We were lucky to catch up with Monica Reyes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Monica, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you’ve thought about whether to sign with an agent or manager?

I do have an agent, an incredible one! And I absolutely love and adore her. Darcy Diamond is a true powerhouse—an inspiring leader who owns Production Squad, a fully female-run production company, and also represents me through her agency, Cosmic Management. Signing with her has been nothing short of transformative, both financially and artistically. She has not only opened doors for me but also empowered me to step into my full potential as a professional artist with unwavering confidence.

I had outgrown the spaces I once operated in, and she provided the vision and opportunities to expand beyond them—allowing me to shine in ways I never imagined possible.

I first discovered Cosmic MGMT through a post on Production Squad announcing that they were seeking new artists to sign. Having followed Cosmic MGMT on social media for some time, I was already familiar with their work, but it was a particular post during Women’s Month that truly resonated with me. In that moment, I felt an undeniable pull to connect with the visionary behind the agency. Compelled by instinct, I reached out via email.

Darcy responded by setting up a meeting, where we had a brief yet insightful conversation. She outlined the steps I needed to take, providing both guidance and encouragement. Gathering my portfolio materials and handling the bureaucratic aspects of establishing myself as a fully operational business took time, but in the process, I gained invaluable knowledge—insights into the foundational elements of running a creative enterprise that I had never encountered before.

At some point during our conversation, I felt something deeply instinctive—this was the person I wanted to work with. This was the person I wanted to grow with. Darcy wasn’t just an exceptional businesswoman with a sharp mind; she was also someone with a deeply good heart.

I believe she saw in me what I was still coming to recognize in myself—not just as a wardrobe stylist, but as a photographer, a creative director, and a multifaceted artist. She recognized my capacity for expansion, my potential, and the woman I was becoming. More importantly, she believed in me.

Fast forward to today, and she has become more than just an agent—she is a trusted friend, a business partner, my HR, and my sounding board. Signing with Cosmic MGMT and working with Darcy has helped me refine my professional sphere, weeding out those with unprofessional intentions and ensuring that I engage only with those who respect my worth and boundaries.

This partnership has given me the confidence to lead with both kindness and conviction, to establish and manage expectations, and to implement new protocols without hesitation. What once felt unfamiliar has now become second nature. My years of experience working with a diverse range of people have strengthened my ability to communicate with transparency and foresight while maintaining the bandwidth to see the bigger picture. I’ve learned to ask for what I need, to lead with clarity, and, most importantly, to hold space for my own self-respect.

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.

I’ve committed to being true to myself, no matter how it’s perceived. We’re all constantly growing, adapting, and learning to navigate life in new ways. But amid all that change, I often wonder—have we truly learned to embrace who we are at our core?

So often, we tie our identity to our careers before we’ve even defined our values or built a deep connection with ourselves and the world around us. As artists, this can be especially true. It took me time to not only recognize but fully embrace the person I’ve become—the person I’ve learned to love. And in that grounding, I’ve found both strength and clarity.

I’ve come to realize that patience is a paradox—I extend it freely to many, yet withhold it from those whose potential I see most clearly. Perhaps it’s because I recognize what they are capable of, and in that knowing, I feel the urgency of their becoming. But true leadership isn’t about pulling people forward; it’s about walking beside them. Before I could lead, I had to first learn how to follow.

Success has also revealed an unexpected truth: the busier we become, the more elusive inspiration grows. Creativity, once effortless, now requires intention. I’ve learned that inspiration isn’t something that simply arrives—it’s something we must carve space for, a delicate balance between structure and spontaneity, between execution and exploration.

As a wardrobe stylist, photographer, and creative director, I’ve come to understand the delicate dance between artistic expression and client needs. Each project is a world of its own, shaped by different visions, expectations, and creative constraints. Yet, one truth remains constant: creation thrives on collaboration.

No idea flourishes in isolation. The weight of ambition, the complexity of execution, and the responsibility of bringing a vision to life—it all demands a shared effort. Clients bring their dreams, their brands, their evolving identities, and we, as creatives, translate those aspirations into something tangible. It’s a partnership, a conversation, an exchange of trust and perspective.

We are not meant to create alone. The best ideas are shaped through dialogue, the strongest visions sharpened through collaboration. Success, growth, and innovation are not solo endeavors—they are shared experiences, built in the spaces where artistry meets purpose.

