Meet Mona Ayoub

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

Mona, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
Lebanese generosity is the heartbeat of my upbringing. Our home is a perpetual gathering place, hosting guests for coffee, lunch, or dinner every day. In our education, sharing and giving are instilled as essential virtues, shaping not only our character but also enhancing social skills. Culinary richness is exemplified by our cousinne, boasting an impressive array of over 100 appetizers, a symbol of our abundant generosity. This spirit extends beyond food, permeating every facet of life—love, care, emotions—making generosity a renowned hallmark of Lebanese culture, one that defines our interactions and elevates our shared experiences.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hello, I’m Mona Ayoub, a Lebanese-Brazilian entrepreneur, artist, and Singer-Songwriter. As the bandleader of Eye-yoob & Les Américains in Denver, Colorado, I navigate the musical landscape, blending R&B/Soul, Pop, Rai, and Levant genres to carve out my distinctive sound.

I was born in Lebanon in 1991, and I’ve been on my musical journey since August 2018. My style is a fusion of R&B/Soul, French Pop, Rai, and North African Music, transcending language barriers and offering solace to the soul. My conviction in the healing power of arts and music stems from my personal experience, finding refuge in music during the tumultuous early years of my immigration to the United States in 2017.

In 2019, I formed the band Eye-yoob & Les Américains, evolving from a solo artist to a collaborative force. The release of “MANTRA” in November 2019 marked a pivotal moment, solidifying my musical journey. The single “Monica in Quarantine,” launched in June 2020, mirrored the global experience of the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 2021 witnessed the poignant release of “Be Beirut,” a heartfelt tribute to my homeland following the devastating explosion in August 2020. The track resonated on Lebanese airwaves, Spotify playlists, and garnered coverage in local news outlets.

In September 2022, I expanded my impact beyond music, co-founding Musique Pour La Paix (MPLP) or Music for Peace. Serving as President, I steer the organization’s vision to support talented refugees and immigrants worldwide. MPLP, with its projects Bella Musica and Know Science, No Stigma, aims to facilitate integration, foster community belonging, and promote mental health.

I envision Musique Pour La Paix as a conduit for artistic expression, providing talented groups access to entertainment and art activities. The organization strives to create meaningful collaborations with national and international entities to amplify its impact.

In the music realm, my latest release, “Vagabond,” came out in January 2024. This song holds a special place in my heart, narrating a phase of overcoming hardship in my mid-20s, just before the pandemic. “Vagabond” dives into my past, present, and future, showcasing the dreamer, survivor, and optimistic side of me.

On a different note, I’m thrilled to announce our upcoming event will be opening for the Super Star, Ragheb Alama, at a VIP night in Denver! Event will be on April 26th at Reel Works in Denver!
This is the event of the year that you do not want to miss! Gather your friends, mark your calendars, and get ready to dance the night away with Ragheb Alama and the opening act Eye-yoob, Les Américains!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, I cherish generosity as a defining quality. Skill-wise, my knack for leadership has proven invaluable, weaving seamlessly through my corporate role, musical ventures, and non-profit presidency. From steering in my day job to orchestrating tunes in my band, leadership is my compass.

Another key skill is fostering social impact, uniting people for various causes or events. My ability to bring folks together extends beyond boundaries, creating a sense of community and shared purpose.

For those setting out on their journey, my friendly advice is to recognize your value, believe in yourself, and steer clear of taking setbacks personally. My daily mantra revolves around self-focus, urging me to wake up each day striving to be the best version of myself.

Allow me to share a personal nugget: my journey is a testament to the persistent pursuit of dreams. Despite failures and time constraints, I’ve succeeded in making dreams come true.

And here’s a nod to my Lebanese roots: like the Phoenix, we rise resiliently from adversity. So, to all embarking on their path, remember – know your worth, believe in your journey, and watch yourself soar like the indomitable Phoenix. Cheers to rising from the ashes!

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz has been a game-changer for me. A friend, Alex, gifted it to me during a visit to Lebanon in 2016, and little did I know how profoundly it would influence my perspective.

This practical guide to personal freedom provides a code of conduct rooted in Toltec teachings. Its impact on my life is immeasurable. The first agreement, “Be impeccable with your word,” taught me the power of words in shaping reality. This resonated deeply, influencing how I communicate in both personal and professional realms.

The second agreement, “Don’t take anything personally,” became my shield against unnecessary stress. It reminded me not to internalize others’ actions, fostering emotional resilience. “Don’t make assumptions,” the third agreement, encourages open communication, minimizing misunderstandings.

Lastly, “Always do your best” instilled a commitment to excellence without the burden of perfection. It propelled me to embrace challenges, understanding that my best effort is enough.

I can say that “The Four Agreements” transformed my mindset, fostering personal growth. To anyone seeking a practical guide to enhance life’s quality, I highly recommend this book. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, thanks to Alex’s thoughtful gesture.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Connor Koldeway

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