Twelve years ago today, this amazing woman entered my life.
Meet Monika. She’s our production manager, and makes or supervises every skincare product we produce with her own two talented hands. Twelve years ago, she took a job as our nanny. I was pregnant with my second, and Osmia wasn’t even a twinkle in my eye. She watched as I got frustrated with working in the ER, took that fateful soap making class, and became obsessed with the idea of starting a skincare line. She tested countless products (some of them were awful - sorry Moni!) and helped me care for my family as I worked shifts in the ER and slaved away on formulations. She had her first baby while she was working for us, and brought little Zoe to work with her for two years. Then, when I was ready to take the leap and start Osmia in 2012, she looked at me and said “I’m ready for a change,” to which I responded “you’re hired”. On the day Osmia officially opened, Monika and I were the only two people here. I remember when we launched the website, and were CRAZY nervous because we thought the internet was going to break. Instead, it was about 60 minutes of pure crickets, and I thought “Oh NO I’ve given this woman a job at a company that’s going to FAIL!!” Finally my sweet brother-in-law placed an order, and we were able to breathe again.
Now Osmia is in its seventh year, and Monika has been by my side with every step, both the successful and the disastrous ones. She is utterly dedicated to Osmia’s mission, and has grown as a leader and a team mate in every way. This company simply would not exist without Monika. More importantly, my heart and soul would be four sizes smaller if I hadn’t had the good luck to cross paths with her on this day in 2006.
Thank you, Monika, for everything you do. From our treasured friendship to the many nights we’ve stayed until the wee hours living the small business life, I am grateful to you beyond words. Boldog évfordulót!!! (If that means wedding anniversary, I’m sorry - it’s the only word I could find for anniversary!) #grateful #friendship #teamwork #anniversary #boldog #smallbusiness #womensupportingwomen #womeninbusiness #returntoyoursenses