Monica, this story has spoken to me on so many levels! I am 41!!!! 41!!! And it's so refreshing to me to know that you chose your small business!! I have struggled with being a creative and being o k with it!! Socety tells us one thing, but our love can pull us another way! Thank you for sharing your story, now I don't feel so guilty for being who I am and perusing what I'm doing!!
I started my small business in 2005. In 2008 I quit my corporate job of 10 years and have never regretted it. Good luck to you! Stay strong and focused! You can do this!!!!
you might feel disappointed bc deep down people tell us this as a hobby but it's not. you don't need to have 2 jobs. you just went into a new full time career and it's beautiful
Monica, you have inspired this 57-year-old to continue following her dreams! Love your authenticity. You will go very far in whatever you set your mind to!! Thank you always for sharing your journey with us!! ❤🎉
Why are we always are our worst critic? You’re doing absolutely amazing, super inspiring. You’re gonna do big things I can see it! Keep going to reach your full potential and don’t loose sight of where you want to go.🎉
Your newest life story is my goal - being an entrepreneur of my small business. You shouldn’t be disappointed in yourself - you’re opening a new chapter of your life and it’s ah-mazing! I’m so so so proud of you and you should be too! 💕
omg ive been wondering when this was going to happen for you!! congratulations girl you've been flat out lately hopefully this is a huge weight off your shoulders!! 11:20 omg im in tears girl I hope this has made you come up for air
1. i really feel like this is the video that’s going to blow up for you 2. thank you for being such an aspirational to women creatives, women in stem, and women in general. you are doing it all monica and you are an inspiration 3. i have been watching you since 2020 and im this makes me so emotional and proud to see you spread your wings
You receiving that opportunity was your sign from the universe that you are in the right path! Congratulations on this new journey and thank you for literally recording every little bit! I just subscribed a few days ago and OBSESSED with your content!
This is so inspiring!! I’m a mom with a full time job who just started a small business selling second hand clothes at markets. I love your videos I play them in the background while I get things ready for my markets! Thanks for sharing with us ❤
I’m also a mom with a career but starting a coffee roasting company! I just wanted to say you’re not alone! My baby and my business are the same age basically and both are growing wonderfully!! I’m also proud one day I get to tell my babies you can do anything because mama can too!
Yes! So happy for you. I quit my corporate accounting career after 27 years at the same company. I have been an entrepreneur for 4 years. Giving up the 6 figure salary to do what I want has been the best decision of my life. I wish you all the best and look forward to following along.
I'm crying as I watched this video as I'm going through a similar journey not being able to let go off the title you've been known so many years but to try something new. I paused the video and literally booked market stalls something i have been meaning to do preparing but shifting the goal posts again and again for about a year. Congratulations for being brave and the most inspiration person that who I can relate to 110%.
Good for you!! I’m 42 and quit my job two years ago and had no idea what I wanted to do. 😂 As a single mother, I was terrified, but I was burnt out trying to jungle motherhood and a demanding job, so I just took a leap of faith. A year ago I fell in love with making candles and I’ve been watching your pop up shop videos the last few months as I try to get up the nerve to participate in my first one. Congratulations on your new journey, while it’s scary, it’s so worth it! May God bless you and your company to continue thriving! You got this!!
Girl! You are so inspiring. I am also a software engineer turned hobbyist this year due to a huge tech layoff. YOU actually QuitTING your corporate job was a balls-move that I never mustered the courage for so thank goodness for the layoff. You being able to juggle a side hustle while having your 9-5 is incredible. This documentation of your journey was a joy to watch. Wishing you such amazing success for your future and I can't wait to watch you grow.
When I tell you I SCREAMED! EEEeeeeee giiiirl!!!!, this is the best video to come back to after a very difficult day in my own small cleaning business! You're an inspiration! Congratulations on hopping 100% self employed small biz owner. Proud of you!
This video is what I needed the most. I recently quit my 9-6 to try to pursue my dreams as a small business owner, but I have spent this past week kinda regretting it or feeling disappointed for not being able to get it all done with the limited time I had. I've been watching your videos for some time now, and you are more than an inspiration, thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings and being so transparent with your viewers, I truly hope everything goes as you wish! Sending love from the Dominican Republic.
I have been working in a corporate for 6 years and I am an entrepreneur since high school. My business has been on and off but lately since I quit my corporate job a month ago and decided to be a full time entre and nothing can ever compare the feeling of freedom and doing the things that I am really meant to do. I am happy for you and congratulations!!! Welcome to our world of full-time entrepreneur. 🥰🥰🥰
10:12 "I was so overwhelmed with choosing the different things that I could fit into my life that I got to the point where I didn't choose... and I tried to do it all." WOW. This is so profound and just unlocked something in my brain as I'm going through the exact same challenge in my early 30s. TY for sharing your story, Monica. 💖
Hi Monica Honestly I recently discovered you on youtube because I’m planning a business expo pop up for small businesses for my community. I am also a I was just randomly searching for inspiration and I bounced upon you and your content. I was glued to your videos. I enjoy them so much and you too. I am from a small twin Island nation called Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean. I am much older than you but I love your spirit and I’m introducing my girls to your videos. All the best in your new season!
