We recently connected with Mónica Rivera and have shared our conversation below.

Mónica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One of the biggest and most defining risks I’ve taken—more than once, actually—was leaving home with practically nothing to my name. No safety net, no solid plan, just intuition, ambition, and a suitcase. It’s what first led me to live in Atlanta, opened the door for me to experience life and work in New York, and ultimately taught me something invaluable: there is absolutely nothing to fear when it comes to starting over somewhere completely new by yourself.

To some, that kind of leap sounds terrifying—moving to a city where you don’t know a soul. But for me, it was liberating. I actually thrive on my own. There’s a clarity that comes when you’re fully immersed in the unknown and have no choice but to rely on your instincts, your creativity, and your ability to connect. I’ve come to realize that some of the most magical moments in my life have happened when I’ve been alone—things that never would’ve occurred if I had stayed comfortable or surrounded by the familiar.

Whether it’s a free meal from a kind stranger, a deep and spontaneous conversation with someone I just met, or a quiet, beautiful moment that only I happened to witness and capture—I’ve learned to recognize that there’s so much beauty available to us when we’re fully present. And often, being alone helps me tune into that frequency.

Now, I feel almost addicted to that feeling—not recklessly, but intentionally. I love seeing how I develop in different environments, how I adapt and evolve. Every new city, every unfamiliar situation is an opportunity to meet a new version of myself.

So yes, the risk was leaving home with nothing. But what I gained in return was everything: confidence, freedom, resilience, and a deep belief that I can land on my feet anywhere. That’s a lesson I carry with me always—and one I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Surprisingly, this risk also ended up strengthening my relationship with my family in a profound way. In watching me go out into the world and make something of myself, they’ve come to truly see what I’m capable of. Every time I return home, they greet me with a kind of pride and warmth that feels like a hero’s welcome. They’ll share stories of what I’ve been doing with extended family and friends, and seeing that pride in their eyes is truly magical. As we all get older, those moments of mutual recognition and respect have become some of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It’s beautiful to know that in finding my own path, I also brought us closer together.

Mónica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Monica Marie Rivera, and I proudly call myself a Renaissance woman—constantly evolving through the pursuit of art, science, and health. I was born on the island of Borikén, with rich Puerto Rican roots and a dash of Polish, and raised in The South. I’ve always been driven by an innate curiosity to understand how things work—and then bring that understanding to life in creative ways.

As a multifaceted artist, I wear many hats: model, actress, dancer, director, writer, and occasional inventor. My journey has never been linear, and I like it that way. What ties all my pursuits together is a commitment to growth, curiosity, and creativity. Whether I’m in front of a camera or behind it, directing marketing campaigns for Fortune 500 companies or performing on screen, I strive to bring authenticity, intention, and innovation to everything I do.

Modeling was one of my first outlets for self-expression. I started out being teased for my appearance, but I channeled that experience into ambition and went on to walk the runways of New York and Paris Fashion Week. My work has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, and Elle. Modeling eventually led me to a love of photography and cinematography, and I’ve since shot and directed my own published projects.

As a SAG-accredited actress, I’ve had the honor of contributing to blockbuster projects like Marvel’s Black Panther II: Wakanda Forever, earning a Screen Actors Guild nomination for my work in the stunt ensemble. My first SAG contract came from performing as a dancer in DC Comics’ Suicide Squad II. I’ve always had a deep love for movement and storytelling, and that passion continues to drive me toward creating and producing original works that reflect my own voice.

Despite working in the creative industry, I also deeply value intellectual growth. I hold two Master’s degrees—one in Leadership and Management, and another in IT Project Management. My education, paired with my artistry, is part of what sets me apart. I never believed in limiting myself to just one identity or path, and I encourage others—especially women—to embrace their multifaceted nature. You can love organizational spreadsheets and stage lights, data and fashion. You don’t have to choose.

My life has taken me across the globe—from waking up to Mt. Fuji in Japan to modeling in Paris and working in London. I share not only my journey but also the tools and opportunities I discover along the way. Through my social media presence, I’ve built a community of aspiring creatives, and one of my proudest moments was hearing from someone who landed her first speaking role in a film that went to Sundance—all because of a casting call I shared. That kind of ripple effect reminds me why I show up and speak openly about the industry.

