Mona Jaber, founder of children’s concept store Maison Tini, shares how her greatest achievement helps support local businesses. Maison Tini brings together 45 locally founded brands that produce a range of babies’ and children’s items, including clothing, educational toys, furniture, healthy snacks, nursing items and gift ideas for new and expectant mothers. Throughout the process, Jaber prioritises the environment, ensuring products are sustainably made.
What is the best way to start your day?
A big mug of bone broth.
If you could be any character from a movie, who would you be?
I don’t have a TV and I can never recall the names of any actors to save my life.
What is your greatest achievement?
Taking tiny steps to launch my first business last year, Jayleen Finds, which quickly grew, adapted and developed into something a lot bigger that now allows me to host 45 other local small businesses under one roof in the newly opened children’s experiential concept store, Maison Tini.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
To only surround yourself with people that make you feel good. Those who don’t should be left miles away. Being great at doing something doesn’t mean you need to pursue it. Pursue what truly keeps you up at night and makes your eyes glitter and your heart flutter.
If you had 24 hours left on Earth, what would you do?
Head to the nearest beach with my two kids and husband, take in the smell of the ocean, bury our feet in sand, and soak in the warmth of the sun, while it all lasts!
Who or what is your biggest inspiration?
My children.
What would you like to achieve in the next 10 years?
I would love to become a creative hub for small businesses to innovate and thrive