KISH: Tell us about you..
Paulette Bonneur: I am a mompreneur on the move! I was born in the Midwest and raised by my Liberian mother who instilled the value of hard work in her children. I completed my B.S. and M.S. in my home state of Minnesota and have worked in Higher Education over a decade. Since starting Harper and Hunter LLC, a business named after my children I have really valued the growth, confidence and skills I have gained as an entrepreneur that will be passed onto my children. As a four-time cornea transplant recipient, I am very aware of the importance of loving your body no matter the condition, which is how alongside my daughter’s idea, we were able to publish our first children’s book Everybody Love Your Body.
KISH: What is your dream and how will accomplishing your dream benefit you and others?
Paulette Bonneur: My dream was always to own a business however I did not know where to start. When the topic of body-positivity sparked through a funny song and dance my then three-year old created, I had the idea to turn it into a Children’s Book. Along with that we started a business to sell other children’s items like hair bows and custom clothing made with love. In the short time we have been in business, we have been able to donate books and custom onesies to NICU families, and give to others in need through donations in our community. Being successful in our business lets us give back to others which is something we hold in high regard.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to pursue this dream?
Paulette Bonneur: My mom was a small business owner for decades and I always wanted to start a business but never found the right time or the right entryway into entrepreneurship. When I was pregnant with my second child during quarantine, I really got motivated to create a legacy for my child and unborn child. Our business (I say our because my 4-year-old daughter is very much involved and my son will be able to when he is older) is something that they can learn from and gain skills and confidence to be entrepreneurs in the future if they so choose.
KISH: What challenges have you encountered while pursuing your dream?
Paulette Bonneur: Owning a small business, being a mother or two and working full-time can be difficult. On the business side, I wear all hats, PR, Marketing. Social Media Manager, etc. Trying to manage everything can be tough but I believe that sowing seeds now for my children’s future is important. It has also been a great way to bond with my daughter when we create hair bows or talk about what is next for our author journey. No matter what, I know that life is meant to be lived so I give myself grace and keep it pushing.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to keep pushing regardless of the challenges you’ve encountered?
Paulette Bonneur: My children, family and my belief in the purpose God put me on this earth for keeps me going.
KISH: Please provide final thoughts/advice for others by finishing this sentence… dream.
Paulette Bonneur: Dream big and dream scared. Do it anyways. The worst that could happen is you do not accomplish what you sent out to do. The best that could happen is that you accomplish what you decide to do! You get to choose. Dreams don’t just go away. You don’t want your only regret to be that you never trusted yourself enough to invest in yourself and follow your dreams.
Last modified: February 2, 2021
