We were lucky to catch up with Monique Washington recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Monique , thanks for joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you as a business owner?
As a Lead Career Coach for a major corporation I met people from all walks of life. Learning how to help them overcome their different barriers to gain valuable employment opportunities was a joy. Some barriers my clients faced were experience, education, transportation, interview, justice involvement, age and digital literacy. One of the key lessons I learned was the importance of Digital Literacy. I was afforded the opportunity to teach Digital Literacy to several people in a variety of age groups. As a result, my students were able to get better jobs, spend time with their children and grandchildren without feeling lost in a technologically advanced world. Furthermore, it help me birth my latest book “Developing Healthy Work Habits 7 Steps to Shift Your Career”.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
Through the help of Coach Charissa Taylor (iTeach iCoach) in Birmingham, AL I became an author in 2017. Over the years, I have been blessed to have speaking engagements, radio, television and magazine interviews. (K-Sound Praize, Younique Movement Magazine, Lady Tracey Show) I don’t take any of these opportunities lightly. There were times I wasn’t sure how I would make it. A few months ago, I left my job believing the instructions of the Lord. I’ve been asked how are you doing? How are you able to pay for rent? What are you doing? My reply is “I’m living my blessed life”. Your blessed life may be walking your dog every day or spending time with your children. I am enjoying having my own schedule and opportunity to travel the world again. After being diagnosed with various diseases and feeling depressed and suicidal, to be able to regain my confidence and strength back is amazing! Many times we wear masks to hide how we really feel as leaders in the church, in business, politics, education and the military. It can be hard for others to decipher what is happening to us. Becoming fully independent and breaking the cycle of codependency has been process in itself; my journey as a Lead Career Coach was part of that process as well. When I started my author journey I told my story from a broken place. Now my newer material is written from a place of hope and happiness. It’s written to equip, empower and educate others to achieve success personally and professionally. In order me to effectively to educate, equip and empower individuals I attended various training courses by Monique Tuff, Stefanie Wynn, Marquell Russell to hone my skills. In addition, I conduct research as well. Finally, I made other investments…hiring Marketing Firms- Creative Copy & K-Sound Rize Entertainment. These companies have launched my entrepreneurship career to a different level. I am grateful to them, the Lord Jesus Christ, my support system, and supporters of my literary work.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
After four tries of reformatting, two book covers, three republishes and a load of other problems I was finally able to successfully publish my latest book. Once the book was released, I set a goal of selling 15 books a day. Although, I didn’t sell 15 books in a day, receiving feedback such as “I wish had this book years ago, “This book is 🔥 and “ I never considered getting in position, I’m going to apply these principles”. These statements let me know the headache, frustration and disappointment was all worth the final outcome. I want to encourage every entrepreneur to remember your reason why and complete your mission.
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
Several years ago I was hosting my first fashion show. Oh my gosh! We were selling tickets to anyone who was anyone! We had radio station ads, social media ads, flyers all over the city! We thought we did it up. Closer we got to the event problems turned up and I was worried and stressed. But my teammates/friends were awesome! They pulled together and we had a successful event. It wasn’t a packed house but we had a nice crowd! Plus a surprise guest!The best of all every need was met. No one went home empty handed.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://themoniquewashington.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/writingwithmow
- Other: authormow@gmail.com
Image Credits
Trey Benham Chante Becerra Frank Becerra Deron Transport Suave Colione Demetra Coasey Candy Green-Brown Photo credit:Aaron Gatlin