Spotlight is a series that features a past or current client (or someone I've collaborated with along the way) as they share a bit of their story, their talents, their insights, and their process with you. You might learn something from their journey, or you might just discover an amazing new business!
Monica Purington is the Chief Toxin Hater at Will.it Wellness, marketing director for Rex Specs, and avid mountain adventurer. If there’s one thing I know about Monica, it’s that determination is in her blood. Whether it’s a slope she’s skiing or a creative project she’s working on, she’ll push herself in impressive ways. As she says, “I’m obsessed with productivity whether it's watching sales go up or gaining miles in the mountains - I can't stop moving!” Here’s a little more about her journey into entrepreneurship.
What drew you to the work you're doing now?
I've always really liked the health/wellness/beauty space and can spend hours upon hours in cosmetic aisles looking at different types of skin products. When I got introduced to using oil on my skin my mind was blown. I'd really like to show people that they can make conscious choices about what products they are using on their skin and simplify not only their routines but also the ingredients in the products they use.
What do you like most about your work?
The feedback. I love getting feedback, good and bad. It helps shape the brand and products. My customers make me feel like I'm part of an even bigger community.
What have been the biggest “a-ha” moments in your business journey so far?
It's harder and yet easier than it looks.
Emotionally it's a roller coaster and you just have to try to stay on the tracks. I've wanted to give up so many times but I also applaud myself for stopping the cycle of having an idea and then watching someone else pursue it.
Sometimes you've just got to do it and I feel like I did that - so that's what "just start," means! Going through the process of "just starting," gave me a serious a-ha moment.
Any big goals on the horizon?
Always. I had a moment of clarity of the direction I want the brand to go in and there will be some changes in the next few months to simplify the product line and have a very specific purpose moving forward.
How do you overcome the hard stuff? What motivates you to keep going?
Just when I'm ready to throw in the towel another sale comes through, another review, another like, comment or share. There are people who want the product and I need to remember it's not about me - it's about them. My customers keep me going.
How do you manage your time when working for yourself? Do you have any routines or morning rituals that you swear by?
I've had to carve out time for this business as I work a full-time 9-5 as well. I started waking up an hour earlier and I go through a simple routine of 1. Drink a glass of water 2. Wash my face with warm water followed by my Daily Dew product. Using my product helps me remember my why and reinvigorates my motivation. From there a pour myself a big cup of coffee and try to get through 1-3 things on my to-do list for Will.it in that extra hour before heading out the door to my job.
I use a to-do list for every aspect of my life (I use the project management software Asana) and categorize items as action, waiting on or resource. Action being items I need to take a step on, waiting on being something I am waiting for a response or someone else's action on and resource being something that needs no action but I may want to come back to at some point. I put everything on this list even down to things like when I need to wash my sheets or buy a gift for someone, as soon as a item comes into my head it goes on the list, that way I'm not constantly feeling stressed by random to-do's popping up. - I learned this technique from the book "Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress Free Productivity," read it, it's awesome.
Photo: Peter Lobozzo
What do you hope to be known for in the long run?
The person that people talk about and wonder how she did so many things at once. I love being the most productive person in the room - I'm obsessed with productivity.
Where can folks find you?
My skincare company is @willit.wellness. Sign up to be the first to know of promotions and new product launches from Will.it Wellness here. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram and visit us online at willitwellness.com.
I also am the Marketing Director for @RexSpecsk9 www.rexspecs.com
And you can find me on my personal account @tomgirl