I am most proud of my ability to stay composed under pressure and navigate chaos with clarity. I take pride in my capacity to hold space for intention and guidance, remaining grounded no matter the circumstances. I’m proud of my ability to lead with grace, to communicate with clear conviction, and to do so without apologizing for taking up space.

I’m also proud of my ability to negotiate both my worth and my team’s, ensuring that we’re all valued and provided a safe, nurturing space to grow. I’ve learned to say no without explanation, to assess situations and personalities without taking things personally.

Above all, I am proud of my resilience—the quiet strength I’ve built through each challenge. I’m proud of the little Monica who showed up every day, determined to prove her worth, until she no longer needed to. Now, she simply exists as someone who is worthy of opportunities that align with her true potential.

Believe it or not, I’ve had to learn the art of keeping my cards close to my chest. That being said, my playful side emerges when I feel a genuine sense of trust with those around me. Hard to believe with my serious response, but ask anyone, I can be a blast.

If there’s one thing I want people to understand about my work, it’s this: before anything else, take the time to know who I am as a person. Connection comes first.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I really like this question. I’ve had clients ask things like, “Wait, I thought you were a photographer—why are you doing wardrobe styling?” or “What do you really want to do? You do so many things—what’s the one you’d choose?”

And honestly, I couldn’t help but sense a little judgment behind it. I think part of that comes from people being used to more traditional, corporate structures—where roles are clearly defined and you answer to someone else. But I answer to myself.

The truth is: sometimes I pick up a camera, sometimes I pick up a hanger, and other times I’m deep in design—laying out visuals, dreaming up concepts. What I do shifts, but the creative intention behind it stays consistent.

I’ve learned not to stress over how others perceive it, especially if they haven’t found the kind of fulfillment I have by exploring multiple creative lanes. I get bored doing just one thing—my body literally resists sameness. That’s not to say I don’t value consistency. I do—but I see it in the form of discipline, focus, and the deep work it takes to master a skill.

This isn’t about being a jack-of-all-trades just to wear the label. It’s about identifying the crafts I’m really good at, having the courage to own that, and sharing it in ways that are meaningful—for both myself and the people I work with. It’s about using my creativity intentionally, wherever it fits best.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Whew—I’ve definitely had to do a lot of unlearning over the years. One big one? Realizing that not every client has to be your friend, and you don’t have to be theirs. You can absolutely be kind, warm, and professional without giving people access to parts of your life that feel personal or sacred.

Whether it’s your time, energy, resources, or even just sharing certain details about yourself—it’s okay to keep some things just for you. You’re not being cold or closed off; you’re honoring your own boundaries.

At the end of the day, I’ve learned that working relationships are healthiest when mutual respect is the foundation. As creatives, we’re here to support—not to overextend, or to lose ourselves in trying to meet someone else’s emotional expectations. And that’s more than okay.

Another big lesson? You can say no to a job—at any point. And that’s totally valid. Your peace of mind and mental wellbeing are always on the line when you say yes to something, so it’s worth checking in with yourself before you commit.

If a project comes your way, try having a set of thoughtful questions ready up front. It helps clarify expectations early on so you’re not stuck backpedaling when the scope starts to shift. Boundaries are everything. One of the keys to navigating freelance life is getting clear on your non-negotiables.

With how things feel in today’s economy, it can seem like paying clients are scarce—but I truly don’t believe that’s the whole story. There’s a wide, deep network of creatives and collaborators out there. It just takes persistence, curiosity, and a real passion for growth to find the right ones.

And one last thing—if you’re only saying yes to jobs just to make money, it can quickly turn into a cycle that leaves you burnt out and unfulfilled. If it’s not something you’re excited about, or it doesn’t align with your strengths, it tends to show—clients can sense that. Over time, it chips away at your value and makes it easier for others to undervalue you too.

You deserve to work on things that feel good and pay well. That combination does exist—it just might take some time (and a few “no’s”) to get there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.moonreyes.com
• Instagram: sheismoonreyes
• Linkedin: monica-reyes-534670112
• Other: https://www.masculinedelafemme.com

Image Credits

MONICA REYES
BRIT O’BRIEN
LAUREN CARSLEY
GEOGRAPHER
MIKE DENI
NICO
LOW LEAF
ANGELICA LOPEZ
PROPAGANDA AGENCY
KEELY CORI KING
ROCK PRINCE
NATHAN HONEYCUTT
JULES DE GASPERIS
ALEX DIDONATO
EDDIE BERMAN
AYUMI SHIBATA
GENA TUSO