Meet Dr. Monica Riley

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Monica Riley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dr. Monica, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?

“Self-Care IS Healthcare”™️ is my ethos. In fact, after I trademarked my affirmation, it became my daily mantra. Self-care is the mirror of my soul.
For the longest time, I taught that self-care was a to-do list item—something to check off between patients, board meetings, and advocating for our community. I viewed it through a clinical lens: eat well, sleep, repeat.
But over the past decade, and particularly while tending to my own need for healing, the definition shifted entirely.
To me, self-care is no longer a luxury. It is not bubble baths or sporadic spa days, although I believe in indulging in those too. Real self-care is a revolutionary act of self-love. It is the conscious decision to treat myself with the same gentle grace, tender nurturing, and fierce protection that I offer to others.
It’s Personal. It’s Legacy. I created my award-winning brand – Dr. Monica’s Natural Beauty – on the foundation of Self-care. A century of ancestral wisdom that was instilled within me by my Nana’s – I live and breathe the effect of my brand. drmonicasnaturalbeauty.com
It is me, sitting in the quiet of my home, finally letting go of the “unglamorous” pile of tasks I left undone. It is applying my own artisanal botanical oils, not for vanity, but as a deliberate ritual to signal to my nervous system that I am safe, I am loved, and I am resting.
It’s About Boundaries.
It is the strength to say “no” to a request when my tank is running on empty. It is acknowledging that I cannot pour from a cup that has not been filled by my own hand first.
It’s Ancestral.
I carry the legacy of 100 years of Afro-Indigenous healing traditions. Self-care is me honoring those roots—turning to nature, breathing deeply, and reconnecting with the earth when the world feels too loud.
So, to my sisters, to the women holding it all together: Self-Care IS Healthcare™. When you nourish your body and soul, you are not being selfish; you are preparing to shine brighter.
Start with five minutes. A quiet breath. A scent that brings you joy. Come back to yourself.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Oh! I love this question. I could speak on my business all day everyday! I am Dr. Monica Riley, integrative medicine doctor and award-winning Founder of Dr. Monica’s Natural Beauty, LLC.

We are celebrating a decade of excellence! Dr. Monica’s Natural Beauty,LLC is rooted in a century of plant-based healing traditions, bringing intentional wellness to women 40+ through hand-curated, sustainable skincare, haircare, and bodycare products designed specially for Melanated Beauty. 

Our collection has been featured in MACYS, Nordstrom and most recently at The 2026 Oscars coveted Celebrity Gifting Suite! And, we’ve just launched a collection of natural home fragrance sprays – Welcome Home – for the successful and prosperous realtor. Our Welcome Home Collection is scenting success in every showing.

The wellness market is booming, but most brands overlook a critical demographic: mature women of color seeking products that actually work for their skin and hair. We’ve identified a gap between mass-market solutions and premium, intentional beauty—and we’re filling it with products that deliver results while celebrating heritage and authenticity.

Unlike white-label competitors, every product in our collection is hand-curated and thoughtfully sourced. Coming off of a successful spotlight at this year’s Oscars Celebrity Gifting Suite, our award-winning fine fragrance oils go beyond scent—they’re mood boosters and transformation tools for mental mastery. We’re not just selling products; we’re offering a wellness philosophy rooted in generations of plant-based healing wisdom.

I walk my talk and I inspire others to do the same. Confidence is the key to success. I illuminate pathways to self-care mastery.

I’m an Integrative Medicine Doctor, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, Master Herbalist and six- figure strategist – I believe self-care is healthcare™️—and I’m building a legacy brand that honors that truth.

Last year, I received the prestigious honor of The Empowered Woman of The Year 2025 by IAOTP ( The International Association of Top Professionals). I stand as a beacon of empowerment and holistic wellness, profoundly impacting communities, industry standards, and societal narratives. In 2024, I was recognized as the Top Holistic and Self-Care Leader – redefining excellence in personal health and leadership.
 
My service extends beyond my accolades. I’m a dedicated champion for health equity, serving on the board of The Doula CO-OP of Nevada, to drive vital research and change in Black Maternal Health. In my former life, my influence extended into media, where I was a 2-time Emmy Award recipient for my work on a PBS Multicultural Documentary. I use storytelling to educate and inspire.
I feel that my multifaceted contributions highlight a lifelong commitment to nurturing community, advancing wellness, and creating a more inclusive society.

God is my GPS. My fervor for self-care resonates through my essence.

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?

My 3 Keys of Powerful Impact:

• Self-Care is Self-Healing: It is a deliberate, daily ritual rather than a luxury.

• Reclaiming Power: Focus on nurturing, and letting go of guilt over unfinished work.

• Holistic Wellness: Combining ancestral wisdom with modern, clean beauty rituals.

BONUS! • “Self-Care IS Healthcare™”: It is essential for managing long-term wellness.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I believe that strategic partnerships can unlock new sales opportunities. I realize that not everyone is a risk taker. But, you don’t know if you don’t try! My “why” is personal!

In 2016, following my own autoimmune diagnosis, I realized my personal longevity required a return to true, intentional care. I didn’t just want to look good; I needed to be well. So, I took my 30+ years of expertise in holistic health sciences—as a certified aromatherapist and master herbalist—and blended it with my Nana’s 101-year legacy of natural, Afro-Indigenous remedies.
The result? Dr. Monica’s Natural Beauty Shop: https://www.drmonicasnaturalbeauty.com/

We are a premier, award-winning, sustainable, plant-based botanical collection that is 100% natural. No fillers, no toxins, no phthalates. Just pure, functional luxury fragrances and conscious self-care essentials.

We are not just selling skincare; we are delivering ‘Scentsuality’ and mood-boosting aroma-science. Our hand-curated hair, skin, and body care items are designed to reverse dry skin, nourish the soul, and boost mental clarity

Let’s Collab:
We are currently scaling our award-winning brand from a beloved indie darling to a global wellness leader.

And, we are looking for strategic partners who believe that beauty should be safe, sustainable, and empowering. I’m asking YOU to join us in illuminating pathways to self-care mastery.

I’m Dr. Monica Riley. Let’s make sense of skin scents together!

Instagram Friend me: https://www.instagram.com/drmonicabickerstaffriley

Watch Me: https://www.youtube.com/@DrMonicaBickerstaff

Know Me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-monica-riley-708524174

Experience Me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmonicasbeautyandselfcare

Shop Me & Share Me: https://www.drmonicasnaturalbeauty.com/

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Image Credits: Dr. Monica Riley, MD, MSJ

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