We recently had the chance to connect with Monique Antonia Bland and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Monique Antonia , 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 do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I try to stay off of any type of social media platforms for the first 90 minutes of my day, just to decompress and think of things I want to do or need for the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Monique Antonia a professional ballerina on the East Coast who is also juggling being a full time entrepreneur and teaching artist.
I have a dance wear brand, Soleil Dancewear and for the past 3 1/2 years I have been using my knowledge and platform as an artist to help the younger generation excel in and explore the world of dance.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I would say my private coach and mentor Ibn Snell. There was a period in time where I just wanted to honestly give up on my dance career and start something new, but Ibn would be right behind me giving words of encouragement and wisdom.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Believe in yourself. You are 1 of 1.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Family and Friends over anything, it not about what you’re doing but who you are spending the time with.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Oh yes, which is something I’m learning because my profession is in a way centered around being praised and congratulated on doing a good job. But someone once said to me, and ai think it was my mom; but you don’t get praise and rewards for the things you are supposed to do, and that has been in the back of my head since.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soleildancewear.com
- Instagram: soleil.dancewear
- Facebook: Soleil Dancewear
Image Credits
Photo 1 is by @phenomenalvisions_ on instagram
The other 6 are by Monique Antonia Bland
The last 3 are Destin Lloyd
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
