We recently connected with Monique Derouen and have shared our conversation below.

Monique , appreciate you joining us today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

Fresh out of highschool, I stepped into the world of cosmetology with dreams of success in self-employment. Enthusiasm fueled my vision of creative freedom and setting my own schedule. However, reality of being a young mom and wife quickly replaced these ideals with a steep learning curve.

I soon realized that being a cosmetologist and being self employed were two separate distinct roles. While I excelled at hairstyling, the responsibilities of managing appointments, employees, finances, marketing, plus my home environment were overwhelming. The romanticized notion of carefree creativity gave way to a juggling act of my life!

As the years went by, I kept searching for ways to enhance my offerings and find a more fulfilling path. I pursued various licenses—barber, nail technician, massage therapist, yoga instructor, body contouring specialist, and esthetician—hoping to discover the right avenue. Each new license was a step towards wanting more and to find that perfect synergy between my skills and passions. And while they were steps in my journey of discovery, teaching me the nuances of diverse disciplines and deepening my understanding of holistic well-being, I was let down time and again!

My journey encapsulates a shift from idealism to realism. I’m immensely appreciative for having mastered the journey from merely surviving to genuinely thriving across my business, my well-being, and my relationships. My mission is to connect with other like minded people who I can help support in their journey.

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?

I’m Monique & I’m honored to be here to share my experience. Over the course of my 25-years in the spa industry, I spent 12 years as a Corporate Spa Trainer in a multimillion dollar spa. However, I recognized the alarming ease with which one’s passion can lead to burnout. As a mom of two young children, I struggled to strike a balance between my personal & professional life. The toll of chronic people pleasing & neglecting my own well-being began to manifest as migraines, carpal tunnel syndrome, & persistent neck & back pain. This culminated in medications, surgeries, & even being hospitalized for adrenal fatigue. It was a wake-up call that led me to reevaluate my path.

The turning point came when I decided to transition from the corporate spa world back into self-employment. However, the stresses of entrepreneurship brought about a different set of challenges. In response, I embarked on a personal journey of learning, growth, & transformation. I delved into courses, workshops, books, & consultations with experts, seeking ways to prevent & reverse burnout while nurturing both my well-being & my business. I finally found exactly what I was looking for when I signed up with my current Mentor Kim Guillory.

Through this intensive process, I was able to not only regain my health but also uncover potent strategies that significantly boosted both my business & overall quality of life. The experience illuminated a common pattern among entrepreneurs—our drive for success can often overshadow the need for self-care, leading to burnout & impeding our full potential.

After navigating the highs & lows of entrepreneurship, I’ve made it my mission to guide fellow entrepreneurs away from the perils of burnout & toward sustainable success. My approach is rooted in empowerment, encompassing personal & professional development. My goal is to equip others with the insights, knowledge, & practical tools I’ve accumulated over the years.

If you’re searching for a new way of living & support in your journey, I invite you to get to know me better. Together, we’ll set out on a path towards wholeness, acknowledging the intricate interplay between the mind, body, & life. My passion lies in guiding people just like you to not only succeed but also thrive. By sharing insights, experiences, and conversations, we can work together to ensure your ventures are not just fulfilling, but also aligned with your well-being. Let’s forge a connection that goes beyond—it’s about understanding, support, and growth as individuals on a shared path.

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

Experience will always trump Knowledge

A pivotal lesson I had to unlearn was the habit of relying on advice from individuals who hadn’t walked the path I was pursuing. The backstory behind this lesson is rooted in a period where I found myself seeking guidance from various sources, hoping to uncover the secrets to success.

During this phase, I realized that much of the advice I received was generic and lacked the depth of experience. Following advice from those who hadn’t achieved what I was aiming for led me astray. Their well-meaning counsel often steered me in directions that weren’t aligned with my goals, and I discovered that their perspectives didn’t resonate with my unique journey.

The turning point came when I decided to stop looking outward for solutions and turned inward instead. I recognized that true guidance could only come from individuals who had achieved what I aimed to accomplish. I began seeking mentorship and learning from those who had walked the path I wanted to tread. Their firsthand experiences provided insights that were invaluable and tailored to my specific journey.

Unlearning the tendency to heed advice from those who hadn’t achieved my aspirations required a conscious effort. I had to filter out the noise and focus solely on learning from those who had successfully traversed the challenges I was facing. This shift in approach was liberating, as it allowed me to tap into the wisdom of those who had firsthand knowledge of the hurdles and triumphs I would encounter.

Through this transformation, I learned the importance of discernment and selective learning. I gained a deep appreciation for the power of seeking guidance from individuals who had not only achieved what I aspired to but also understood the nuances of my journey. This lesson not only prevented me from veering off course but also propelled me towards a more authentic and fulfilling path to success.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

As a manager and an owner we must set the tone and provide the stability. One of the keys to maintaining high morale within a team is finding the equilibrium between setting expectations and providing the necessary support. Make sure your team members have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, but also let them know that you’re there to provide guidance, resources, and assistance whenever needed. This helps create a sense of empowerment and trust, which can contribute to a positive and motivated atmosphere.

As someone who has experienced the effects of burnout firsthand, I understand the importance of work-life balance. While we are encouraged to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life no one showed us how to truly do that! This was the motivation behind my current desire to help others prevent burnout, reverse pain, and find ways to maximize prosperity!

Contact Info:

• Website: moniquearnaudderouen.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/moniquethemindbodycoach
• Facebook: facebook.com/monique.arnaudderouen
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/moniqueTHEMindBodyCoach
• Twitter: twitter.com/monique_derouen
• Youtube: youtube.com/mdarno1
• Other: moniquearnaudderouenllc.vipmembervault.com

Image Credits
Malerie Vellion