Scrunch Much Hair Accessories

An interview with Monica, owner and entreprenuer of Scrunch Much

“Our family emigrated to Australia just before the pandemic struck. I started suffering from severe anxiety and depression as it was all just a little bit overwheming… I needed to regain my sanity and find my roots again”

Scrunchies! Whether you are just getting ’round’ to trying them for the first time or you still hold dear memories of the ones you wore to match your school uniform 20 – ahem- 30+ years ago, they are still on the up and up as one of the top-ranking beauty trends. 
If you are an existing part of our SHE Seeks community, you’ll already know how much we love supporting and promoting local home-grown businesses started by women entrepreneurs. 
Scrunch Much is an online business owned by Monica, selling hand-stitched and timeless authentic hair accessories in unique class-chic styles for everyday wear or any occasion.  I adore the company mantra and SHE Seeks Mag is excited to share the story behind how Scrunch Much was launched.

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We’d love to hear the story behind how Scrunch Much was launched.

Our family emigrated to Australia just before the pandemic struck. I started suffering from severe anxiety and depression as it was all just a little bit overwhelming, the big move and then the isolation because of the pandemic. I needed to regain my sanity and find my roots again. I was looking for a creative outlet where I could do what I love and call it my 9-5.

Scrunch Much’s motto is “Carpe Somnium”, Can you tell our readers what this means and why you made it your motto?

Carpe Somnium according to me is the sister of Carpe Diem, it means to Seize the Dream! So, I knew what my creative talents are and what I love, I just decided to stop dreaming about it and do something about it. And so Scrunch Much was born one night and I literally pulled everything together in a few days with what I had.

What I make shows my passion for this dream and that is why it is our slogan, we also want our wearers to feel like they can Carpe Somnium!

Is Scrunch Much going well? Are you finding it a successful venture, and does it bring you joy?

It has slow days and busy days, but I know things are still in their infancy so I am not adding the pressure of the business succeeding financially on myself. For now, I am just living the dream and having fun creating, keeping busy, and feeling productive.

Who did you have support from when your idea was born? Do you think having support when starting your business journey is important?

My beautiful husband has always supported me in everything I do and again he is standing right by my side. They say if you want a good honest critique ask your husband, lol. No don’t ask him if you look fat in those jeans, he will lie. Haha. Since he has no women’s fashion or fabric inclination he often tells me what looks good and what doesn’t from an “outsider” perspective. It is so important to have a “person” to soundboard with because starting up in itself can be a stressful thing too.

How did you physically start your business? Have you always sewn and crafted, or did you have to learn from scratch? Were you tech-savvy initially or did you have to learn how to set up your website etc on the fly?

I’ve been sewing and doing all sorts of arts from about year 1. So I knew wanted to do something in this line. I checked the budget (hubby’s wallet), did the admin bits, ordered a bit of fabric and started experimenting with ideas. Designing for days and prototyping. Of course, not everything turned out as good as it looked in my mind, but that’s ok, nothing ventured nothing gained, right? Honestly, the hardest part for me setting up the website, shipping and getting my taxes ducks in a row. Since we’re in a new country these are still fairly foreign to me. Oh, and I also had to join the Instagram clan as I was barely featuring on any social media platforms. I only ever had Facebook. 😊

Do you hand-make all the pieces?

Everything is “hand-crafted with heart”. Obviously not the plastic inner of the headband. And I have a crochet partner who crochet’s the most gorgeous pieces for the crochet items.

Is your clientele mostly based in Melbourne?

I am lucky to have my main customers all over Australia but I do get international orders as well.

What would you say your niche is?

I know scrunchies are not unique, a lot of people make them. I am friends with some amazing Fempreneurs who make stunning scrunchies. So I can’t really say that my scrunchies are unique, however, I always try to add a little something extra to it. There is hardly ever just a plain scrunchie being made, there is always some sort of a scarf, bow, knot or braid involved. My niche is that all my headbands are “side-knot” orientated (as opposed to the normal top-knot), whether it is an actual knot or embellishment of some kind, they are all seated about 13cm from the end on one side, this allows the wearer to wear it whichever she feels like. If you feel you have a “good” side (of your face) and want to accentuate that side you wear the knot on that side. It is unique in that it gives two different looks depending on which side you wear your knot.

Which is your favourite design so far?

I am quite excited for Christmas I’ve launched a few new things, such as the completely removable and washable headbands, tiny bag charm scrunchie keyrings and a huge scrunchie-shaped tote/sling bag. But I must say by far my favourite is the #crochetchristmas collection. There is just something about it, must be the magic of Christmas! ♥

Follow Scrunch Much and shop beautiful hair accessories HERE