Shmouni… Made By Moun!

At the bustling 5K Jingle Jog at Gateway Church, I met a woman whose name instantly caught my attention: Shmouni, pronounced Shmoo-nee. She smiled as she explained that her name came from ancient Assyria, a region that now overlaps parts of Turkey, Iraq, and Syria. Its meaning—“God has heard”—seemed to delight her, especially because, as she put it with a laugh, “God probably hears me just fine; I’ve got a loud voice!” With that blend of humor, heritage, and personality, she was a perfect fit for Ubernamez!

“Moun”, as she was commonly called—was a vendor at the event, her booth glowing with color and creativity. She sold a wide assortment of handmade items, each one reflecting the imagination and care of someone who clearly loved the crafting process. Her home-based business, Made by Moun, seemed to capture not only her artistic eye but also her warmth and enthusiasm. People drifted to her table as naturally as bees to flowers, drawn by her friendliness as much as her crafts.

As we talked, she shared pieces of her journey. Moun had lived in Chicago for many years, working in a food-industry plant that developed a variety of flavors from corn. Later, she shifted into education, teaching biology, zoology, and anatomy to high school students. She spoke about that transition with the calm confidence of someone who enjoys learning just as much as she enjoys teaching. Her life had woven through science, flavor creation, art, and now entrepreneurship—each chapter adding to her life story.

A year ago, seeking warmer skies and gentler winters, Moun moved to Florida. She now raises a three-year-old and is expecting another child in the coming year. As she stood behind her display of handcrafted goods, greeting runners and families with her vibrant voice and joyful spirit, it was clear that her name—“God has heard”—fitted her perfectly. In meeting Moun at the Jingle Jog, I discovered not just a creative vendor but someone whose life, heritage, and humor made her as unique as the crafts she lovingly creates.

Please welcome Shmouni to the Ubernamez family and check out her handcrafted wares at Madebymoun.Etsy.com