Monica Trapaga is one of Australia’s favourite musicians: from the generation of pre-schoolers who she entertained and educated on Playschool, to their parents who know Monica for a fabulous jazz voice and her early days singing with her brother in “Pardon me Boys”. She spoke to us about her career, how she has coped with the ups and downs of a sometimes very flexible range of roles.
What kind of environment did you grow up in?
I grew up in an incredibly fertile creative and loving household. Having a Spanish/American/Basque heritage, there was never a dull moment.
Was music in your family and in your life from a child?
I can’t remember a day without music. My family were all musicians, actors and artists and my Grandmother a couturier, always crating costumes for us.
What were the early days like trying to break into the music industry?
I was lucky enough to be thrown into the deep end of the business, my brother needed a leading lady to replace Nell Campbell in his group “Pardon Me Boys”. I had a three week old baby and two weeks to learn the show. From the day I started I knew that I was meant to entertain and we were very busy. I think the eighties were a great time to be in the entertainment industry. I had a ball.
What kept you going when times were tough financially?
My children, they have always kept me laughing and positive.
What ‘normal’ jobs have you done?
I’ve worked in many nursing homes, I’ve done a lot of waitressing, I’ve worked in a shoe shop and while I was pregnant with my first child I was a dietary aid at the Royal North Shore Hospital.
Were you ever tempted to get a ‘real job’?
When I knew my regular T.V work was about to end, I opened my vintage store “Reclaim by Monica Trapaga”. The world of retail is always challenging, it’s very real.
Do you see your life as a balance between ‘life’ and ‘work’, or are they well blended?
There have been times when I’ve worked far too hard and other times when I would like to be working more but in the entertainment industry there are no guarantees – you have to take it when it comes. Having recently remarried I now have 6 children that means a lot of juggling and you never know what’s coming up and as I have a shop to run and gigs to do sometimes the scales tip to the ‘too much work’ side.
What do you see as the essentials for a happy existence?
A good balance between life and work is essential. My husband and I try to get away and travel once a year even if it’s only for a short period of time. I try to do some sort of exercise every day. Fifty laps of my favourite outdoor pool and I’m a new woman. Even running my dog round the harbour or in the park keeps everything in perspective. Before I go to bed I do 20 minutes of hula hooping as I have a crook back and it loosens my spine for a good night sleep and amuses my husband, I also have to have a good coffee everyday at my local.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?
Small businesses are challenged every day as our government does nothing to look after small business and offers no assistance in local manufacturing. I work very hard to restore old pieces and stock local artists in my shop. I have to be clever in my buying and monitor my time. When I’m restoring an old piece I can very easily spend too much time which I’ll never really be paid for. In terms of growing my business I think no matter what business you’re in you have to invest in yourself and believe in what your doing.
How many hours do you work in a typical working days?
There is no typical day for me in terms of hours every day is different.
What would you be doing if you weren’t doing music?
If I wasn’t doing music I’d be doing exactly what I’m doing now. I’ve never just done music. I’m about to have my first book published which has taken two years to write and illustrate, I’ve been running a shop for seven years and I’m always working on various projects.
What qualities do you respect and value in people you work with? Why are these qualities important to you?
I look for people who are non dramatic, truthful, energetic, non judgmental, respectful and most of all have a good sense of humour.
What do you do in your spare time?
Read.
Who or what other businesses or business people inspire you?
Bette Midler, Stevie Wonder and the late Paul Newman: incredibly talented and truthful.
Name your three favorite websites – the ones you visit regularly?
Anthropologie, Amazon and Etsy
Do You Twitter? Do You Blog?
I don’t twitter and I don’t blog
If you were able to invite any three people to dinner, who would they be and why?
Bette Midler, Stevie Wonder and Isabel Allende. I couldn’t think of more interesting people
Do you have a favorite saying or mantra? If so, what is it?.
Don’t judge people, follow your gut, be true to yourself and laugh everyday.
If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be?
I’d like to be able to sing like Ella Fitzgerald or Stevie Wonder. They are my super heroes.
What is the biggest challenge to mums today?
Stay fit and healthy, spend as much time with your kids doing things away from computers and technology, take time to cook together, knit, sew, paint, camp, read and don’t try to keep up with the media’s idea of the perfect mum.
What community organisations are you involved in? Why is that important?
I’m an Ambassador for Barnardos, The Children’s Hospital, Save the Children foundation and The Breast Cancer Association.
Leah Gibbs is the Founder and Business Manager of Lifestyle Careers.
Lifestyle Careers is an online recruitment job board. Our niche and specific focus is the advertising of flexible employment and work at home positions. It is designed for professionals wanting to balance their work and personal life.