All I did was smile when I saw this because I knew this day was coming. I have noticed a change in you and I think it's because you had already made the decision to leave your job...but you weren't letting on. 😊 Good on you girl! Wanna know something? I did the exact same thing last year. After 17yrs of corporate life, it was time. I'm too much of a creative person to let this all go to waste. So at 56 years young, in 2023, I did it. Said "hasta la pasta" and never looked back! To those reading this, make sure your heart and mind are in alignment because once you make the decision, that weight is lifted and you'll be able to create what you will. It's your life. Live it!!! ✌️ - Iris
Dear Monica, what a brave and courageous woman you are. I've been a subscriber since you only had 1k+ subscribers. I've been watching your channel grow these past couple of years. You're an inspiration! I wish you all the best with your creative business. God bless! Love from Malaysia ❤
At 25:00 can totally relate and i love how you manifest things.. wishing both of us/all of us including everybody watching, so much luck in our journey of entrepreneurship❤❤❤ cheers! To success and more things to love.🎉❤
Your video was recommended to me and I'm so happy for you and cheering you on! Not everyone gets to this place the same way but being able to pursue creative dreams is totally worth it. Congrats on quitting! I don't think you will regret it.
getting that email on your last day...oh my god what a SIGN. soo happy for you! i know things are not always perfect, but what an absolute dream to be able to give your small business EVERYTHING now. beautiful, amazing, so proud😭
This is incredibly inspiring! Your decision to transition from your corporate job to pursuing your creative passions as a small business owner is truly admirable😊It takes a great deal of courage and dedication to make such a bold move, and your journey is a powerful reminder that it's possible to follow one's dreams. Wishing you continued success and fulfillment in this exciting new chapter!❤💯
THANK YOU for sharing this. I am in the middle of feeling like I am failing at all of the aspects in my life right now. I'm an engineer, an artist, and I enjoy fitness and friends and family. ITS TOUGH.
I always knew that day would come… I could see how determined you are dedicated, driven and for a good reason. You are AMAZING in all your skills. DO THE DOG-GONE THING GIRL!!!!
I am also a computer science gal and full-time software engineer, with a crafty side business. You are living my dream of taking your business full-time. I’ve been watching your videos for a while and think you are going to do great.
I'm a 9-5'er - juggling a handmade side hustle, with an end goal of quitting/retiring the 9-5 in a few years. You truly are my inspiration! I've been watching you for over a year now and was so happy for you, when I saw this video post. CONGRATULATIONS!
Oh my goodness this is the most amazing video I've ever seen! Firstly, you are so so great with your video content- it is so raw and real and I love how you just do you in your videos and they feel like such quality! Secondly, you are such an amazing person and have worked so hard to get to this point! I love your motivation for all of this! I wish you all the best for the future of your small buisness! I'm also very excited to see more market/small buisness content! I need to buy one of your matcha candles also! Haha!
This video resonates with me so much, Monica! I'm also a SWE (class of 2019) and I quit my big tech job in January this year for my mental health and to pursue a creative passion because I have so many ideas I want to execute and I think about it nonstop. But 4 months into my funemployment my company reached out and basically handed me an offer letter. I couldn't say no bc it was too good to pass up and my team sounded a lot better than my previous team. I told myself I can still do my passion projects on the side if I manage my time better. That's still in progress haha because I started my fitness journey too and it's so hard to juggle everything! Anyway I'm super proud of you and can't wait to see where this takes you and all the things you'll do with the empire you've built. You're such an inspiration and I'm rooting for you!!
So HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! This is so exciting 🎉 you got THIS!!! Congratulations 😎 Can’t wait to see what you accomplish next ❤. Your going to kill it!!! You go girl!!!
I never really comment on videos but I felt the need to say this: I think you're incredibly self-aware, and your viewers can tell you aren't taking anything for granted, nor that you are a failure. Those people who juggle everything at once only really show you the good parts. No one --and I mean no one-- can handle to have every second of their day to commit to, well, commitments. It's not realistic. Also, you mentioned that you won't be waking up and working from start till end of day -- but you still will be. It just won't be for your corporate job, it's for your small business that you're truly passionate about. And THAT'S amazing. Be proud of yourself and give yourself some credit :) I'm a new subscriber but I definitely see the hard work and passion that goes into your small business
Incredible! I have been wondering for quite some time how you've been coping with running a handmade business, plus the business of UA-cam on top of a job! Congratulations on going all in on Monica's - you will not regret it 💜💜💜
Congratulations on your big decision - I left a fulltime job to also become an entrepreneur. It's now 34 years later - the business is still what I love (nothing better than being your own boss and working from home). It taught both my children entrepreneurial skills that have stood them both in good stead. It paid the bills and filled my cup - I'm sure you'll have the same experience. All the best for the road forward - keep on enjoying it!
I can’t even explain how much this video has touched me. Being a shy kid I also made so many choices in life that made me feel accepted. I am also a software engineer with a heart for art. I just started my first UA-cam channel after being too afraid for years and years and watching your first vlog video just made me smile and feel like everything is going to be okay. This video was very inspirational so thank you for sharing. ❤
The letter was such a heartfelt, heartwarming message knowing that you will be missed because you was treasured but you will be missed because it’s time to step out on faith. Sooo excited for your new journey your embracing, you’re so talented and this journey that God has for you is just the beginning of many opportunities. Congratulations girlie.
Omg am crying because I just quit a tiny shop and concentrating now on making class charts doing craft classes and now enjoying craft market what a coincidence I feel so good
Congratulations! I remember when my husband and I started a lawn care business and we discussed him quitting his "9-5" because we were so busy he didn't have time for both. It was scary but so liberating. I know exactly how you are feeling and this video is amazing. So excited for your new journey! Enjoy life, work hard, love yourself and love others! You got this!
Congratulations! The way you described your career choice and journey is so similar to how I ended up as a data scientist. I’m now only starting my own art business and trying to make that work so it’s so inspiring to me to see someone with such a similar life story to me living out the dream!
Monica , your journey is truly inspiring and you have become one of my favorite UA-camrs. From your energy, creativity and drive it’s amazing to watch. Im not sure what your beliefs are, but God truly has his hand over your life (these aren’t just coincidences). You put in the work and the opportunities are meeting you there. We are all rooting for you!!! & can’t wait to see you win in this new beginning
Yay! Congrats for taking this next life step. 🎉 🎂 I did kind of the flip from you. I worked in IT for decades - climbed the corporate ladder and put my crafty-maker self way, way, WAY in the background for years. I loved what I did in IT and the people I worked with. I loved the challenges and the sense of accomplishment but the downsizing/layoff/restructuring/whatever-ever-you-want-to-call it in IT is real and hard to watch and the burnout in that space is real as well. Now in my 50s, and no longer in the corporate world, I’m dusting off my crafty, creative self and giving this “making a living from the things I make” thing a go and getting used to calling myself a maker and entrepreneur. It’s exciting AND scary 😉. Thanks for sharing your journey so far. It’s very inspiring indeed.
