We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Monique Berisha. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Monique below.

Monique, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

One of the biggest risks I ever took was starting my business at 21 — right in the middle of college, when I was still trying to figure out my path like everyone else.

At the time, I was going to class, working as a marketing executive, and trying to convince myself I knew what I wanted long-term. But deep down, I kept getting this feeling that I was supposed to build something of my own. I didn’t have it all mapped out. I just knew I had ideas, creativity, and a drive that didn’t fit inside a traditional job.

So I did what everyone tells you not to do at that age:
I took the leap.

And when I started telling people, the reactions were very “Are you sure?” and “Maybe wait.” No one was trying to be negative — they just didn’t see the vision I had. Honestly, I didn’t even have the full vision yet… but I knew I wanted more.

So I trusted myself.

Fast-forward to today, and that decision changed everything for me. The same people who were unsure back then now look at what I’ve built and totally get it. They see the growth, the work, the clients, the events, the brand. They see what I saw before it existed.

Starting a business while still figuring out my own life wasn’t easy, but it taught me the biggest lesson:
You don’t need to have every step planned out — you just need the confidence to take the first one.

That leap at 21 was the moment I stopped waiting for the “right time” and chose myself instead. And honestly? It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Monique, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Monique Berisha, event designer and owner of Monique Berisha Designs, serving the NJ & NYC area — and my journey into this industry started long before the big builds and booked-out calendars.

It all began at family parties. I was always the one handling the little details, the aesthetics, the “make it pretty” moments. Then one day, our family florist, FC Affairs, looked at me and said, “You should do signage.” That one sentence changed the entire course of my life.

I went out, bought a Cricut, and started with small mirror welcome signs. What began as a hobby slowly turned into full event styling, custom rentals, large-scale builds, and a business that’s now booked years in advance. It grew with every event, every client, every lesson — and a whole lot of passion.

Today, Monique Berisha Designs creates luxury, story-driven events for weddings, baptisms, brand activations, and celebrations that deserve more than the standard, copy-and-paste décor. My clients come to me because they want something stylish, cohesive, and personal — something that actually feels like them.

And here’s the thing:
We don’t do basic here.
I have a strong eye for design and detail, and I treat every event like it’s my own. Everything has to make sense, flow beautifully, and deliver that immediate “wow” moment when you walk into the room.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the growth — it’s the people behind it. This business would not be where it is without my brother Cristian. He’s the one who shows up every time I feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure, and somehow makes everything possible. And of course, my parents, my family, my friends, my vendors, and my clients — they’ve all played a huge part in building what this brand has become.

At its core, Monique Berisha Designs is about storytelling. It’s about creating events that feel personal, memorable, and effortlessly luxurious. If it doesn’t feel like your story — it’s not leaving my studio.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I started, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I was posting whatever, whenever, just hoping something would land. And looking back at my old content now? I cringe. I literally say, “I can’t believe I thought that was good.” But here’s the thing — even in the middle of not knowing what I was doing, I showed up as myself. No strategy, no perfect plan… just me, my work, and my personality.

What I learned fast is that people connect with real. They didn’t just follow me for the final setup — they followed the journey, the growth, the behind-the-scenes, the effort, the humor, all of it. Once I realized that being myself was the actual “strategy,” everything shifted. Consistency + authenticity is what built my audience, not perfection.

My advice for anyone starting out: show up before you feel ready. Post even when it’s not perfect. Create a content calendar. Figure out what days are better. Post everyday. Don’t stress about annoying people — the right clients want to see your work. Be yourself, tell your story, and stay consistent. The rest will follow.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is watching an idea that lived in someone’s head come to life right in front of them. Clients come to me with a vision — sometimes clear, sometimes completely scattered — and I get to turn that into something real, something beautiful, something they feel.

There’s nothing like seeing their reaction when they walk into a space I designed and say, “This is exactly what I pictured… but better.” That moment makes every long night, every sketch, every cut, every setup, every breakdown worth it.

I also love that my work becomes part of people’s most important memories — weddings, baptisms, milestone events, celebrations. I get to create pieces that are tied to moments they’ll never forget. That’s not just design… that’s impact.

And honestly? Another rewarding part is looking back at how far I’ve come — from a Cricut on my bedroom floor to full custom builds and events booked years in advance. Being a creative means I get to grow, experiment, and reinvent constantly, and that part keeps me inspired every single day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moniqueberishaa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moniqueberishaa
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-berisha-072021268/