100PercentBeads, Versatile Jewelry by Pam Moskowitz — Mompreneur Monday Shout Out
Who say’s there is no such thing as second acts … or even third acts, in life?
Mompreneur, Pam Moskowitz launched her versatile jewelry collection, 100PercentBeads, after raising three children and practicing social work for 23 years. But, a beading hobby led into the full-spread-ahead launch of her booming, beaded-jewelry business, back in 2016.
Aware of the power of networking, confident in her own voice – trust me, you’ll feel that joy and confidence if you meet her – and committed to redefining her next 50-years-plus of life, Pam went all-in with 100PercentBeads.
Mompreneur Monday Shout Out
Find out how this hustling mama channeled her creative energy, and soon-to-be empty nester status, into a new career path full of passion, purpose and philanthropy.
How old are your kids? Sara is 26, Zachary is 24, and Zoe is 21.
When did you launch your business? 100PercentBeads launched in April 2016. My now 21-year-old was as a senior in high school, I wanted to return to work full time, but I needed flexibility and wasn’t certain about what I wanted to do. My older daughter, Sara, was living in California, my husband was moving his business from Brooklyn to Westchester, and we were going to become Empty Nesters! My parents had just brought me some gemstone beads, from at trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I began making a few pieces. Slowly, the beads began making their way from the basement to the dining room table. Over the next few months, I began beading and eventually decided to invite some people to my house as a “focus group”. The idea was to share my designs, get feedback on the name, price point, etc.. Despite telling people not to purchase, all the pieces sold. My friend, Ann, advises me to buy “100PercentBeads.com” before I went to sleep that night.
What were you doing before 100PercentBeads? I am a Social Worker who practiced on-and-off for the past 25 years, depending on the needs of my family. In 2006, Randi Silverman & I started a Free Support Group for Parents/Caregivers Raising Children with Anxiety & Depression, in Westchester. In 2016, when I wanted to launch 100PercentBeads, Randi’s newly founded foundation, The Youth Mental Health Foundation took the groups over. I am incredibly proud of the work we did to provide families with the necessary support, networks and understanding of the challenges and impact that children with mental health issues have on families.
What’s your biggest business challenge right now? My biggest challenge at this time is time. There is not enough of it in a day! Becoming a jewelry designer is very far from being a social worker. I did not know the first thing about selling! The transition was not easy, and selling does not come naturally to me, to this day. There is always something to do and learn.
How do you manage your days, your time? Growing up, my grandfather often cited this quote in Yiddish, “Mann Tracht, Un Gott Lacht”, which translates to “Man Plans, and God Laughs”. Despite careful planning, the road to life is unpredictable. I create daily & weekly to-do lists with the intention of getting through. Then, the day starts and my brick & mortar stores have orders, private sellers need pieces, customers want to come and shop, my photographer wants to review the photos from the shoot last week, and I am not canceling my lunch with a friend. Today’s, to-do list is now tomorrows list.
What or who inspires you to keep pushing your business forward? My family, my creativity, and the future.
What has been your biggest “aha” moment this year? That at this stage in my life, I can make it all – or almost all – about the business, and that I don’t want to compromise on my values. The goal has been to have a flourishing business that is in line with my core values of philanthropy and community. This year, I have three phototropic jewelry collaborations — Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer, Cycle For Survival, and The Mt. Kisco Child Care Center. 100PercentBeads also works with “Yes, She Can”, an organization in White Plains that helps young women with Autism Spectrum Disorders with skill development and employment. And, on a very personal front, I have begun speaking to groups on “Changing The Direction of My Life at 50”, something I’m experiencing right now!
What does it mean to you to Hustle Like a Mom? Making every effort at meeting the needs of my family and business, each and every day.