Ah I love this! I quit my SWE job to be a full time artist. It’s challenging but I love working for myself and wouldn’t have it any other way. Congrats!
You 1000% aren’t letting anyone down, especially not the working girls with side hustles! You are living the dream! You’re the inspiration! Enjoy this ride. Although I have no doubt that you will be successful, even if you go back to a corporate job at some point, that would not make you a failure. You are experimenting and living a full life. Congratulations Monica!!🎉
WOW! I saved this video for my watch laters and I watched it after I did the same thing! I’m on week 3 and the “feeling disappointed in myself“ MADE ME CRY! You tend to feel alone, but you have to remind yourself why you jumped and made that leap of faith! This is beautiful! So inspiring!😢❤🎉
Monica, this video has helped me realize how important it is to set priorities in life and by you sharing all of your personal struggles, I also realized - I’m not alone. The impostor syndrome, the fear and the anxiety but essentially, I know what I want deep down and what needs to be done. I have been practicing abundant mindset for so long now and it’s time I put it INTO practice and use my powers to manifest my dream life for myself in reality. Thank you for being so honest and thank you for being authentic. Much, MUCH love to you ❤
You. Are. Inspiring! Like you, my strong and lingering interest of having an official UA-cam channel is hard to shake, and I've finally decided to go for it. And I relate to how your career became your identity. Hearing how you overcame that helps me feel validated. Good luck in all you do! Please continue to make videos! Love seeing your growth and hearing your story ☺
This video inspired me so much. Especially the part where you JUST quit and made a spot into the winter village at Bryant Park! It just proved sometimes you need to make room for bigger blessings and they will come! Excited to follow along your journey!!!
Thanks for sharing! I am an electrical engineer. I quit 8 years ago to live on a sail boat and it was really hard. I recently learned pottery and feel I can do it instead of engineering, but it is scary. We are selling the sailboat and have to earn income and I am struggling with getting an engineering job that is quarantined money or do I go full throttle with pottery. It is a tough decision. I feel better hearing your story! This is the first video of yours I have seen, so I will be binge watching others! I wish the best and great success!
thank you so much for sharing this - as someone who's constantly struggling to find the balance for my current 9-5 corporate job, my small business, in-person vendor events, and still trying to squeeze in everything else in between while trying to show up with the best version of myself, it's extremely eye-opening to listen to others' experiences and see how they navigate the journey in their own way. i've only been following along very recently, but i'm so happy for your growth over the years and i'm so excited to see what the future has in store for you and your business!!
I’m a full time small business owner and have been since college so actually girlie. Welcome. It’s just a transition to different subset of awesome humans. 😊
You are NOT letting anyone down. This is the next phase! You were doing it all and now your business is scaling up, which means something needs to be let go and that is the corporate job. You are living the dream, ENJOY it!
Congratulations on all of your many accomplishments! Having a corporate job was a stepping stone to you living your best life as an entrepreneur! I would like to say Thank you for all the business knowledge you have given over the years! I personally have learned a lot! It has helped me in my own small business! You will do well at the Market because you will make it your own! Enjoy yourself and much success!
I am so happy you shared this with us. I personally have been struggling with picking what to do and feeling like a failure if I quit my job to pursue something that I love which is crafting! Thank you for sharing this!
First of all Monica let me just say Congratulations!! I am so incredibly proud of you! I have been watching you grow for a while now and have to say that you are so inspiring to me! You have most definitely NOT failed! Not yourself or us! I am 61 yrs old and you have helped give me the courage to pursue my own dreams of getting my business up and running!! Thank you for all that you have done, all that you have shared and all that you’ve inspired us to do! I cannot wait to see all the wonderful doors that will be opening for you and your business!! Seriously girly, so proud of you!! ❤❤. Completely inspiring!! ❤❤
You have achieved what I hope too! Quitting the 9-5 to spend more time doing what truly inspires you. I hope to be able to one day follow in your footsteps and make my small business my main "job". Congratulations you are an inspiration to all small businesses. 🎉❤
OMG! What an inspiring story! I am a native NYer and living in Georgia for many years raising my family. Bryant Park...I want to cry for you...I used to dream about doing something...anything...at Bryant Park!!! lol. Congratulations! BTW...I just discovered you a fews days ago when I came across your video about how much you made for one weekend vlog. I am subscribing! Oh, and I used to work for BOA many years ago when it was NationsBank. You are my spirit animal, lol
Congratulations 🎈🎉 for pursuing your dreams!!! I’m torn between quitting my 9-5 job as well, BUT with this comfort messages and courage from you.. this definitely motivates me to ONE day get the chance to 100 percent focus on my small business dream too! Ty for sharing you inspire me and others around the world 🌎
Congrats! What you describe is so similar to my story. All through high school, i was one of the creative kids (always in the band room, always!) And went on to college (and grad school!) for physics. Wound up doing radar analysis and now a test planner. But 3 years ago, I started my small shop and I'm growing it every year. Ultimate goal is to grow large enough to mostly replace my salary and stop my full time job and stay home with my kids.
was watching one of your market prep videos the other day and was like "i wonder when monika is going to quit her day job?" so proud of you and happy for you!!!
Thank you SO MUCH for posting this video. I also just quit my job in management after ten years in the industry to pursue the already full-time “side careers” of professional dance and my small business. I was so nervous I put it off for weeks and weeks, but finally I needed to make my side hustles my main hustle. Seeing your video gives me so much confidence ❤️
The date on the screen said Oct 16, today is only the 15th. 😊 congrats wish I could quit my main job. More to come from Monica, yay! OMG can you imagine the stock you will need for that market. You will need to be away from your corporate job. You will also need at least one employee to cover sales time and creator time. Congrats. So many congrats. No let down at all. You go girl, a successful business owner! I'm almost crying.
