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

Hi Monica , thanks for joining us today. 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?

Sometimes the best risk in life is the one you take with a leap of faith not knowing where you’re going to land but trusting that the outcome is far greater than not taking that risk at all.

The risk that I took several years ago was the momentum I needed to get to where I am today.
When my mom passed away in 2014, I was working as a Producer in the ad world and getting burnt out from the daily grind with no work/life balance. I hadn’t prioritized myself and decided to take a break from advertising to find myself again. I went on my own Eat, Pray, Love journey and along the way discovered my passion for makeup artistry. That journey set the trajectory of building my makeup artistry business and even unexpectedly becoming a Pianist along the way. Follow your heart and find your peace. When you trust the process and push past being uncomfortable or the temptation to throw in the towel, the magic begins to happen and the seeds begin to sprout. Don’t quit, just do it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Sure! For starters, my name is Monica and I dabble in a few things. After graduating college, I started in the Advertising industry as a Producer and gradually morphed into becoming an Animation/VFX Agent, a Makeup Artist/Business Owner and a self-taught Pianist. Makeup came about after the loss of my Mom and piano was silver lining from the pandemic.

Wearing many hats over the years has helped me to hone my skills artistically while solving challenges. I collaborate with clients regularly whether it’s providing makeup services, connecting clients with my Animation/VFX studios who can turn their visions into a reality or playing the soothing sounds from various classical composers.
In Advertising, I’m working with creative visions, budgets, schedules and finding the right fit which are all components for creating the final end product. In makeup, I’m constantly dealing with different skin types, textures and uniquely finessing each look. With piano, I’m working my way through each musical composition like solving a Rubik’s cube. Each industry requires a keen visual eye to attention and detail.

As a women owned/minority owned, small business owner with my makeup artistry company, I service multiple clients of various ages and ethnicities with a forte in Bridal and Editorial.

What sets me a part from others in the business? There’s only one me and my energy, attitude and mindset are completely different from anyone else in the world. What I provide is showing up as my full authentic self and letting the rest fall into place.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Oh gosh, there’ve been a few times where I’ve had to pivot but I’ve learned that pivots/detours can teach you how to be resilient in the face of adversity. Yes, it may feel uncomfortable, scary and isolating but the unknown is where the magic happens. When you’re pushed beyond any limits you know of and you’re almost at your breaking point, things begin to shift.

My first pivot was when I was working as an Advertising Producer in 2014. My mom, whom I was very close with, passed away and I decided to hit the pause button before my own mental health spiraled out of control. I was completely burnt out and quit my job without anything else lined up (the thing you’re told to never do), embarking on my own Eat, Pray, Love journey. During that time, I discovered my love for makeup artistry. I focused on getting educated and used art as a healing mechanism. I’m now blessed to be running my own business several years later crafting looks and working with wonderful clients. It’s a lot of hard work, determination and commitment but it’s absolutely worth it.

The second pivot came as a result of the Pandemic. During such a dark and difficult time for us all, I was forced to put my makeup business on pause but had a piano and decided one day to just begin playing. Starting from scratch in my 30’s was far different than when I first learned how to play as a child. It didn’t matter that I didn’t know how to read music or have proper training but what little I did know became sound therapy and an escape from all the negativity.

The piano’s effects were melodic and the encouragement I received from those who listened, helped me to continue down my musical path.
Ultimately I pushed through my own fears, practiced consistently and awakened this whole other side within myself that I didn’t even know existed. All in all, I’m so grateful to have been guided by my heart and trust my gut.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

YES! I tend to read anything that’s uplifting and inspiring which helps to positively influence my mental focus and health. I absolutely love Dr. Joe Dispenza who is a renowned author and motivational speaker. His books have changed my way of thinking and I have seen its profound effects. I’m currently reading Becoming Supernatural. It’s dense but chockfull of indispensable knowledge. I also do a lot of meditation and writing on top which helps my entrepreneurial thinking and outlook on life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mojoglowmua.com & www.mojoglowmusic.com
• Instagram: @mojoglowmua & @mojoglowmusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicaerynjohnson

Image Credits
Christine Keeley Photography Orion McKinley Photography Caterina Olivia Photography Taylor Lamar/Banks Photography