Meet Marguerite Spagnuolo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marguerite Spagnuolo.

Hi Marguerite, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I came up with the idea of creating Grandmas2Share when my daughter was asking about my grandmothers. Unfortunately, they both died before she was born. She was asking me what they looked like and how they dressed, so I drew it out and created paper dolls. When my daughter saw them she responded, “Wow, I wish they were really here!”

That’s when a bell went off and I realized this would be a great way for children to stay connected to their grandparents. Children today need to learn about their heritage, culture, and keeping family traditions alive.

In today’s technological world, we are losing the family connection. I’m hoping to keep families connected by starting conversations through the Grandma Doll. Reading the storybook will hopefully inspire children to ask questions about their family history, so family traditions can go on forever.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many struggles along the way. When I first started my business, my dad died on Christmas Day. This was a very devastating blow for me. I ended up giving up completely and shut down the business for approximately eight months. When I did decide to get back on the horse, I was selected to be on “The Toy Box” on ABC. This was very good for me and my business as well. However, I had manufacturing issues. The original dolls I ordered, after going through numerous prototypes, were not the dolls the manufacturer provided to me!

I was stuck with 2000 dolls that were made incorrectly. I spent countless hours trying to make them look more like the dolls I originally wanted. This proved very challenging considering I am running the business by myself. I do the creating, shipping, boxing, billing, etc.

I also made a bad business decision along the way. A company offered to sell my dolls on Amazon and they sold 150 of them within months and gave me no money!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I played professional tournament poker since 2007. I hold 3 Women’s Championship Titles in tournament poker. The money that I accumulated from my winnings, I used to start my own business.

I have had my own business since I was 20 years old. I ran an esthetic salon for almost 20 years; specializing in all phases of nail care, facials, waxing, etc.

I have always been creative since I was a child. It stems from my dad who was an artist. I have also been my own boss for pretty much most of my life. My creative side is what sets me apart from most people. I am a bit of a perfectionist and things have to go exactly the way I plan. Sometimes that means staying up all night until it is done!

What was your favorite childhood memory?
It may sound crazy but my favorite childhood memory came to me when I was in kindergarten. I remember wanting to receive the General Excellence pin at graduation. I didn’t know who would receive it until the actual ceremony and when it was me I was so thrilled. I remember taking off my cap and gown and leaving the pin on my gown and being very, very upset. My mom had to call the school and get the pin back for me and I never forgot that!

Pricing:

• 39.99

Contact Info:

• Email: info@grandmas2share.com
• Website: https://grandmas2share.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandmas2share/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grandmas2share
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mmmmarguerite
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsF2IA6As0v_vmgAFLDP8eg