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

Hi Celina Monique, thanks for joining us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

“It’s never a waste of time or money to invest in yourself, no matter the source. True wealth begins inward and emits its light outward into everything else, including the people you surround yourself with” (Will.I.Am.). Over the last two years, the current state of the world, has heavily influenced the evolution of artistic visions, self-discovery, and mental health concerns. As we grow older and wiser, my friends and I check in with one another to discuss “The Facts of Life.” During these discussions, we often agree that we are each having a “human experience” and figuring this thing out “one experience at a time.” However, the Blessing from trials are the growth and alignment that comes from them. Although the experiences are usually uncomfortable and require sacrifice, they push us right where we need to be and equip us for the next level.

In the spirit of transparency, my greatest setback of last year was lacking the motivation of working towards my dreams, due to unfulfilling relationships and the state of the world. My focus was all discombobulated, therefore I did not work as hard as usual. Keep in mind, this is during a time where social media was a major source of success and discovery for entrepreneurs, business owner, creatives, etc; yet I was not focused mentally, physically, or emotionally. In becoming self-aware, utilizing therapy, good friends and remembering the overall goal at hand, I was able to bounce back like I never left!!

As I reflect on my growth, the mindset I have now is UNSTOPABLE!! I needed that pain and discomfort to remind me of who I was and to further equip me as I walk in my purpose. Never make yourself feel like nothing to make someone else feel like everything!! Recognize when it is time to walk away and CHOOSE YOU!! I would get upset when I felt like people were “playing in my face” or not choosing me until I realized I wasn’t even choosing myself. Remembering that I was enough and that nothing I have ever done can change that, reignited that FIRE I needed. Now I have readjusted my focus and I am betting all on me…so much that I recently resigned from my job.

So to conclude, my greatest investment has been MYSELF!! The more we work towards recognizing the root of certain issues, heal, and then reach back to pull up others, the greater human beings we will become. As we begin to prioritize ourselves, we will attract the things and people aligned to our lives!! There will always be lessons to learn, no matter the age. But in loving others, always remember to love and extend Grace and forgiveness to the one person you are stuck with forever…YOU!

Celina Monique, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Sure, I am Celina Monique McMillian, often referred to as The Vocal Architect, a notable Amazon best-selling author, actor, speaker, compelling social worker and vocal visionary.

Born and raised by a single mother in Augusta, GA, I have always been determined to break any generational curses & barriers, while beating all odds against me. Two of the best experiences of my life were attending and graduating from Armstrong Atlantic State University (Undergraduate) and Savannah State University (Graduate School) with honors. I am honored to be a member of the esteemed Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

As the founder and CEO of “Raising Our Queens” (R.O.Q)., a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, our goal is to “Establish a new community of hope and support to empower, rebuild, and mentor young ladies, by guiding them through life’s challenges.” Over the years, R.O.Q. has been honored to provide numerous scholarship opportunities, exposure, mentorship and host influential events.

In April of 2017, I encountered a near death experience while on vacation celebrating a friend’s birthday. A disturbed man attacked me and cracked a drinking glass on my face. It was an unimaginable experience which I overcame and birthed my first children’s book and coloring book, “Note to Self: Affirmations to Young Queens”. The book is intended to empower and influence girls (Queens) to realize they are ENOUGH, to embrace their flaws, and to expand their vocabulary. A few months following, “King Me: Because Royalty is Life” was published. Representation, Exposure and Affirmations are powerful and necessary. They encourage self-love, self-worth, and self-respect. The books are available for purchase at numerous online stores including: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, and Walmart, as for the coloring book it is exclusively ordered through www.celinamonique.com.

Over the years, I have been a proud recipient of numerous awards, accolades, and digital publications. In addition to appearing on Season 12 episode 6 of MTV’s Wild ‘N Out with “Note to Self”.

Determined to be not only the voice, but also the strength for those who are still in search of their own; I take pride in being real, relatable and rare; characteristics that have contributed tremendously to my success. The goal is to create a timeless legacy filled with love, laughter, authenticity and most definitely healing. And I feel like even with all I have accomplished thus far, I’m just getting started. Stay tuned…

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

As a person who is always giving to others, I have had to “unlearn”, or more so learn when to scale back. My friends constantly talk to me about protecting that special gift, because people will literally take everything you have with no regard. So to keep from changing who I am, I have learned to change who I am that for. When the love and efforts are mutual, the well never runs dry.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an actor, author and overall creative is to see the finished product of a project you’ve worked hard on, especially on the “Big Screen” or a larger scale. Then to see the love and reactions from your family, friends and supporters when you have achieved that accomplishment is a feeling that is indescribable and makes you want to continuously improve and remain consistent. Especially when these individuals know the humble beginnings you have come from and things you have overcome!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.celinamonique.com
• Instagram: @celinamonique_
• Linkedin: Celina McMillian
• Twitter: @celinamonique_
• Youtube: Celina Monique
• Other:Books are available on the following websites: www.celinamonique.com  (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, Walmart, Etc.)
  
  

Image Credits
@slingshots.atl @brianjonesphotography @thecamkilla