Meet Monica Abarientos

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monica Abarientos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Building my confidence and self-esteem has been a journey, and it’s something I’m still working on every day. It didn’t happen overnight. It was hard, but I’ve learned to trust myself more and embrace who I am, both the good and the parts that need a little more growth. I used to seek approval from others, but over time, I realized that true confidence comes from within and from what you think about yourself, not from what others think of you. I started celebrating my own achievements, no matter how small, and that helped me see my value more clearly.

A huge part of this process has been learning to set boundaries and prioritize my well-being. I grew up being a people pleaser, so it’s been tough to learn that it’s okay to say no and focus on what makes me feel good without feeling guilty about it. Taking care of myself, both physically and emotionally, has been so important in building my confidence.

I’ve also stopped comparing myself to others. In the past, I would often look at other people’s lives and think I wasn’t doing enough or wasn’t enough. But I came to realize that comparison is a thief of joy. I started focusing more on my own journey and recognizing that everyone’s path is different. I shifted my mindset to appreciate what makes me unique and valuable, rather than measuring my success against others. It wasn’t easy, but once I realized that comparing myself to others only held me back, I stopped doing it. I began to celebrate my own growth and milestones instead of looking around to see where others were.

Surrounding myself with positive and uplifting people has helped a lot too. I avoid hanging out with people who make me feel bad about myself or who bring others down to feel good about themselves. My partner, my friends, family, and even people online have helped me believe in myself when I’ve had doubts. Even just small encouragement and support remind me of my worth and motivate me to keep pushing forward. I still remember the day I was feeling really bad about myself and how I looked, but a friend of mine always lifted me up, and eventually I ended up feeling good about myself. That moment made me want to give that same positive energy to others. I pour into other people by giving compliments and recognition because I believe everyone deserves to feel special and confident.

There have definitely been hard moments along the way. I’ve faced challenges that have made me doubt myself, but instead of letting those moments bring me down, I’ve learned to use them as opportunities to grow. Every experience, whether good or bad, has taught me something valuable about myself.

Looking back, I’ve learned that confidence isn’t about being perfect or always having it together. It’s about embracing who I am, flaws and all, and knowing that my worth isn’t defined by anyone else’s opinion of me. I’m still building my confidence, and I know it’s an ongoing process. Each step along the way has made me stronger, and I’m excited for the continued growth that lies ahead in the coming years!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a content creator who focuses on beauty, lifestyle, and self-improvement. What I love most about what I do is connecting with people and inspiring them. Whether I’m sharing makeup tutorials, self-care tips, or just everyday life advice, my goal is to make my audience feel confident and empowered and help them be the best version of themselves. I want my content to be relatable, so people can see that they’re not alone in their struggles or their victories.

Growing up, I’ve always loved drawing or art in general, photography, and anything related to media. Now, I’m able to blend those passions together through makeup and content creation. It’s exciting to use my creativity in a way that not only allows me to express myself but also helps others feel good about themselves.

In addition to content creation, I also work as a digital strategist and create user-generated content. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with over 200 brands, helping them reach and engage their audiences through creative campaigns. This allows me to blend my love for storytelling with my expertise in strategy, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how my work can help brands grow and connect with their communities.

What makes my work special is how real and personal I try to keep it. I share both the good and the tough parts of my journey, and I think that helps people connect with me more. I’m not just about showing the highlights, but also being open about my challenges. This way, my audience can see that it’s okay to have ups and downs, and we can all learn and grow together.

I was born and raised in the Philippines and lived in Cambodia for almost 10 years, which has shaped who I am today and influences my approach to content and my love for connecting with people. These experiences have given me a broader perspective on life, and I try to bring that into my work by celebrating different cultures, embracing diversity, and building meaningful connections. My journey has taught me the importance of understanding others and being open to new ideas, and I bring that mindset into everything I do, whether it’s creating content or working with brands.

’m always excited about the opportunity to grow and improve, and I can’t wait to share more with you all. There’s so much in the works, from new makeup looks to wellness routines and personal updates. I’m also collaborating with some truly talented brands and creators to bring fresh and exciting content your way. My goal is to create content that not only inspires, but helps my followers feel confident and empowered both inside and out. I’d love for you to join me on this journey and hope you find something that resonates with you. Thank you for being part of this experience!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I’d say the three most important qualities that helped me in my journey are creativity, resilience, and self-awareness.

First, creativity has been essential for me. Whether I’m creating content or working with brands, being creative helps me stand out. My advice to anyone starting out is to embrace your creativity and not be afraid to try new things. The more you create, the more you’ll figure out what works for you. And POST THAT CONTENT! The only thing stopping you is your own fear, whether it’s fear of judgment or failing. Push past that fear and keep sharing.

Second, resilience has been key. There were definitely times when things didn’t go as planned, and I even considered taking an easier route. But I had to push through those moments. My advice is to focus on getting better, not being perfect. Every challenge teaches you something new, and those tough times only make you stronger.

Lastly, self-awareness has helped me stay true to who I am. Knowing who I am and what I want has made it easier to connect with others in a real way. For those just starting out, I’d recommend taking time to understand what drives you. When you know what truly matters to you, it becomes much easier to make decisions that align with your goals.

My advice is to take things one step at a time, be patient with yourself, and remember that growth takes time. Keep learning, stay open to new ideas, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They’re all part of the journey!

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes definitely! I’m open to collaborating with creators, businesses, and brands! I love working with like-minded individuals and companies that share a passion for beauty, self-improvement, and empowerment. Whether you’re a fellow creator, a brand, or a business that aligns with these values, I’m always excited to explore creative opportunities.

If you’re interested in collaborating, please feel free to reach out! You can connect with me through my social media handles or email me directly at [email protected]. Let’s create something amazing together!

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