The Story So Far...
It all started so well. I met a Brazilian in a bar, we fell in love (well in lust really), I found out I was pregnant with my first child not long after we met and we gave birth to a beautiful baby boy 9 months later. That's about where the fairy tale ends. I soon learnt my Brazilian was really just after an Australian Visa and once he had that in his hot little hands he disappeared off the scene and literally left me standing with the baby. Not before 'borrowing' my life's savings, calling it his own and never paying it back (which I was putting aside for my new little business). I myself am a child from a broken home so this is the last thing I wanted for my son and it breaks my heart to admit that although he's only one year old, my little boy has not dealt with the split at all well and suffers from terrible separation anxiety and behavioral problems because of it, head-banging, uncontrollable fits of tears, nightmares and self harming being the worst of them. I am desperate to get him the help that he needs (and advice on how I can best help him through it) but I'm just not in a financial position to do that. I owe money on my utility bills and we run the house on a bare minimum just to survive. Now this is not a poor me pity party, there are plenty of single parents out there doing it alone, doing it tough and doing the best job they know how but that is exactly why I really want to get my little business off the ground - so I can help others in the same boat. My hope is that your small change will make the big difference myself and my son really need so we can make a difference in other single parent's lives who really need it too.
So how will I make a difference?
Now anyone one who's done it knows being a parent is hard work at the best of times but one thing I've learnt from being a single parent with little to no support is just how ridiculously hard it really is. Please don't get me wrong I adore my son and wouldn't change a thing but everybody needs a little love, care, support and 'me time' every now and again. And that is the motivation and inspiration behind my long term goal.
At the moment my little business is 'happygomonkey' - an online store (www.happygomonkey.com.au) selling children's clothing and accessories which are cute, cheeky and affordable because I know how expensive little monkeys can be. And although I feel I have a great insight into what parents and friends like, want and need for their little monkeys, I have no clue about accounting, really need to invest in how to market the business correctly, need to change the website from a pre-packaged one to one that allows me to build the business based on it's needs, would love a designer to help with flyers and business cards, etc and am desperate for a breath of 'it'll be alright' air from the debt I find myself drowing in.
But beyond all that....
I really want to set up an adjoining business that supports other single parents in need and gives them a snippet of spare time that they simply just don't ever get. Whether it's a trip to a hair salon, a chance to get their nails done, a house keeper for a day, a cook to prepare the week's meals, a golf driving range session to relieve some stress or simply a nanny for an hour or two just so they can wash their hair, pluck their eyebrows and go to the toilet in peace! Whatever it might be that will make them feel human again.
It would give family and friends an opportunity to 'nominate' a single parent in need, or the single parent can indeed nominate themselves for a little pampering. Either way, provided I can get the expertise to get the word out there (and perhaps the sponsorship of a few businesses) I know there would be people desperate for the help. And I truly believe there would be businesses willing to support this cause. My plan is to offer them advertising space on the website as a thank you and benefit for the service they provide.
What a little donation can do...
Even the smallest donation can help my little business grow. And every dollar donated is one step closer to my ultimate goal of helping others in need. I'm such a firm believer in what goes around comes around and there is no greater reward than being able to help someone else who could really use it too. I look forward to teaching my son that the world is about helping others in any way you can and that's the greatest gift you can ever give someone.
Other Ways You Can Help
I understand times are tough for many at the moment so even if you can't financially help right now but can spread the word about this campaign and encourage your friends to donate that would be truly amazing.
Also if you know a little monkey who could use a little spoiling come check out my online store (www.happygomonkey.com.au) and purchase a goodie or two (yes we ship overseas) as this will not only help keep my business alive and kicking, and in turn help this campaign, but you'll receive a gorgeous parcel in the mail and you'll be making the day of a little person too!
My goal is $15,000 which will be enough to really get things happening and get the idea off the ground but anything above that would be directly helping those other single parents in need.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this message. I can't even to begin to express in words how much your help means to me and my heart felt thanks are already extended to you.
Have a beautiful day. x