We are so excited to be launching our Catching Up series with the beautiful and talented Monica Potter from the hit NBC television show, Parenthood. Not only is she a well respected actress, she too is a mother, wife, sister, daughter ,friend & entrepreneur who has created her own brand, The Monica Potter Home Brand. Let’s not waste anymore time on getting to know the incredibly talented and loving soul that is Monica Potter.
- It is very clear that you parents were a big inspiration to you, is there one particular memory in your childhood that you knew you loved creating recipes, projects, etc? Kind of simple. I always knew that I wanted to be an actress since I was three. My mom was a housekeeper and my dad was an inventor. I remember working with my dad in his fishing shop in Cleveland. It was a dungy old shop. My father had young girls working for him, not in a perverted way (laughs). He was the most normal guy with four daughters. So this made him want to help these women who were mostly struggling single moms and I remember them being so grateful and we thought of them as family. My father was the most generous person in the world. The stuff he created, while it was amazing and everybody used what he made, it never made him a rich man. My dad died 10 years ago. And he always worked from job to job. He never felt like he was good enough so he never took that risk. So that is something I will never forget, and part of why I am doing this is for him. I am a risk taker. He took risks, but not for the sake of having us go without food. I made a vow that my kids will always have what they need. So I started this company, not to make money, but to create a product that people are proud of making, create jobs, and create apprenticeship while giving back to Cleveland. My long-term goal is to provide jobs for the families in Cleveland so they can afford homes. I know my father is with me in doing this. So this is not about another celebrity coming up with a fragrance line, which I applaud because it creates success for some, but I feel like my passion and responsibility is to give back to others.
- We understand that you have just recently turned you childhood home into the MP headquarters. Where did the idea of giving back to your community come from and why is it so important you? It is trying to create jobs and providing jobs for people. My business model is very similar to Paul Newman’s; using the best possible ingredients and materials and giving back to those in need and to your community. Of course I want to make sure the customer is first and foremost happy. It is a little bit of a juggle, but it is fun! Just recently we received a Tweet about what a customer was doing with their vintage Barn Box and it made me so happy and excited!
- How did you get started, were there any setbacks and how did you overcome them? I started because I have always made DIY products. My friends were saying you should start making these in mass amounts. I knew what I wanted to do, but I didn’t know how to start. I started talking to my sisters in Ohio and my sister Jessica, who runs the company in Ohio, came up with the plans and formulas. So we just started going and making and doing. I wanted to create the products seasonally, especially with my kids who love coming home and feeling and smelling the scents or certain candle burning and making a house feel like a home. No matter what your income level is, this can always be done. It was very simple, make great products and support people. We started small, and we are going to stay small for a while. Im a perfectionist, so I knew if I create too many products, it would be difficult because I would have to have everything be perfect. We have had so many hurdles. Just the shipping cost, teaching people how to do certain things, etc. It’s all normal stuff. And whenever I am having tough days and think of how am I going to continue and balance it all, I think of those who are always cheering me on and believe in me.
- Balancing a full time acting career and your site, how do you find time for family and most important yourself? That is the thing that I said to my husband the other day. I am passionate about this business, so if you are then you always can find the time. I have help too, which is amazing. My kids and husband help me, and its all a family affair. I think some days are hard, but I think right now the trickiest part is going back and forth from LA to Cleveland and helping with the house. Sometimes the littlest things can be the toughest.
- How important is it to have women empowering women? It is so important. I always say, stay close to the people that believe in you. When you are not strong, go hang out with those people. You will be surprised how friends/work with will pick you up when you are tired and feel like you cant do it. I have those moments all the time and think why am I doing this? Why aren’t people getting it? It’s not like that all the time anymore, but I feel like surrounding yourself with good people that are positive is the most important thing to do. And perhaps even people that have done it before. If you want to go out and make a business where there is money there is no shame in that! Every business is different, ours is certainly different from others. I didn’t start it to make money. As long as u know what your intentions are, set an example and be the hardest working person
- What was the most important piece of advice you have received and who gave it to you? You have got to slow down to hurry up! When you get overworked you can become impatient, but the chances are it is working out exactly as it is supposed to. I pray a lot too.
- If you met the younger you tomorrow, what would you tell her and why? Slooooow down! A friends of mine says all the time-‘there is enough and there is enough time.’ Enjoy the moment. And I have to keep telling myself this. The biggest thing I will say is if you want something done you have to make sure that you do it on your own.
- What is next for Monica Potter?! We will continue to fly back and forth to Cleveland. I am trying to get as much done as I can before winter when the snow comes. I know we are looking to do another show, but I want to make sure this is healthy first. The website is great and fun and it is my little escape. Make sure the business is doing great, and I have to continue to work at a day job like acting. Otherwise if I am not working than I cannot fund the company the way that I want to.
Thank you Monica for joining us at The Modern Day Girlfriend. We love and adore you even more after this inspiring interview!
To learn more about Monica Potter or to purchase one of her amazing products you can click here!
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