Ultimately, I want people to know that my life isn’t about perfection—it’s about possibility. I believe in treating goals like a grocery list: something you just get done. Whether I’m pursuing a new role, directing a project, traveling for inspiration, or mentoring others, I always return to the idea that if you want something you’ve never had, you have to be willing to try something you’ve never done.

That philosophy has carried me through every creative season—and I hope it inspires others to dream bigger, speak life into their ideas, and trust that with passion, discipline, and imagination, anything is possible.

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

Yes—two in particular stand out to me in shaping the way I approach both creativity and leadership: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell and, interestingly enough, A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket.

Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers deeply impacted my understanding of success. It reframed the narrative of talent vs. effort, and emphasized how timing, environment, and perseverance intersect to create extraordinary outcomes. The “10,000-hour rule” especially resonated with me—not as a rigid metric, but as a reminder that mastery takes time, and intentional practice can bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. It encouraged me to embrace the long game when it comes to developing my skills, building my brand, and trusting my process.

But perhaps more unexpectedly, A Series of Unfortunate Events (yes the children’s book series) played a foundational role in forming my innovative mindset—especially through the character of Violet Baudelaire. As a child, I was enchanted by her. Violet was this whip-smart and kind older sister who would invent clever contraptions to solve problems and navigate bleak situations. She didn’t wait to be rescued; she designed her own way out. That proactive energy—the way she used her intellect, creativity, and resourcefulness to outmaneuver challenges—stuck with me. Even though the books are famously dreary and filled with adversity, they always remind me that solutions exist, even in the darkest and seemingly cyclical circumstances. Honestly, that’s a huge part of what it means to be an entrepreneur: to stay imaginative under pressure, to create options when it feels like there are none, and to trust your ability to build your way forward.

Also, I really appreciated the art and storytelling style of that series—it was whimsical, moody and distinct. In a strange but beautiful way, that children’s series taught me to see obstacles as opportunities for invention, and to meet uncertainty with action.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I initially started using social media as a way to build a modeling portfolio. I was working with local brands as an e-commerce model and used platforms like Instagram to showcase my work and connect with other creatives. From there, I expanded by collaborating with photographers to develop my visual style and broaden my network. As I transitioned into acting—particularly in the vibrant Atlanta scene—I already understood the power of social media as more than just a highlight reel. I knew early on that if wielded correctly, it could be a powerful tool to leverage opportunities, amplify visibility, and build lasting industry relationships.

Eventually, I began sharing open casting calls for film and television roles. It felt natural—like paying it forward. I wanted to help demystify that process for others. That’s when my social media following started to grow organically. People came for the casting calls but stayed for my insights, behind-the-scenes experiences, and personal journey as a multi-hyphenate creative.

One of the most touching moments I’ve experienced was receiving a message from a young woman who landed her first major speaking role in a film that had a worldwide screening at Sundance, all because of a casting opportunity I had posted. She later signed with an agent, and I nearly cried reading her message. It reminded me that sharing helpful, actionable information—even casually—can change someone’s life.

I truly believe that what you put out into the world comes back to you in ways you don’t always expect. That’s why I approach social media with generosity and intention.

If you’re just starting out, my advice is this: focus on value and authenticity. You don’t have to wait until everything is “perfect” to begin. Ask yourself: What can I share today that might help or inspire someone else? Lead with that. Be consistent. Be curious.

Also, I keep a checklist of all the things I want to achieve in life—and I treat it like a grocery list. Simple. Doable. I don’t overcomplicate it—I just make it happen. And that mindset extends to how I show up on social media, too. Start where you are, stay rooted in your passion, and trust that your audience will grow in alignment with your purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.monicamarierivera.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/monicamarierivera
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/monicarivera
• Other: twitch: twitch.com/monimatcha
  tiktok: tiktok.com/monicamarierivera

Image Credits

Alexander deAndrade