Meet Monique Travis | Seamstress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monique Travis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monique, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Give up when you’re ready to fully give up on your dream, when you realize the passion, desire and burning drive is no more, but there’s no giving up when you’re committed; you just learn to take breaks.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My creative journey started in high school with a sewing class. I’ve always had an eye for colors, patterns and designs and would have my mother sew the pieces I wanted. However, learning how to sew for myself allowed for more creative freedom as I learned to make exactly what I wanted without having to depend on her.

For a few years after high school, I put down my hobby, but after having my son, I slowly got back into the craft. What started off as a small idea to sell baby blankets at vendor events, expanded to women’s clothing as I spent more time sewing. I’ve always loved the idea of having custom, one of one pieces and wanted to provide other women with the same experience. For 10 years now, countless hours, money and time has been invested into Made by Mo, but the lessons I have learned along the way are priceless. As with sewing, trial and error is a huge part of running a business. Both require humility, flexibility and room for growth because as much as you feel you know, there’s always one more concept you can learn and apply. Outside of consistency and discipline, believing in yourself is key to overcoming obstacles and becoming successful. In a world filled with countless seamstresses and designers, I have to resist comparing myself to others, focus on my journey and commitment to authenticity. Just remember that slow and steady wins the race.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Under my watch, no one can come to Jersey without having a Tastee sub, that’s rule number one. Adding to the must-eat list are: Delta’s (New Brunswick), Dusals (Kendall Park), Romeo’s Ristorante Italiano & Pizzeria (Plainsboro), Bagel Market Deli & Grill (Kendall Park), USA Fried Chicken (Somerset), Amazing Taste (South Bound Brook) and Fat Cactus Catina (New Brunswick). What’s a trip to Jersey without a sub, bagel, pizza, pasta, tacos and an Italian cheeseburger?

The best time to visit is during the summer, so a day trip to the Jersey shore, Liberty State Park and NY will for sure be on the itinerary. We’d also venture up to Hemlock Falls for a little hike to see the beautiful waterfall and views.

And because I am seamstress, I’d take them to Fabric Warehouse (Rahway), Halsey Fabric Shop (Newark) and to Philly Row for some fabric shopping.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout any individual, group and business who has supported, purchased merchandise from and believed in Made by Mo. Running a business solo is not easy, however positivity and encouragement pushes me to keep going.

Website: https://Madebymosew.com

Instagram: Made_bymo