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QSM: Can you share a moment in your life when you just weren’t sure about who you were or where you wanted to be? Monique: Right before the pandemic hit, I was there. I had a life crisis and had to make a decision that would affect everyone in my family. I was going to stop modeling, branding, and just leave and go start over somewhere; easier said than done at this age. My life is here in ATL, my career, family and my support system. I had to put my big girl panties on, get therapy to get to the root of my issue and learn how I to get pass those issues without running away. Life throws you some curveballs for sure and if you are not rooted 10 toes down …. whew. QSM: I asked that previous question because when you talk about helping others learn to love and accept themselves, I am curious about what that lesson looks like. Can you share? Monique: That lesson is ME! Just look at me and my life. My life is just like others out here trying to make it and stay sane at the same time. It’s not all peaches and cream out here. My daily routine is crazy, work sometimes until 7pm, kids, homework, dinner, paying bills, creating content, grocery shopping, photoshoots, goal writing, calls with family, cleaning, washing, therapy, and in there somewhere trying to find time for myself and my hubby as well. Modeling gives me MY TIME. It’s never too late to find YOUR THING! And when you do find it hold tight to it! So called friends and family will talk bad about you and make you think YOUR THING is a waste of time and make you feel guilty. LOVE and ACCEPT YOURSELF as is!! Like I said above, being 275 or 175 I have been both and my weight didn’t matter when it comes to life BS but my wisdom and mental status did! QSM: Let’s circle back to modeling. This industry is saturated with men and women trying to break their way into modeling. What would you say are three essential traits that a person should possess to be a successful model? Monique: One is Patience. It will not happen overnight and even now for me my goal list is always growing. Two is Learn from the professionals. Do your research and go take classes from the professionals in the business. Three is stay humble and LEARN. Sometimes people get a little success and start to act like a diva. Honey please, this industry changes every day and you must stay humble and in your own circle. People will talk and say this and that when they haven’t even met you. WWW.QUEENSIZEMAGAZINE.COM|SEPTEMBER 2021 ISSUE
Keep your head up high and stay focused on your goals. You have no time or room for childish drama. QSM: Can we chat a bit about the recent photoshoot tour you were a brand ambassador for? Tell us about the tour and how you came to be a part of it. Monique: Yes- the most recent photo tour was for the Jose Pagan ATL Tour. This is my 2nd time being the ATL Ambassador and I love it. I became a part of it by participating in the run off’s Jose had in 2018 for the 2019 tour. I WON and I could not believe I did it. We have been a match made in ATL heaven ever since lol. I was also the first ambassador for the Kia Caldwell ATL Headshot experience as well this year. It was an amazing experience to work with both brands as their ambassador. QSM: Some of those images can be seen in this feature. What message did you want people to walk away with after seeing the images? Monique: Peace- find peace with yourself and go for it! Have fun and just kill it! You can do all things at any size! QSM: Tell me about the future Monique; where will she be and what will she be doing in seven years? Monique: LOL 7 years? Lord that means I would have been in the biz for 13 years. Monique will probably be right here in the ATL living her best life. I will be a silver fox model and working with major commercial brands. The world is MINE so you never know. You must stay tuned. lol QSM: Where can people follow you and what experience should they expect while on that journey with you? Monique: Please follow me at linktr.ee/ iammoniquecartwright.com. It will be fun! You never know with me hun. I will drop a casual lifestyle fit and then hit you with that LiviRae while on my cooking live series! You just have to follow lol QSM: Any final thoughts before we close out this interview? Monique: This was a great interview and I loved every moment of it. Brought me to tears sometimes answering these questions, as you just don’t know how far you’ve come sometimes. I still have a ways to go but I am that one who loves to learn and just wants to go for it. You are truly amazing Tawana and I thank you for this platform and for believing in me!
