She Means Biz: Margarita Eberline

In the last two decades, the number of women-owned businesses has jumped an astonishing 114%. As part of OrangeTwig’s Women’s Day celebrations for the month of March, we are sharing inspiring stories of women entrepreneurs who’ve fought the odds, smashed the glass ceiling and been everyday superheroes in their own rights.

Etsian Margarita Eberline turned some pretty nasty lemons into sweet lemonade when a friend made her realize that she had the power to cheer people up with her words.

woman entrepreneur margarita eberline
Margarita Eberline owns Scripturegifts on Etsy.

Welcome Margarita! Tell us a little about yourself. How did you become an entrepreneur?

I founded Scripturegifts in 2010 when I was pregnant with my third child. I was less than a week pregnant when I lost my job and found it nearly impossible to find a company willing to hire me in that state. I took a temporary job with a local media agency but I was eliminated from my position right when I was about to give birth.

I was home feeling depressed so I decided to take my mind off my own problems by coming up with a way to brighten someone else’s day. I came up with a chill pill label that spoke about the stresses of working in an office. I thought hard about every single word until the wording was absolutely hilarious.I put the label on a jar, and filled it with candy, then surprised a friend at work with the gift. She exploded in laughter and urged me to sell the gifts online. So I did.

woman entrepreneur margarita eberline with son

‘I decided to take my mind off my own problems by coming up with a way to brighten someone else’s day.’

That is the sweetest story. So, how easy or hard has it been to be a boss babe?

It has been very challenging. Balancing the online store, plus my responsibilities as a wife and mother of four rambunctious boys means I have had to work a lot of odd and long hours to make this business work.I have a day job as well, so my kids and husband have taken over a lot of responsibilities with the business over the years so that I don’t have to shoulder it all.

margarita eberline sons

‘My responsibilities as a wife and mother of four rambunctious boys means I have had to work a lot of odd and long hours to make this business work.’

It’s wonderful when you have that support. What’s been your biggest challenge so far?

My biggest challenge occurred when I saw that people were copying my idea and even taking excerpts of my writing and selling against me on Etsy. My lawyer has helped me eliminate most copycats but some know to take just enough of my writing and design–but not so much that it would get them in legal trouble.It is painful to see how my writing that I worked so hard on, gets copied. It’s not even about the loss in sales to these copycats. It’s about what I put into my writing. I put my heart into it. It is my art.

And an achievement that will stay with you?

What consoles me is the knowledge that I have created something that brings joy to people and helps people connect. I get messages all the time from people sharing how my writing helped them have a special moment with someone they care about.

woman entrepreneur Margarita Eberline helped by son

‘What consoles me is the knowledge that I have created something that brings joy to people.’

Oh yes! Feedback from grateful customers is most rewarding. What are your future goals for the business?

Right now I am a bit discouraged because of the plagiarism. I will continue to focus on my core products and make the best out of the intellectual property that I can actually protect.

It can’t be easy staying motivated every day. How do you do it?

I am motivated by my kids. I want to show them that you have to keep going no matter what.

margarita eberline's family helps her with work

‘My kids and husband have taken over a lot of responsibilities with the business over the years.’

Is there any female personality who inspires you?

I admire the fictional woman described in Proverbs 31. She is a good mother and wife, but is also a crafty lady and a suave business woman.

margarita eberline

Let’s turn back the clock. Anything you would like to tell the 14 year old version of yourself?

Write down your thoughts more often.

I would tell myself the same thing. Tomorrow is Women’s Day. Any words on how women can support women?

Stop competing so much and instead focus on how much more you can accomplish together. Share your ideas and talents freely. Respect what other people bring to the table and respect yourself enough to profit from your own work.

‘Women should focus on how much more we can accomplish together.’

Quick-fire round

Favorite pastime

Writing

Your dream vacation

Desert island with a bottle of tequila

Comfort food when you’re stressed with work

Chocolate

Favorite marketing strategy

Social media

Favorite social channel for business

Instagram

If not an entrepreneur then what would you have been

Someone who gets enough sleep

Thank you, Margarita, for sharing your story with us! We’ll be back with more stories of inspiring women in our She Means Biz series. Keep a look out!

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