Thank you for sharing, Monica. I'm sorry you feel like you're letting anyone down by not working a 9-5 anymore. You did it for as long as you could. Yes, please hold onto that proud of yourself feeling. This reality of yours is a norm too. 9-5 has been ingrained into us as the main way, plus doing our hobbies and side hustles. It doesn't have to be the main way though. Everyone's journey is different and going after your dream or what has been enjoyable for you is valid and necessary too! New sustainable jobs for ourselves is important too. Congratulations on this new journey. It does feel weird when everyone can't achieve stopping their 9-5 yet, but your truth is definitely an inspiration. Hang in there! I agree, we all deserve to reach peace.
We love you so much. You are not going to let us down, we promise. You inspire, motivate, and encourage me...and we have never even spoken directly. My eventual goal is the same thing yours was and you make me feel like it is possible. Thank you boo.
I let out an “aaaaahhhh!” When I realized you were at the Hoboken station! So strange seeing somewhere I go all of the time on a random UA-cam video lol This has given me a lot of confidence in going forward with my small business even though it’s digital, and I thank you for that
Love your video! This is what I needed to see while I am considering leaving my job and going all in on the "side hustle" right now. I will probably quit my job early next year and I am excited!
Imposter syndrome is so real!! I go through it often! I've been following you for a while now and am so happy to see your success!! Keep moving forward and live your best life!! I did start a new youtube channel after watching you- and am finding success there- I also changed jobs to an online teaching job- you inspire so many of us!
your story is so inspiring. i feel like i have never really been around people that also creative small business owners so it feels a bit silly doing this side hustle while everyone is going the traditional route. i am currently in school for computer science and it has been rough but i also do markets and sell online the things that i create. even though school has been rough, i still want to continue all the way through and have my corporate girl era to just prove to myself that i can do it. i want to be able to have a time in my career where i enjoy what i do but be able to leave once i feel like its time like you did. it so reassuring to see that even though i put myself in so many baskets (like you have) i can focus on just one and its going to be okay and that i can always go back to the other when i want to.
Thank you so much for speaking to those who “want to do it all” and CAN. Ive always juggled everything and had many hobbies/interests. As i got older everyone around always told me i have to choose. There’s a truth to that- you do have to prioritize. The last thing i want is to neglect the other creative parts of me. Hears to the girlies with multiple hobbies 🎉
this channel is the highlight of my days and weeks! You have inspired me so much in my own small business. I am so happy for you! You have inspired me and so many other people. Cannot wait to see where this next chapter of your life begins!
I had to comment this because your experience reminded me of it, but you know that saying "jump and a parachute will appear"? Super excited for you! Congratulations!
I knew this was coming! There was a different pep in your step in the last few VLOGS. You go girl. I’m so happy for you and glad you took the leap. You got this
You are incredible! Not doing it all is not letting anyone down! It’s such a smart move to focus energy in the direction you want to go and reveling what is possible ❤️
Enjoy your new journey! So proud of you for being so brave!! You are going far and beyond Monica. Way to go Josh for holding your wife’s hand into her dream
I wish you all the success! You are inspiration! I would love to quit my 9-5 job. My corporate employer could careless if I were to leave and they would have me replaced before I said I quit. They've already done it to my whole department and I'm the only OG left of my department. But I AM concentrating on my dreams and working towards that.
Monica, girl, I am so proud of you!!! You inspire me so much. That is my absolute dream. Just a few years more of corporate work, and I will have the courage to quit and do what I love doing the most -- crafting!!!🎉
I don't often comment on youtube videos, but I found you during covid and I just want to say you are an inspiration. Congratulations on this decision and I look forward to continuing to follow your journey!
Monica Im so happy for you! I actually don't remember exactly when I subscribed but it was pretty early on. I loved your vibe, the music and the way you communicated with us. You inspired me to become a crafty girle and altough I dont have as much time now because of my full time work I want to get into it and also start making videos. I hope you continue to share your whole process with us. Best wishes from Perú!
I’m so proud of you. Watching this my heart is so happy right now. You are such an inspiration and I am working towards that joy you have. Keep shining and keep opening and stepping through those doors. Just keep it cracked for me. 😊 Thanks for sharing your journey so that those who wonder will know that it is absolutely possible to reach your goals. Peace and love.
Why am I so emotional trhu this video!? Omg, you're so inspiring! I am so proud of you for doing the scary things and sharing it with us. I show your channel to my kids and we watch you together. You are a badass! Thank you for what you do 🙏🏼 you're touching many lives.
you guys are the sense of community & friendship that I've been manifesting FOR YEARS. thank you for being here and making this happen🤍
Hi Monica your last name is a Muslim name or is it just sounding familiar
🥹😄
I’m so happy for you! Congratulations 🫶🏽🤍✨
I dont think I've ever been so proud of a stranger on the internet
honestly i love watching these type of videos!
1000%
Truth!
Same
This is a day that many creative people dream of! #YayYou
So True!!
... but bills keep coming, even while you're dreaming 😢
@@ingridcastillo1303 and family and life keep happening, so it's not like this...
YOU ARE NOT LETTING US DOWN. This is hands-down inspo through and through. You can just let that GO.
Monica, this story has spoken to me on so many levels! I am 41!!!! 41!!! And it's so refreshing to me to know that you chose your small business!! I have struggled with being a creative and being o k with it!! Socety tells us one thing, but our love can pull us another way! Thank you for sharing your story, now I don't feel so guilty for being who I am and perusing what I'm doing!!
so happy you resonated with the video🤍 thanks so much for watching!!
Can so relate to your great comment! How are you making a living from it though please?
I started my small business in 2005. In 2008 I quit my corporate job of 10 years and have never regretted it. Good luck to you! Stay strong and focused! You can do this!!!!
