Monika Grabowska: From Trials to Triumphs – A Story of Resilience

Meet Monika Grabowska, a resilient and inspiring individual who grew up in a small Polish village, facing significant challenges early on, including the loss of her father in a car accident at 12 and battling Guillain-Barré syndrome at 16. At 20, Monika moved to Poznań, and shortly after, relocated to London, where she built a new life. Today, she is a wife, mother of two girls, and the proud owner of Viculii, a successful baby furniture company based in London. After living in the UK for 13 and a half years, Monika and her family decided to move to Poland for a year in 2020. This planned adventure turned into nearly four years due to her husband’s business collapsing, her mother battling cancer, and transitioning her children to homeschooling. Despite these challenges, Monika learned invaluable lessons, supported her family, and formed lasting connections with international women. Currently, she balances running her UK-based business and living between two countries, while homeschooling her children through the british international school.

Growing up in a small village in Poland, how did the loss of your father at a  young age shape your perspective on life and resilience?  

I was nearly 12 years old and it was a profound and unforgettable experience. I come from a happy family, and his sudden death brought unimaginable pain. My father was a man who pursued his dreams and enjoyed his life. Over the years, he travelled abroad, ran his businesses, and was committed to providing opportunities for me and my sister, such as private English lessons long before they were common in our village or as a subject at school. He encouraged me to go on every school trip available, wanting me to see and experience as much as possible.  

My father also started building the house he had always dreamed of, though he had never had the chance to finish it. After his death, my mother took on the task and completed the house, demonstrating incredible strength and resilience. Even though she never lived in this house herself, she created it for us, her children and grandchildren, to enjoy.  

She showed us how to never give up and continue in life with determination and courage.  

His vibrant life and stories of Greece inspired me to dream big and seek out my adventures. I knew from a young age that I didn’t want to stay in our small village forever—I had dreams and ambitions that extended far beyond its borders.  

We were blessed with the support of my amazing grandparents, aunt, and uncle, who were always there for us. Despite her grief, my mother raised me and my younger sister to be independent, brave women, instilling in us a deep sense of self-belief. She taught us to follow our dreams and to live every moment with gratitude.  

This experience taught me that life is unpredictable and that we should cherish all the little things, both good and bad. I believe that life happens for us, for our highest good,  and that something positive can come from every experience. It’s important to enjoy time with our loved ones, support them, and be there for them—a phone call, a visit,  or a chat can mean so much.  

Additionally, this experience taught me never to judge what is going on in someone else’s life. We never truly know what challenges others are facing or have faced.  Losing my father, a valuable member of our family, in such a sudden and unpredictable way was incredibly challenging for all of us. It took time and a good few books for me to come to terms with and understand its meaning in my way.  

In essence, losing my father shaped my perspective on life and resilience by teaching me the importance of dreaming big, embracing life’s experiences, and valuing the relationships we hold dear. My mother’s strength in finishing our family home and continuing forward in life showed me the true meaning of perseverance and resilience. 

Overcoming Guillain–Barré syndrome at 16 must have been incredibly challenging. How did this experience impact your outlook on health and perseverance?  

It was incredibly challenging indeed. As you can imagine, being a 16-year-old  teenage girl in secondary school, it was a proper shock to suddenly find myself unable to walk and hospitalized, not knowing what the future holds. At that time, there was no space in the children’s ward, so I was placed in the adult neurological ward, where I  witnessed many things no child or teenager should have to see.  

I remember one moment when a nurse asked me to sit in a wheelchair. I was so scared that if I sat down, I would never get up again. I refused and decided to walk along the wall, moving so very slowly until I reached my destination. After a month in the hospital, numerous check-ups, and a lot of medications, I was fortunate to have amazing doctors who quickly diagnosed my condition and reacted swiftly to stop its progression. During this time, I met many other young adults who were also facing difficult health challenges. One of them also had Guillain–Barré and was unable to breathe on his own, which made me appreciate even more the fast response of my doctors.  

The experience taught me never to take anything for granted. My mum was once again a huge supporter throughout this journey, and I fully recovered from the syndrome. However, I will always remember the feelings of uncertainty and the intense desire to be out of the hospital, walking, and enjoying life with my friends again. Your health is your most precious asset—without it, everything else becomes much harder to achieve.  

