We recently connected with Monet Maxwell and have shared our conversation below.
Monet, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?
I think things happen the way they are supposed too, but if I could go back with the knowledge I have now I definitely would have pursue being a creative much sooner. I decided at 23 that I was going to go back to school, but this time for fashion. I previously went to a community college for like 2 years, I had no idea why I was there so I decided there’s no need in going back. I always wanted to pursue styling but I didn’t have the resources and honestly didn’t know where to start. School seemed like the best option at the time, but I ended up learned everything from working. If I could go back I would have pursue full time freelancing in the beginning.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’ve been styling for almost 6 years now. I got started by honestly just coming up with ideas and just starting. When I first started I also did make up and photography. Styling was always my first love. The services I offer is creative directing, styling for all bodies, personal/brand styling and concept developing. I also started modeling last year, I’ve been featured on shoe bran Jeffrey Campbell’s website, and on the Walmart app. My work features people who are part of the different communities I’m apart of. I love telling other’s stories, something I always say is it’s bigger then fashion. I say that because fashion is important but it’s even more important that my art includes people that look like me. I’m most proud of me continuing to wake up everyday and follow my dreams. Pursuing any creative career is so hard, I give credit to anyone who puts their art out there for others to see. I do all types of styling but my favorite is when you look at the photos and you see the subject really loving themselves. My art came from me wanting to be creative with my look and feeling limited as a fat teenage girl. My goal is to help marginalized folks feel seen.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Growing up I wish I knew about more resources in my area that were dedicated to teaching kids about fashion. My goal down the line is to be able to support black and brown kids wanting to pursue creative careers in fashion.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being an artist is having people tell me how much they appreciate my art. I believe we are all vessels, art can heal us all. Putting together a team and styling someone in a outfit that they feel amazing in truly does bring joy to my heart. That’s the reward.
Contact Info:
- Website: Monetmaxwell.net
- Instagram: Monetmaxwell
Image Credits
Photo of me Photog @rochellefatleopard Photos 1 and 2 Models- Ali and @helenaye Photog- @natalie_czyzyk Styling- Me @monetmaxwell Make up- @tessgarveymakeup Hair- @tashinyc Photos 3 and 4 Artist: @wuhryn Photog: @michaeldajour MUA: @teddy.wil Stylist: Me @monetmaxwell Set assistant: @simplyfonz Dress: @jessicarowell Necklace and earrings: @reigninggrey Gloves: made by me Flower crown: made by me Photo 5 Production @elewatv Photographer: @imacheesecake Retouched: @themarrr.photos Model: @c.cw Creative Direction abisolas_ abisolas_ x @imacheesecake Stylist: me @monetmaxwell Dress: @videmusomnia Makeup Artist: @fayces_ Photo 6 Wearing @reigninggrey jewelry Model: @yayasinai Hair: @crownedbyliv Mua: @ibonbeauty Creative direction and Photog: @tarikcarroll Creative direction and styling: me @monetmaxwell Photo assist: @ryanchamilton