What’s your small business?
you might feel disappointed bc deep down people tell us this as a hobby but it's not. you don't need to have 2 jobs. you just went into a new full time career and it's beautiful
Monica, you have inspired this 57-year-old to continue following her dreams! Love your authenticity. You will go very far in whatever you set your mind to!! Thank you always for sharing your journey with us!! ❤🎉
your so kind hearted and I'm happy to see so many of us become inspired by Monica, I wish the both of you the best!
Why are we always are our worst critic? You’re doing absolutely amazing, super inspiring. You’re gonna do big things I can see it! Keep going to reach your full potential and don’t loose sight of where you want to go.🎉
Your newest life story is my goal - being an entrepreneur of my small business. You shouldn’t be disappointed in yourself - you’re opening a new chapter of your life and it’s ah-mazing! I’m so so so proud of you and you should be too! 💕
omg ive been wondering when this was going to happen for you!! congratulations girl you've been flat out lately hopefully this is a huge weight off your shoulders!!
11:20 omg im in tears girl I hope this has made you come up for air
1. i really feel like this is the video that’s going to blow up for you
2. thank you for being such an aspirational to women creatives, women in stem, and women in general. you are doing it all monica and you are an inspiration
3. i have been watching you since 2020 and im this makes me so emotional and proud to see you spread your wings
I'm currently a software engineer who also hopes to pursue art! You are a huge inspiration, so happy and excited for you!
You receiving that opportunity was your sign from the universe that you are in the right path! Congratulations on this new journey and thank you for literally recording every little bit! I just subscribed a few days ago and OBSESSED with your content!
watching this as a computer science major who also absolutely loves crafting and i am having a crisis, huge congrats to u!
This is so inspiring!! I’m a mom with a full time job who just started a small business selling second hand clothes at markets. I love your videos I play them in the background while I get things ready for my markets! Thanks for sharing with us ❤
I’m also a mom with a career but starting a coffee roasting company! I just wanted to say you’re not alone! My baby and my business are the same age basically and both are growing wonderfully!! I’m also proud one day I get to tell my babies you can do anything because mama can too!
Same here. Mommy. Corporate job. Handmake wall decor ❤
Anyone who relates to this comment actually has three jobs: full time, small business, and mother!
Yes! So happy for you. I quit my corporate accounting career after 27 years at the same company. I have been an entrepreneur for 4 years. Giving up the 6 figure salary to do what I want has been the best decision of my life. I wish you all the best and look forward to following along.
I'm crying as I watched this video as I'm going through a similar journey not being able to let go off the title you've been known so many years but to try something new. I paused the video and literally booked market stalls something i have been meaning to do preparing but shifting the goal posts again and again for about a year. Congratulations for being brave and the most inspiration person that who I can relate to 110%.
I can definately relate to this....
This is everyone’s dream!! Congratulations!! Working for yourself and not dealing with toxic managers and coworkers anymore
You are just adorbs! I enjoy your videos! I was a Pediatric ICU Nurse for 5 years and left to go full-time with my business!
Good for you!! I’m 42 and quit my job two years ago and had no idea what I wanted to do. 😂 As a single mother, I was terrified, but I was burnt out trying to jungle motherhood and a demanding job, so I just took a leap of faith. A year ago I fell in love with making candles and I’ve been watching your pop up shop videos the last few months as I try to get up the nerve to participate in my first one. Congratulations on your new journey, while it’s scary, it’s so worth it! May God bless you and your company to continue thriving! You got this!!
Everything will work out for your good.....
Girl! You are so inspiring. I am also a software engineer turned hobbyist this year due to a huge tech layoff. YOU actually QuitTING your corporate job was a balls-move that I never mustered the courage for so thank goodness for the layoff. You being able to juggle a side hustle while having your 9-5 is incredible.
This documentation of your journey was a joy to watch. Wishing you such amazing success for your future and I can't wait to watch you grow.
When I tell you I SCREAMED! EEEeeeeee giiiirl!!!!, this is the best video to come back to after a very difficult day in my own small cleaning business! You're an inspiration! Congratulations on hopping 100% self employed small biz owner. Proud of you!
This video is what I needed the most. I recently quit my 9-6 to try to pursue my dreams as a small business owner, but I have spent this past week kinda regretting it or feeling disappointed for not being able to get it all done with the limited time I had. I've been watching your videos for some time now, and you are more than an inspiration, thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings and being so transparent with your viewers, I truly hope everything goes as you wish! Sending love from the Dominican Republic.
I have been working in a corporate for 6 years and I am an entrepreneur since high school. My business has been on and off but lately since I quit my corporate job a month ago and decided to be a full time entre and nothing can ever compare the feeling of freedom and doing the things that I am really meant to do. I am happy for you and congratulations!!! Welcome to our world of full-time entrepreneur. 🥰🥰🥰
10:12 "I was so overwhelmed with choosing the different things that I could fit into my life that I got to the point where I didn't choose... and I tried to do it all."
WOW. This is so profound and just unlocked something in my brain as I'm going through the exact same challenge in my early 30s. TY for sharing your story, Monica. 💖
20:13 you didn’t fail!! That was not your path right now! I am so happy you decided to do what you love!! 💖
Hi Monica
Honestly I recently discovered you on youtube because I’m planning a business expo pop up for small businesses for my community. I am also a I was just randomly searching for inspiration and I bounced upon you and your content.
I was glued to your videos. I enjoy them so much and you too.
I am from a small twin Island nation called Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean.
I am much older than you but I love your spirit and I’m introducing my girls to your videos.
All the best in your new season!
the way I GASPED reading the title!! congrats girl, I can't wait to keep seeing what you accomplish!!
All I did was smile when I saw this because I knew this day was coming. I have noticed a change in you and I think it's because you had already made the decision to leave your job...but you weren't letting on. 😊 Good on you girl! Wanna know something? I did the exact same thing last year. After 17yrs of corporate life, it was time. I'm too much of a creative person to let this all go to waste. So at 56 years young, in 2023, I did it. Said "hasta la pasta" and never looked back!
