbed. However, there are times when I have to stop because my children or husband demands for my attention, so instead of doing my craft in the morning, I do it at night, when my kids and husband are already sleeping.
Nice Necklaces!
Ginger: What are three traits that you think a mompreneur should have when starting their own business?
Jacq:
– You have to like what you are doing. Designing and creating is what I like to do and so I do not feel like it’s work when I am doing my accessories; it is my therapy and “Me” time.
– You need to explore. You have to find what works for the market in terms of price, product, place and promo. Don’t stop till everything works smoothly.
– Take prudent risks. Hollywood has romanticized entrepreneurship, that they are risk takers and get rich quick. In real life it is about hard work, determination and commitment to continuous improvement. Entrepreneurs don’t take risks, they avert risks, and that what makes them successful.
Cute Headbands! I can’t wait for Baby Zeeka to wear them!
Ginger: Is their any unforgettable lesson that you learned as a Momtrepreneur?
Jacq: I used to doubt my designs before. I was afraid the market will not like it or they will not buy my products, but I was wrong. During the first week of my release, around 50 pieces were sold. There are a couple of lessons here. You are better than you think and just do it, so do not doubt your capabilities.
Ginger: What advice can you give to other Momtrepreneurs?
Jacq: To all the mothers with businesses out there, this is my simple advice. Our priority should always be our family and not business, because we are called momtrepreneurs and not entrepmoms.:-)
Ginger: That’s good advice for the momtrepreneurs out there, Jacq. I will be sure to keep that in mind when my own baby is born. Thank you so much!
Sparkle Accessories Galore Contact information:
a. Email address: sparkleag@hotmail.com
b. Mobile Number: +63917-5639781 or +63906-4084513
c. Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sparkle-Accessories-Galore/467763563273710
* Products are currently available in Baby Fashionistas Eastwood City Mall and Lucky Chinatown Plaza in Manila
