We’re looking forward to introducing you to Monique Travis. Check out our conversation below.
Monique, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
In general, I believe the most important quality an individual can possess is integrity. Integrity is the character and soul of a person; it’s who you are when no one is watching and you believe there are no consequences for your actions. What lives in your mind flows outward, shaping your energy, behavior and even your health. When integrity is absent, the energy you project will reflect that absence.
In relation to integrity, what good is intelligence if it is not used for the betterment of self and society? Consider the analogy of a good scientist versus a bad scientist. A good scientist uses knowledge and discovery to advance humanity, protect communities and solve problems. A bad scientist, even with equal or greater intelligence, may use the same tools for harm, exploitation or selfish gain. The difference lies not in the intellect, but in the integrity guiding it.
As human beings, we are given free will and unique gifts, yet how we choose to use them is always grounded in our integrity. The inner-voices we listen to, the people and places we consider and the actions we ultimately take all reflect it. More than my talent, my integrity is my highest value.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Monique Travis and I am the founder and creative force behind Made by Mo, LLC, a sewing brand where I design and create custom garments and lifestyle pieces that reflect individuality, confidence and bold self-expression. What makes my brand special is the combination of craftsmanship and intentionality; I don’t just sew clothes, I create pieces that are tailored to the personality, body and lifestyle of the person wearing them.
My journey is unique because alongside being a designer, I am also an adjunct professor. I teach graduate-level forensic drug chemistry and toxicology, a field that requires precision, patience, and creativity—the very same skills I bring into my sewing studio. That dual background shapes my work: my designs are as meticulous as my science and my science reminds me that details matter.
Right now, I’m working on pushing my lifestyle collections which includes athleisure and meditation cushions, blending style, function and wellness. My goal is to not only create garments and pieces that look good, but to inspire people to feel empowered and aligned in every part of their lives.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Though the lessons were not taught directly through physical interactions, I was highly influenced by the diligence, determination and discipline of Booker T. Washington, the first president of the Tuskegee Normal School for Colored Teachers, now known as Tuskegee University. Born into slavery to a single mother, he worked in coal mining and did other physical labor as a child while attending school whenever possible. His passion and desire for education eventually led him to Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute (now Hampton University) after he saved enough money to make the journey.
What stands out most to me about his story is the extraordinary sacrifice and grit it took to get there. Washington walked over 500 miles from his home in West Virginia to Hampton, determined not to let poverty or circumstance dictate his future. Once admitted, he worked as a janitor to cover his room and board while excelling academically. This part of his journey speaks volumes about his character; he envisioned something greater for himself beyond his current conditions and trusted that with drive, discipline and a top-tier education, he would become unstoppable.
Upon graduating, Washington immediately began teaching, a decision that highlighted his deep belief in giving back and reaching out. His commitment to education and service caught the attention of his mentors and through their recommendation, he was appointed as the first president of Tuskegee Normal School for Colored Teachers. Over the next 30 years, Washington, along with his students and colleagues, such as the legendary George Washington Carver, literally built Tuskegee from the ground up, making and laying bricks, erecting buildings and cultivating an institution that became a beacon of Black excellence.
Washington’s impact went beyond the classroom. He forged political connections, mobilized resources and became a national leader who shaped the landscape of higher education for African Americans. His vision was not only for Tuskegee, but for the wider world; bring the world to Tuskegee and Tuskegee to the world. His leadership created a foundation that still endures today, as Tuskegee remains a place where excellence, resilience and service are interwoven into its very identity.
The example Booker T. set with both his words and his actions taught me that progress is built on perseverance, vision and an unwavering belief in possibility. His story reveals that discipline and determination can overcome even the harshest circumstances and that education is not simply a personal achievement but a duty to empower others.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been plenty of times I almost gave up with sewing, sometimes at the beginning of a project when the vision felt overwhelming, other times in the middle when things weren’t coming together and even at the very end when last-minute mistakes threatened to undo all my work. Sewing is a true “trust the process” sport. Even with patterns, instructions and a clear vision, things rarely go exactly as planned. It’s a lot like driving to a destination, you can pack snacks, get rest, map the route and curate the perfect playlist, but you can’t control the flat tire, sudden storm or unexpected detour. Those bumps can delay you, or worse, tempt you to turn around. I’ve learned that the key is staying flexible, optimistic and focused on the goal. A good seamstress doesn’t cry over spilt milk; they adapt, learn and keeps moving forward. Once you release the idea of perfection in the process, the mishaps become teachers. They make you more resilient, more resourceful and more appreciative of the finished piece. That’s why, even when I’ve felt like giving up, I’ve always pressed on because the process itself is part of the reward.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Fads tend to sweep in quickly, fueled by hype and a fear of missing out. They appeal to the senses, but often without much substance or staying power. Foundational shifts, on the other hand, are intentional, carefully built and designed for longevity. They may not become overnight sensations, but their influence is deeper and longer lasting. To me, the difference is like comparing rap artists: some prioritize quick hits and catchy beats, while others dedicate themselves to lyricism, storytelling and creating music that resonates across generations. Fads might entertain for a moment, but foundational shifts shape culture, redefine standards, leave a legacy and continue to hold value long after the excitement fades.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is of a woman who lived with purpose: deeply invested in the things she loved, whether in the classroom, volunteering or behind her sewing machine. I want to be remembered not only for the quality of my work, but for the care I gave; mentoring students, creating pieces that made people feel seen and showing up with integrity and consistency. More than awards or titles, I hope my legacy will be the lives I helped shape and the courage I inspired in others to step into their own paths.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://madebymosew.com
- Instagram: made_bymo
Image Credits
Joshua Hagwood
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