To those reading this, make sure your heart and mind are in alignment because once you make the decision, that weight is lifted and you'll be able to create what you will. It's your life. Live it!!! ✌️ - Iris
this made me smile so hard!!! i love this for you
@TatasLife22 Thank you! Hope all is well.
Dear Monica, what a brave and courageous woman you are. I've been a subscriber since you only had 1k+ subscribers. I've been watching your channel grow these past couple of years. You're an inspiration! I wish you all the best with your creative business. God bless! Love from Malaysia ❤
At 25:00 can totally relate and i love how you manifest things.. wishing both of us/all of us including everybody watching, so much luck in our journey of entrepreneurship❤❤❤ cheers! To success and more things to love.🎉❤
Your video was recommended to me and I'm so happy for you and cheering you on! Not everyone gets to this place the same way but being able to pursue creative dreams is totally worth it. Congrats on quitting! I don't think you will regret it.
getting that email on your last day...oh my god what a SIGN. soo happy for you! i know things are not always perfect, but what an absolute dream to be able to give your small business EVERYTHING now. beautiful, amazing, so proud😭
This is incredibly inspiring! Your decision to transition from your corporate job to pursuing your creative passions as a small business owner is truly admirable😊It takes a great deal of courage and dedication to make such a bold move, and your journey is a powerful reminder that it's possible to follow one's dreams. Wishing you continued success and fulfillment in this exciting new chapter!❤💯
THANK YOU for sharing this. I am in the middle of feeling like I am failing at all of the aspects in my life right now. I'm an engineer, an artist, and I enjoy fitness and friends and family. ITS TOUGH.
I always knew that day would come… I could see how determined you are dedicated, driven and for a good reason. You are AMAZING in all your skills. DO THE DOG-GONE THING GIRL!!!!
I am also a computer science gal and full-time software engineer, with a crafty side business. You are living my dream of taking your business full-time. I’ve been watching your videos for a while and think you are going to do great.
I'm a 9-5'er - juggling a handmade side hustle, with an end goal of quitting/retiring the 9-5 in a few years. You truly are my inspiration! I've been watching you for over a year now and was so happy for you, when I saw this video post. CONGRATULATIONS!
Oh my goodness this is the most amazing video I've ever seen! Firstly, you are so so great with your video content- it is so raw and real and I love how you just do you in your videos and they feel like such quality! Secondly, you are such an amazing person and have worked so hard to get to this point! I love your motivation for all of this!
I wish you all the best for the future of your small buisness! I'm also very excited to see more market/small buisness content!
I need to buy one of your matcha candles also! Haha!
This video resonates with me so much, Monica! I'm also a SWE (class of 2019) and I quit my big tech job in January this year for my mental health and to pursue a creative passion because I have so many ideas I want to execute and I think about it nonstop. But 4 months into my funemployment my company reached out and basically handed me an offer letter. I couldn't say no bc it was too good to pass up and my team sounded a lot better than my previous team. I told myself I can still do my passion projects on the side if I manage my time better. That's still in progress haha because I started my fitness journey too and it's so hard to juggle everything! Anyway I'm super proud of you and can't wait to see where this takes you and all the things you'll do with the empire you've built. You're such an inspiration and I'm rooting for you!!
So HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! This is so exciting 🎉 you got THIS!!! Congratulations 😎
Can’t wait to see what you accomplish next ❤. Your going to kill it!!! You go girl!!!
I never really comment on videos but I felt the need to say this: I think you're incredibly self-aware, and your viewers can tell you aren't taking anything for granted, nor that you are a failure. Those people who juggle everything at once only really show you the good parts. No one --and I mean no one-- can handle to have every second of their day to commit to, well, commitments. It's not realistic. Also, you mentioned that you won't be waking up and working from start till end of day -- but you still will be. It just won't be for your corporate job, it's for your small business that you're truly passionate about. And THAT'S amazing. Be proud of yourself and give yourself some credit :) I'm a new subscriber but I definitely see the hard work and passion that goes into your small business
Incredible! I have been wondering for quite some time how you've been coping with running a handmade business, plus the business of UA-cam on top of a job! Congratulations on going all in on Monica's - you will not regret it 💜💜💜
Congratulations on your big decision - I left a fulltime job to also become an entrepreneur. It's now 34 years later - the business is still what I love (nothing better than being your own boss and working from home). It taught both my children entrepreneurial skills that have stood them both in good stead. It paid the bills and filled my cup - I'm sure you'll have the same experience. All the best for the road forward - keep on enjoying it!
I can’t even explain how much this video has touched me. Being a shy kid I also made so many choices in life that made me feel accepted. I am also a software engineer with a heart for art. I just started my first UA-cam channel after being too afraid for years and years and watching your first vlog video just made me smile and feel like everything is going to be okay. This video was very inspirational so thank you for sharing. ❤
The letter was such a heartfelt, heartwarming message knowing that you will be missed because you was treasured but you will be missed because it’s time to step out on faith.
Sooo excited for your new journey your embracing, you’re so talented and this journey that God has for you is just the beginning of many opportunities.
Congratulations girlie.
Omg am crying because I just quit a tiny shop and concentrating now on making class charts doing craft classes and now enjoying craft market what a coincidence I feel so good
I had the same feeling and quit my job this May! You are not alone! Keep going very inspirational.
Congratulations! I remember when my husband and I started a lawn care business and we discussed him quitting his "9-5" because we were so busy he didn't have time for both. It was scary but so liberating. I know exactly how you are feeling and this video is amazing. So excited for your new journey! Enjoy life, work hard, love yourself and love others! You got this!