Now I understand that even if I had ended up in a wheelchair, like many others with this condition, I would have found a way to handle it as I always do. But back then, in  2002, at the age of 16, living in a small Polish village, 34km from my secondary school, I did not understand, I was so incredibly scared to be bound to one place, and all I wanted was to get better as soon as possible. This experience has instilled in me a deep appreciation for health and a strong sense of perseverance. With good health,  you can achieve anything you dream of. 

What motivated you to move from Poznań to London, and how did this transition influence your personal and professional growth?  

Long ago, as a little girl, I dreamt about the United Kingdom and everything for which it stood. I was fascinated by the English language, British Kings and Queens,  Princes and Princesses, UK history and the scenic beauty of its island landscape. I  surrounded myself with all the magazines and books that I could find, and I read them all. I dreamt that one day, I would live and belong here.  

In 2006, I met my partner, who was already living in the UK. He had all the qualities I  valued in a man, so I took a chance, moved to London, and started a journey with him.  This August, we celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.  

The move to the UK marked the beginning of a new adventure in my life. Despite knowing English since I was a little girl, adapting to the real English language in those first few weeks was an interesting challenge, filled with fun and discovery.  Having completed Hotel Management school in Poland, my first job in the UK was at a 5-star hotel in the heart of London, opposite Carnaby Street. I felt like the luckiest person in the world, thoroughly enjoying my time working in hotels.  

I was struck by the different cultures in the UK and the many nationalities I  encountered—many of which I had never seen in Poland at that time. This diversity made me enjoy the experience even more, as I love meeting new people and getting to know new cultures, new foods, and new perspectives.  

As life’s journey progressed, my aspirations evolved. I had children and decided to join my husband in his business. Moving to London taught me that life has no limits—you can dream big and work towards making those dreams come true while enjoying the journey and having fun along the way. Looking back, I see how much I  have learned and experienced, and I realize that life is all about continuous learning and growth, I love and value that very much. 

As a wife and mother of two girls, how do you balance your family responsibilities with running a business?  

I must say, that balancing family responsibilities with running a business requires a strong support system and adaptability. From the very beginning, my husband and I have been very supportive of each other and deeply involved in raising our daughters. Until they started school, it was just the two of us looking after them, and we made it work by taking them with us almost everywhere we went together. Otherwise, if not possible, one of us went only.  

Working together as a family, we embraced the opportunity for our girls to experience how we interact with people and handle the various challenges of running a business.  This hands-on exposure has been invaluable in teaching them about behaviour,  communication, and resilience in the business world.  

Recently, we decided to homeschool our daughters, which has provided us with even more flexibility. This decision has been particularly beneficial as we travel quite a bit for my new business. Homeschooling allows us to maintain a consistent education for our girls while accommodating our travel schedule.  

Balancing family and business responsibilities is undoubtedly challenging, but our mutual support and commitment to involving our children in our journey have made it a rewarding experience. It has strengthened our family bond and taught our girls valuable life skills, making the process enjoyable and fulfilling. 

How has homeschooling your children been so far, and what advice would you give to other parents considering homeschooling?  

Homeschooling our children has been a positive experience so far, but it’s important to acknowledge that it may not be suitable for every family. We chose a British school to homeschool our children because we are not teachers and are not familiar with the curriculum. This approach works well for our family, as the school provides a structured schedule and all the necessary books and platforms, ensuring everything aligns with the British curriculum.  

Our girls are very disciplined and understand their responsibilities. They follow the schedule provided by the school and complete their assignments diligently. When they have questions, they can contact their tutors for support. This system has allowed them to maintain their education while we travel and manage our business.  An added benefit of homeschooling is that our children have more time to pursue their passions, such as learning other languages like Chinese, Spanish, and Italian, and indulging in their love for reading books.  

For parents considering homeschooling, my advice would be to carefully assess whether it fits your family’s lifestyle and needs. It’s crucial to choose a program that provides a comprehensive curriculum and support system, especially if you are not experienced in teaching. Additionally, understanding your children’s learning styles and discipline levels is essential. Every child is different, and what works for one family may not work for another. Homeschooling requires commitment and adaptability, but with the right resources and support, it can be a rewarding experience for both parents and children. 

The past few years have been particularly challenging for you. Can you share some of the key lessons you have learned from these experiences, especially regarding your husband’s business collapse and your mother’s illness?  

Yes, the past few years have indeed been particularly challenging for me and my family. We recently spent some time back in Poland, and during that period, several significant events occurred. One of the most impactful was my husband’s business collapse, which was due to misunderstandings with a business partner and various unpredictable situations.  

