From the quiet of a Polish village to the buzz of London life, Monika Grabowska has walked a path shaped by courage, loss, and vision. She has faced illness, rebuilt after business collapse, and created something meaningful—an award-winning baby furniture company born from hope, heart, and hustle. A mother, wife, and dreamer, she believes in building with purpose, leading with kindness, and showing up even when the road is uncertain. Her story is a powerful reminder that life’s detours often lead us exactly where we’re meant to be.
What was it like growing up in a small village, and how did it shape who you are today?
I grew up in a happy and loving family in a small village in Poland. When I was 12, my father tragically passed away in a car accident, and our whole world shifted in an instant. He was a dreamer—he travelled, built businesses, and had a deep appreciation for life. He had just started building the house he always wanted, and although he never got to finish it, my mother carried on and completed it for us—her children and future grandchildren.
My mum is the strongest woman I know. She raised my younger sister and me with unwavering strength and love. She taught us to be brave, independent, and grateful for every moment. That experience showed me how unpredictable life is and how important it is to cherish the small things—because they’re often the biggest.
Losing someone so suddenly made me realise early on that we never know what someone else is going through. We must never judge. Time and support helped me make sense of my loss in my own way, and that pain became part of my drive and empathy today.
You went through some tough things early on—how did those experiences change the way you see life?
At 16, I was diagnosed with Guillain–Barré syndrome. One day I was a typical teenager in secondary school, and the next I was in a hospital, unable to walk. There was no space on the children’s ward, so I was placed in the adult neurology unit, surrounded by things no teenager should see. I remember being asked to sit in a wheelchair, and I refused—terrified that if I did, I’d never get back up. Instead, I slowly made my way along the wall, step by step, determined to stay on my feet.
During that time, I met other young people also facing difficult health battles. One of them had the same condition but couldn’t breathe without assistance. That moment made me deeply grateful for the fast response of my doctors and the outcome I had.
That experience taught me never to take health—or life—for granted. My mum stood by me the whole way, and I eventually recovered fully. But I’ll never forget the uncertainty, the fear, and the deep desire to just walk outside again and be with my friends. Your health truly is your greatest asset.
What was going through your mind when you first moved to the city… and then later, to London?
Moving from my small village to the city of Poznań felt like a huge leap. But deep down, I’d always dreamed of more. Since childhood, I was fascinated by the UK—its language, history, kings and queens. I used to collect English magazines and dream of living on that beautiful island one day.
That dream came true in 2006 when I met my husband, who was already living in London. He had all the qualities I admired in a man, so I took a leap of faith and joined him. This August, we’ll celebrate 16 years of marriage.
My first job in the UK was at a five-star hotel right opposite Carnaby Street—I felt like the luckiest person alive. I loved the experience, the people, and the buzz of London life. What struck me most was the diversity—so many cultures, languages, and cuisines that I had never encountered in Poland. It made me fall in love with the city even more. London taught me that life has no limits—you can dream big, work hard, and create a life you truly enjoy.
How did the idea for your baby furniture business come to life?
After my husband’s business collapsed during our time in Poland, we were suddenly left with no income. For almost a year, we were navigating uncertainty, wondering what to do next.
With support from friends, family, and professionals who believed in us, I decided to start our own family business. We surrounded ourselves with trustworthy, like-minded people and launched a brand dedicated to elegant, high-quality baby furniture.
It was born from resilience, and shaped by everything we had learned. Our vision is to bring joy to parents across the UK—not just through beautiful furniture, but through the story behind it. We’re a positive, supportive family with big dreams, and we want that spirit to be part of every product we deliver.
What made you and your family decide to try living in Poland again after so many years in the UK?
After years in the UK, we felt a pull to reconnect with our roots. We thought that moving to Poland could offer a fresh perspective, more space, and the chance to explore new opportunities for our family and business.
At first, it was exciting—but it wasn’t without its challenges. We hadn’t lived there for well over 13 years, and everything felt unfamiliar again. Still, it gave us the time and space to reflect on our path, reset, and reevaluate what really mattered to us.
A lot happened during that time—how did you cope with the challenges and changes?
Yes, those years were incredibly intense. My husband’s business failed due to a difficult partnership and issues that could have been prevented with clearer contracts and more oversight. We learned some tough lessons—always have written agreements, use professionals you trust, and never take recommendations at face value, especially when operating across borders.
At the same time, my mum was diagnosed with cancer. That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced, but she handled it with such grace and strength. She never gave up for a second, and today, she’s doing well and enjoying life again. Her resilience continues to inspire me.
Through it all, I leaned on faith, family, and the belief that everything is happening for a reason—even if we can’t see it at the time.
What did living between two countries teach you about yourself and what matters most?
Living between Poland and the UK reminded me how adaptable we really are. It taught me to let go of rigid plans and embrace the flow of life. It also reminded me that no matter where you live, it’s the people you surround yourself with that matter most.
In Poland, I found incredible support in an international women’s community—ladies from Korea, Norway, Turkey, Colombia, and more. I didn’t even realise so many nationalities lived there now! They brought so much joy and perspective into my life, and they reminded me how important connection, kindness, and support really are.
How do you handle running a business while homeschooling your children?
It’s definitely a balancing act, but one we’ve grown into as a family. From the very beginning, it was just the four of us—my husband and I raising our two girls, often taking them with us everywhere, even to work. They’ve grown up seeing what we do, how we talk to people, how we problem-solve, and how we build something with love and purpose.
Homeschooling has made a big difference. We work with a British school that provides the curriculum, structure, and tutor support. Our girls are very disciplined and love learning—they know what needs to be done and take pride in their progress.
What I love most is the freedom it gives them. They have time to pursue their passions—like reading, and learning languages like Chinese, Spanish, and Italian. It’s not for everyone, but it’s been a beautiful fit for our family.
What would you say to someone who wants to start something new but feels pulled in too many directions?
If there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that building something meaningful takes time. It takes heart, grit, and belief—especially when no one else sees your vision yet.
You won’t always feel ready. You won’t have all the answers. You’ll wear many hats, juggle many roles, and face doubts—but you’ll also grow in ways you never imagined.
To anyone starting out: you don’t need to have it all figured out. Just take one small step. Trust yourself. Learn as you go. Be okay with being uncomfortable, because that’s where the magic happens.
And above all—keep going. Even when it’s hard. Even when it’s slow. The moment you feel like giving up might be the moment you’re closest to a breakthrough.
Sometimes, life’s biggest redirections turn out to be the greatest blessings.
What are your hopes for the future—both in business and in life?
I believe everything unfolds at the right time and for the right reasons. For our business, my dream is to become a well-known baby brand in the UK—not just for our beautiful, high-quality furniture, but for the story, values, and people behind it.
We were recently honoured to receive the First Time Mums Choice Award 2025 for one of our space-saving cots, which was such a proud and validating moment. It meant so much to us because it came directly from real parents who connected with our product and our purpose. That kind of recognition reminds me that we’re on the right path.
Looking ahead, I’d love to collaborate with UK charities that support babies, new parents, or families in need. Giving back is something I feel deeply called to do.
Personally, I’ll continue reading, learning, and dreaming big. I’d also love to support other expat women in Poland—perhaps through mentoring or community work. I’m not sure exactly how yet, but I trust that the right opportunity will come, at the right time.