Congratulations! The way you described your career choice and journey is so similar to how I ended up as a data scientist. I’m now only starting my own art business and trying to make that work so it’s so inspiring to me to see someone with such a similar life story to me living out the dream!
wow so happy you can relate! thanks so much for watching
Monica , your journey is truly inspiring and you have become one of my favorite UA-camrs. From your energy, creativity and drive it’s amazing to watch. Im not sure what your beliefs are, but God truly has his hand over your life (these aren’t just coincidences). You put in the work and the opportunities are meeting you there. We are all rooting for you!!! & can’t wait to see you win in this new beginning
Yay! Congrats for taking this next life step. 🎉 🎂 I did kind of the flip from you. I worked in IT for decades - climbed the corporate ladder and put my crafty-maker self way, way, WAY in the background for years. I loved what I did in IT and the people I worked with. I loved the challenges and the sense of accomplishment but the downsizing/layoff/restructuring/whatever-ever-you-want-to-call it in IT is real and hard to watch and the burnout in that space is real as well. Now in my 50s, and no longer in the corporate world, I’m dusting off my crafty, creative self and giving this “making a living from the things I make” thing a go and getting used to calling myself a maker and entrepreneur. It’s exciting AND scary 😉. Thanks for sharing your journey so far. It’s very inspiring indeed.
Ah I love this! I quit my SWE job to be a full time artist. It’s challenging but I love working for myself and wouldn’t have it any other way. Congrats!
You 1000% aren’t letting anyone down, especially not the working girls with side hustles! You are living the dream! You’re the inspiration! Enjoy this ride. Although I have no doubt that you will be successful, even if you go back to a corporate job at some point, that would not make you a failure. You are experimenting and living a full life. Congratulations Monica!!🎉
WOW! I saved this video for my watch laters and I watched it after I did the same thing! I’m on week 3 and the “feeling disappointed in myself“ MADE ME CRY! You tend to feel alone, but you have to remind yourself why you jumped and made that leap of faith! This is beautiful! So inspiring!😢❤🎉
Monica, this video has helped me realize how important it is to set priorities in life and by you sharing all of your personal struggles, I also realized - I’m not alone. The impostor syndrome, the fear and the anxiety but essentially, I know what I want deep down and what needs to be done. I have been practicing abundant mindset for so long now and it’s time I put it INTO practice and use my powers to manifest my dream life for myself in reality. Thank you for being so honest and thank you for being authentic. Much, MUCH love to you ❤
You. Are. Inspiring! Like you, my strong and lingering interest of having an official UA-cam channel is hard to shake, and I've finally decided to go for it. And I relate to how your career became your identity. Hearing how you overcame that helps me feel validated. Good luck in all you do! Please continue to make videos! Love seeing your growth and hearing your story ☺
This video inspired me so much. Especially the part where you JUST quit and made a spot into the winter village at Bryant Park! It just proved sometimes you need to make room for bigger blessings and they will come! Excited to follow along your journey!!!
Thanks for sharing! I am an electrical engineer. I quit 8 years ago to live on a sail boat and it was really hard. I recently learned pottery and feel I can do it instead of engineering, but it is scary. We are selling the sailboat and have to earn income and I am struggling with getting an engineering job that is quarantined money or do I go full throttle with pottery. It is a tough decision. I feel better hearing your story! This is the first video of yours I have seen, so I will be binge watching others! I wish the best and great success!
thank you so much for sharing this - as someone who's constantly struggling to find the balance for my current 9-5 corporate job, my small business, in-person vendor events, and still trying to squeeze in everything else in between while trying to show up with the best version of myself, it's extremely eye-opening to listen to others' experiences and see how they navigate the journey in their own way. i've only been following along very recently, but i'm so happy for your growth over the years and i'm so excited to see what the future has in store for you and your business!!
I’m a full time small business owner and have been since college so actually girlie. Welcome. It’s just a transition to different subset of awesome humans. 😊
You are NOT letting anyone down. This is the next phase! You were doing it all and now your business is scaling up, which means something needs to be let go and that is the corporate job. You are living the dream, ENJOY it!
You needed this change to grow. Thanks for taking us with you on this path.
Congratulations on all of your many accomplishments! Having a corporate job was a stepping stone to you living your best life as an entrepreneur! I would like to say Thank you for all the business knowledge you have given over the years! I personally have learned a lot! It has helped me in my own small business! You will do well at the Market because you will make it your own! Enjoy yourself and much success!
I am so happy you shared this with us. I personally have been struggling with picking what to do and feeling like a failure if I quit my job to pursue something that I love which is crafting! Thank you for sharing this!
First of all Monica let me just say Congratulations!! I am so incredibly proud of you! I have been watching you grow for a while now and have to say that you are so inspiring to me! You have most definitely NOT failed! Not yourself or us! I am 61 yrs old and you have helped give me the courage to pursue my own dreams of getting my business up and running!! Thank you for all that you have done, all that you have shared and all that you’ve inspired us to do! I cannot wait to see all the wonderful doors that will be opening for you and your business!! Seriously girly, so proud of you!! ❤❤. Completely inspiring!! ❤❤
You have achieved what I hope too! Quitting the 9-5 to spend more time doing what truly inspires you. I hope to be able to one day follow in your footsteps and make my small business my main "job". Congratulations you are an inspiration to all small businesses. 🎉❤
AHHHHHHHHHH SO PROUD OF YOUUUUUUUUUUU!!! ☺
OMG! What an inspiring story! I am a native NYer and living in Georgia for many years raising my family. Bryant Park...I want to cry for you...I used to dream about doing something...anything...at Bryant Park!!! lol. Congratulations! BTW...I just discovered you a fews days ago when I came across your video about how much you made for one weekend vlog. I am subscribing! Oh, and I used to work for BOA many years ago when it was NationsBank. You are my spirit animal, lol
Congratulations 🎈🎉 for pursuing your dreams!!! I’m torn between quitting my 9-5 job as well, BUT with this comfort messages and courage from you.. this definitely motivates me to ONE day get the chance to 100 percent focus on my small business dream too! Ty for sharing you inspire me and others around the world 🌎
Congrats! What you describe is so similar to my story. All through high school, i was one of the creative kids (always in the band room, always!) And went on to college (and grad school!) for physics. Wound up doing radar analysis and now a test planner. But 3 years ago, I started my small shop and I'm growing it every year.