Our move to Poland allowed us to reassess our approach to business and identify the mistakes that were made. It taught us the critical importance of having trustworthy people around you and ensuring that everything is documented in contracts that are reviewed by professionals. Additionally, we learned the hard way that it’s essential to double-check your accountants. Just because someone is recommended by a business partner doesn’t mean they have the necessary credentials to work in the UK and comply with all regulations. This was a tough lesson, but an invaluable one.  

In terms of my mother’s illness, she was diagnosed with cancer and has since completed her treatments. It was an incredibly difficult time, but my mother’s resilience shone through. She never gave up for a second, and I’m happy to say she is now feeling well, with a positive outlook for the future.  

These experiences have taught me several key lessons. First, the importance of due diligence and professional oversight in business cannot be overstated. Second,  resilience and a positive mindset are crucial when facing personal and family health challenges. Finally, having a strong support system and being adaptable can help you navigate through even the toughest times. 

What inspired you to start Viculii (vee-koo-lee) and how has your vision for the company evolved since its inception?  

After my husband’s business ceased operations, we found ourselves without an income for nearly a year. It was a challenging time, but it also catalyzed a new beginning. I decided to open my own business, driven by the support and encouragement from professionals, family, and friends who believed in me. They convinced me that I could succeed on my terms and do it even better.  

While we were in Poland, we surrounded ourselves with like-minded, highly respected individuals who significantly influenced our journey. This network was instrumental in helping me establish the business. As the saying goes, “You are the  average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Choosing our community wisely has been crucial to my success.  

My business, Viculii (vee-koo-lee) is a family venture that provides elegant baby furniture of the highest quality to parents across the UK. We are on a mission to bring joy to as many people as possible through our products. Our family is friendly and positive, with big dreams and a commitment to making people smile.  

Since its inception, my vision for the company has evolved. Initially, it was about creating a source of income and stability for our family. Over time, it has grown into a passion for delivering joy and quality to our customers. I aim to make a positive impact on the lives of parents and children, and I am dedicated to this journey.  

I would appreciate your support as we continue to grow and bring happiness to families through our products. My story is one of resilience, community, and the belief that with the right people around you, anything is possible.  

During your time in Poland, you built connections with international women.  How have these relationships influenced your journey, and what role does community play in your life?  

As mentioned before, I love meeting new people and I am very open to new connections with the international community.  

When we first returned to Poland, I found myself a bit stuck, as I hadn’t lived there for over 13 years. Unsure of how to approach Polish people, I decided to get to know some international women instead. I met incredible ladies from Norway, Russia,  Korea, Turkey, Colombia, China, the Netherlands, and many more. I never knew there were so many nationalities in Poland these days. These relationships just proved to me how much I love the international community and the mutual support we can offer each other. It was an inspirational journey. As my friends there say, if  I don’t get them together for our breakfast mornings, they can never do it by themselves.  

A supportive community is a vital part of my life. I am always ready to help if I can in any way. Having lived in Poland, the UK, and then back in Poland before returning to the UK, I may not have experienced many countries, but I understand the complexities of life abroad. These international connections have influenced my journey by enriching my perspective and providing a network of support and inspiration.  

Community plays a crucial role in my life. It’s not just about receiving support but also about being there for others. Building and maintaining these connections has been a rewarding experience, reinforcing my belief in the importance of a strong,  supportive community, especially for those navigating the challenges of living in a foreign country. 

Looking ahead, what are your goals for Viculii (vee-koo-lee) and your personal life, and how do you envision achieving them?  

Firstly, I believe that everything happens at the right time, for a reason, and for our highest good.  

Looking ahead, my goal for Viculii (vee-koo-lee) is to establish it as a well-known baby brand within the UK, recognized not only for its high-quality baby furniture but also for my story of resilience and perseverance. I want Viculii to be synonymous with dedication, quality, and a positive impact. I also aim to work with UK charities that support babies and new parents, using our platform to give back to the community and help those in need.  

In my personal life, I will continue to read extensively and dream big, as I have always done. I find great joy and inspiration in books, and they fuel my imagination and aspirations. Additionally, I want to continue supporting expat ladies in Poland in some way. While I haven’t figured out exactly how yet, I am confident that the right opportunity will present itself at the right time.  

Ultimately, I envision achieving these goals through a combination of hard work,  gratitude, and unwavering support from the community around me. By staying true to my values and maintaining a positive outlook, I believe I can make a meaningful impact both through my business and in my endeavours.