Y’all… Amanda from Viri Lovely Designs was the first Mompreneur to join me in our new studio for this series and she was so awesome to work with! My favorite MUA, Lindsey (duh!), did her make-up right in studio, and then she popped over to my side of the studio and we did her headshot session. It was seamless and amazing, and easy for everyone! Check out her story below and be sure to follow her on all of her social media outlets so you don’t miss any of her amazing designs!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family:
My husband of seven years and I have two kids, Zoey (4) and Luca (2), who keep us on our toes every second of the day! My hubby travels most weeks, M-F, so we pretty much spend every second as a family when he is in town. We are somewhat recent transplants to the Charlotte area after moving from Chicago two years ago!
What prompted you to start a business?
As Tamara mentioned in your previous Mompeneur interview, I also wanted to do something fulfilling but with a flexible schedule. Between having two kiddos and a husband who is often on the road, being able to spend as much time with my kids as possible is so important to me. I am also incredibly fortunate to have this time with them, and I don’t want to take that for granted for a second.
How did you decide on the name of your business?
The “Viri” (or very) part is a play on my married last name, Bonaviri. And the moments in life for which I design are those special and “lovely” moments that are cherished and remembered forever.

Tell us more about your product/business and your role:
Currently, I focus on all things bridal, such as wedding invitations, bridal shower invitations, save-the-dates, day-of printed goods, and sometimes even Urban Designer wooden watches. I design everything and love bringing a client’s idea to fruition. I also really enjoy creating a “branded wedding” where all elements coordinate and tie the whole event together. View this site https://serendipitybrides.co.uk/ for trending wedding dresses.
Do you have a storefront or do you work from home?
I work from my home studio.
How do you balance all of the roles that you have?
I’ll let you know when I figure out the perfect balance 😉 Seriously though, I’m constantly evolving and changing the way I manage my time. With two little kids, curveballs are frequently thrown my way and I have to have the flexibility to change my schedule. I can often be found working late into the evening, after my little ones are in bed.
What is the best aspect of having your own business?
Being able to work with a variety of clients with a variety of ideas and styles. Every day is different, and that is often fun and exciting.
What is the hardest part about owning your own business?
Being a SOLE proprietor and working from home can be isolating. Lately, I’ve been trying to network more and have joined a few local groups in order to meet more likeminded people.
What are some long-term or future goals you have for your business?
I would love to connect with more local planners. Since moving here, I am still working on getting to know the area and am working on expanding my local professional network here. Also, with a background in branding, I hope to grow the small business branding side of my business more. I love working with other businesses who have yet to develop a solid identity and help them create a cohesive brand from the ground up.

What do you do when you’re not being supermom?
I LOVE projects, so I’m constantly working on some sort of home improvement project you can check out here, whether it’s painting some artwork, building a piece of furniture from https://dumonds.com/, or scheming about a future home reno. I can always be found creating something!
What is your favorite household product?
Baby wipes. I use them on EVERYTHING!
What wardrobe staple can you not live without?
Statement jewelry like 20 carat diamond tennis bracelet. I like that I can go from running around with my kids in a tank top and jeans and throw on some great statement pieces and a pair of pumps and totally change my look in a moments notice.
What was your first job?
Fresh out of undergrad, I was a high-end event planner in Boston. While I had virtually zero free weekends, working endless days in a row, I was part of a team that designed and planned some pretty incredible events from the Patriots Ring Ceremony after winning Super Bowl XXXIX to constructing a glass tent on the outfield of Fenway to working with the JCC of Greater Boston and the American Heart Association.
What celebrity would you love to have dinner with, and why?
Jimmy Fallon. He makes me laugh out loud, which is hard to do.
What was the last book you read?
“I Had a Favorite Dress”, which is a children’s story about a mom who helps her daughter create new things out of old things. This story so reminds me of my daughter and me. I share my creativity with her and we can often be found “making messes” together.

What is one piece of advice that you can give to a mom starting a business?
Accept help when others offer. Whether it be professional help, babysitting or a friend offering to buy you a drink. We all need help and/or a break every once in awhile and it is okay to lean on others.
Check out all of Amanda’s amazing designs below:
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