Ultimate goal is to grow large enough to mostly replace my salary and stop my full time job and stay home with my kids.
was watching one of your market prep videos the other day and was like "i wonder when monika is going to quit her day job?" so proud of you and happy for you!!!
Thank you SO MUCH for posting this video. I also just quit my job in management after ten years in the industry to pursue the already full-time “side careers” of professional dance and my small business. I was so nervous I put it off for weeks and weeks, but finally I needed to make my side hustles my main hustle. Seeing your video gives me so much confidence ❤️
The date on the screen said Oct 16, today is only the 15th. 😊 congrats wish I could quit my main job. More to come from Monica, yay! OMG can you imagine the stock you will need for that market. You will need to be away from your corporate job. You will also need at least one employee to cover sales time and creator time. Congrats. So many congrats. No let down at all. You go girl, a successful business owner! I'm almost crying.
Thank you for sharing, Monica. I'm sorry you feel like you're letting anyone down by not working a 9-5 anymore. You did it for as long as you could. Yes, please hold onto that proud of yourself feeling. This reality of yours is a norm too. 9-5 has been ingrained into us as the main way, plus doing our hobbies and side hustles. It doesn't have to be the main way though. Everyone's journey is different and going after your dream or what has been enjoyable for you is valid and necessary too! New sustainable jobs for ourselves is important too. Congratulations on this new journey. It does feel weird when everyone can't achieve stopping their 9-5 yet, but your truth is definitely an inspiration. Hang in there! I agree, we all deserve to reach peace.
We love you so much. You are not going to let us down, we promise. You inspire, motivate, and encourage me...and we have never even spoken directly. My eventual goal is the same thing yours was and you make me feel like it is possible. Thank you boo.
I let out an “aaaaahhhh!” When I realized you were at the Hoboken station! So strange seeing somewhere I go all of the time on a random UA-cam video lol This has given me a lot of confidence in going forward with my small business even though it’s digital, and I thank you for that
Love your video! This is what I needed to see while I am considering leaving my job and going all in on the "side hustle" right now. I will probably quit my job early next year and I am excited!
Imposter syndrome is so real!! I go through it often! I've been following you for a while now and am so happy to see your success!! Keep moving forward and live your best life!! I did start a new youtube channel after watching you- and am finding success there- I also changed jobs to an online teaching job- you inspire so many of us!
your story is so inspiring. i feel like i have never really been around people that also creative small business owners so it feels a bit silly doing this side hustle while everyone is going the traditional route. i am currently in school for computer science and it has been rough but i also do markets and sell online the things that i create. even though school has been rough, i still want to continue all the way through and have my corporate girl era to just prove to myself that i can do it. i want to be able to have a time in my career where i enjoy what i do but be able to leave once i feel like its time like you did. it so reassuring to see that even though i put myself in so many baskets (like you have) i can focus on just one and its going to be okay and that i can always go back to the other when i want to.
Thank you so much for speaking to those who “want to do it all” and CAN. Ive always juggled everything and had many hobbies/interests. As i got older everyone around always told me i have to choose. There’s a truth to that- you do have to prioritize. The last thing i want is to neglect the other creative parts of me. Hears to the girlies with multiple hobbies 🎉
this channel is the highlight of my days and weeks! You have inspired me so much in my own small business. I am so happy for you! You have inspired me and so many other people. Cannot wait to see where this next chapter of your life begins!
I had to comment this because your experience reminded me of it, but you know that saying "jump and a parachute will appear"? Super excited for you! Congratulations!
I am so proud of you. This is NOT failure but growth! Welcome to your new chapter!
I knew this was coming! There was a different pep in your step in the last few VLOGS. You go girl. I’m so happy for you and glad you took the leap. You got this
You are incredible! Not doing it all is not letting anyone down! It’s such a smart move to focus energy in the direction you want to go and reveling what is possible ❤️
Enjoy your new journey! So proud of you for being so brave!! You are going far and beyond Monica. Way to go Josh for holding your wife’s hand into her dream
I wish you all the success! You are inspiration! I would love to quit my 9-5 job. My corporate employer could careless if I were to leave and they would have me replaced before I said I quit. They've already done it to my whole department and I'm the only OG left of my department. But I AM concentrating on my dreams and working towards that.
Same here. We are replaceable. I always remember that as I am planning to go after my publishing company.
Monica, girl, I am so proud of you!!! You inspire me so much. That is my absolute dream. Just a few years more of corporate work, and I will have the courage to quit and do what I love doing the most -- crafting!!!🎉
I don't often comment on youtube videos, but I found you during covid and I just want to say you are an inspiration. Congratulations on this decision and I look forward to continuing to follow your journey!
Congratulations!! I am so excited for you, and for your customers.
I’m crying watching this and stay at home mom and I haven’t worked since Covid emotional. Love this for you.
Omg! I'm so excited for you, way to go! you're an inspiration! I CANNOT WAIT to quit my job and do my own thing!!
Ok but the way I just squealed when I saw this pop up. I am so proud of you! You go girl!
Monica Im so happy for you! I actually don't remember exactly when I subscribed but it was pretty early on. I loved your vibe, the music and the way you communicated with us. You inspired me to become a crafty girle and altough I dont have as much time now because of my full time work I want to get into it and also start making videos. I hope you continue to share your whole process with us. Best wishes from Perú!
I’m so proud of you. Watching this my heart is so happy right now. You are such an inspiration and I am working towards that joy you have. Keep shining and keep opening and stepping through those doors. Just keep it cracked for me. 😊 Thanks for sharing your journey so that those who wonder will know that it is absolutely possible to reach your goals. Peace and love.
i’m crying!!! i loved seeing the behind the scenes of your story. you inspire me to push further on my business everyday :) genuinely so proud of you!
Congrats!! Never feel bad about choosing a happy and healthy life for YOU!
Why am I so emotional trhu this video!? Omg, you're so inspiring! I am so proud of you for doing the scary things and sharing it with us. I show your channel to my kids and we watch you together. You are a badass! Thank you for what you do 🙏🏼 you're touching many lives.