Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Smith.
Hi Monique, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello, my name is Monique Smith. I’m from Sacramento, California. My journey began for me singing in church in the choir and being in theater when I was younger. Then that led me into music, where I became a recording artist, Miss MouthPeace, creating soul music. I started internationally in Japan and was able to bring that experience back to the States. Music was a very important part of my life. From there, I became a promoter and a host, and that really became the beginning of my journey. I later wrote my first book, Just What I Needed, which helped me discover the power of my voice and sharing my experiences. During COVID, I wanted to take my book on the road, but life changed drastically. In 2022, I lost nine family members, including my mother. I lost my home and experienced many other losses. That season really caused me to look at myself and begin doing the work on myself. Through grief, faith, healing, and self-reflection, I discovered a deeper purpose in using my voice to create spaces for honest conversations about loss, love, growth, and purpose. Becoming a life and grief coach allowed me to use my own experiences to help and support others. I also began facilitating a grief support group and facilitating small groups within my church community. That journey eventually led me to create A Little M⭕️Work Podcast, where I have conversations with people about the work they had to do to be where they are today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, my journey has not been smooth. I was a mother of three and co-parenting while trying to figure out who I was, what I wanted to become, and how I wanted to show up as a woman, a mother, and a creative. I was restarting my life, learning the music business, navigating financial struggles, and trying to build a career while still figuring myself out. There were opportunities, difficult seasons, losses, grief, and plenty of lessons along the way. Looking back, I realize I was aware of some things, but not as self-aware as I thought I was. One of my greatest struggles, and greatest lessons, has been learning to take accountability for myself. I had to learn how to forgive, how to accept the season I was in, how to ask for help, and how to give myself grace. I had to understand that being myself was not just about what I could accomplish or what I could do for others. It was about who I am, how I heal, how I treat people, and being honest about the ways I may have hurt others too. The difficult parts of my journey were not wasted. I learned from what I lost, the people I met, the opportunities I received, and even the parts that were not beautiful. I’ve learned that the work is becoming more self-aware, taking accountability, accepting where you are, and learning how to live your truth out loud.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an entrepreneur, creative, host, author, founder, speaker, life and grief coach, recording artist, and someone who genuinely loves encouraging people. I am the founder and host of A Little M⭕️ Work Podcast, where I create space for people to share their stories and talk about the work they have done to become who they are today. I was also the founder of Shades of Soul, where I created women’s conferences, shows, concerts, and platforms for other artists and musicians. I specialize in life and grief coaching, encouraging people, connecting with others, and using creativity through music, singing, improvisation, poetry, writing, workshops, speaking, fashion, and dancing. What makes me proud is that no matter what I have faced, I have always dusted myself off and kept going. I am proud that I have allowed myself to be unique and explore the many gifts I have been given. As a little girl, I knew I was going to be something. I just didn’t know what it was going to be. I have tried many things, even when I wasn’t always great at them.. What sets me apart is that I am unapologetically myself. I have always been willing to do things my own way, without waiting for permission. From my laugh to my wisdom, experiences, my style, creativity, and the way I see the world, I know there is only one me. I am still creating, still trying, and still living in my purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe what some people may call luck has often come from how I treat people and the relationships I’ve built along the way. I’ve learned to be mindful of how I treat people because you never know who you may meet again or how someone may impact your journey. I also believe in doing things because you are genuinely passionate about them, not simply because you want to make money. When you are connected to your purpose and passionate about what you do, other opportunities can follow and align. Money can be a result, but it should not be the only reason you do the work.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missmouthpeace?stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mouth.peace.56?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@missmissmouthpeace?si=CtU5jfm9v7Mg1EMk
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/29e4gbgL7B7jUh43yfPsXw?si=KEafc-IMS6-CJYgwbJ61nA&utm_source=copy-link
