An Inspired Chat with Monique Smith of Fort Myers,Fl

Monique Smith shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Monique , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, sewing has been bringing me so much joy! What started as a simple hobby has turned into a creative outlet that lets me express myself, unwind, and even challenge my patience in the best way. There’s something powerful about taking a piece of fabric and transforming it into something useful and beautiful with my own two hands. Sewing isn’t just about stitches and thread—it’s about creating, imagining, and watching ideas come to life. Every project feels like an accomplishment, and it reminds me that joy can be found in slowing down and making something from scratch

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Monique Smith, and I am the owner of Flourish Hair Care, a salon in Fort Myers, FL dedicated to helping clients grow, maintain, and fall in love with their natural hair. With over 15 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist, I’ve built my brand on healthy hair care education, customized regimens, and creating a safe space where beauty meets healing. What makes Flourish unique is that we’re more than a salon—we’re a community. We not only style hair, but also empower clients with knowledge, confidence, and resources to keep their hair thriving beyond the chair.
In addition to salon services, I also design digital products, workshops, and journals that support both clients and other stylists. I’m passionate about merging beauty with wellness, which shows up in everything I do—from community events like our Pamper Me Pretty self-esteem workshops, to upcoming projects like my mental health brunch, and even the handmade retail products I create. My story as a cancer survivor, mom, and entrepreneur fuels my mission: to help people flourish inside and out.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world tried to tell me who I had to be, I was a little girl full of curiosity, creativity, and unshakable faith. I was bold enough to dream without limits and free enough to be my authentic self without apology. I loved to sing, write, and create, and I believed I could touch people’s lives simply by being me. Somewhere along the way, life’s pressures, expectations, and labels tried to quiet that voice, but at my core, I’m still that same girl—fearless, imaginative, and determined to leave a legacy of love, healing, and empowerment.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could. It taught me resilience—the kind that can’t be faked or bought. It showed me the power of empathy, because once you’ve walked through pain, you see and feel people differently. Suffering stripped me of pride and comfort, but in return it gave me wisdom, depth, and an unshakable faith. Success can make you celebrated, but suffering makes you rooted. It showed me that my strength wasn’t in what I had, but in who I was becoming in the fire.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real, but it’s not the whole me. What people see is the polished, purpose-driven version that I allow the world to witness—my work, my gifts, my leadership, and my resilience. But behind the scenes, I’m still human: a mom, a grandma, a survivor, a woman who has her own battles, lessons, and moments of vulnerability. The real me is both—the strong woman you see in public and the quiet one who leans on faith and grace in private. I’ve learned that authenticity isn’t about showing everything, but about making sure what I do share is true.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think what people may most misunderstand about my legacy is that it’s not just about hair, business, or even success—it’s about impact. Some may look at my salon, events, or products and only see the surface: styles, services, or sales. But my true legacy is deeper. It’s about creating spaces of healing, teaching people to love themselves, and leaving behind tools that outlive me. People may assume my legacy is tied to what I built, but in reality, it’s tied to who I built up. My story isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance, faith, and helping others flourish, even when life tried to cut me down.

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