For me, starting my own business had a lot to do with the desire to be in control of my future. The year 2008 taught me many “life lessons.” Until that year, I believed that with a desire, hard work, faith, and prayer, one could safeguard their life from the trials that we all face. In 2008 my family’s finances took a steep nose-dive, we were bankrupt and I felt hopeless.
With a love for all things vintage, and the creative adrenaline that keeps me awake all hours of the night, I began my journey designing various pieces of jewelry. I loved wearing items that I had designed, and also sentimental pieces, as a reminder of what is most important to me. It was not long until friends, family, and local boutiques were requesting similar items. I spent hours handcrafting designs, in the late evenings, while my children slept. As I became better acquainted with my trade, I sought instruction from all over the country. As my talents expanded into many different facets and styles of jewelry, so did its popularity.
I could no longer fill all the orders for my products single-handedly and I began recruiting friends and loved ones to help. My company started to change the lives of the people that I love. In 2013, I decided that we needed to share the fun and the blessing “Plunder” has been to all of us. I began gathering a team of experts and transitioned Plunder from retail to a party plan business. The excitement grew as I saw this opportunity come to life.
It has been two amazing years since Plunder Design started as a party plan business. I have had the opportunity to travel the country and meet all of the wonderful women that have dedicated their vast talents to making Plunder Design a success. On August 17th, my favorite person on the earth came and joined me in making this dream come true, my husband Abe!
Our corporate staff will tell you that we make a great team. Some days that feels truer than others, but he is certainly the yin to my yang and Plunder is a better company for having him on staff. Before I took this gigantic leap of faith, Abe and I sat down with our kids at what we like to call, “family council.” We explained to them the pros and cons of this adventure and at that point we couldn’t even promise them that it would be worth it.
I feel so blessed to have children that believed in me from the beginning. There have definitely been hard moments when we have all questioned this decision, but this adventure has taught us all so much and we have become closer than we otherwise would have. Robin Sharma said, “Great achievement always requires great sacrifice.” We are all making choices every day, I am so grateful for both my family and a tremendous team of consultants and corporate staff that chose to PLUNDER. Indeed, we are making something great happen.
All in, Hillary
