Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Monica Davis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Monica with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
As an Afro-Latina from Panama, I’ve always been deeply rooted in a culture of perseverance and community. Hard work isn’t just about personal success—it’s about creating opportunities, uplifting others, and leaving a meaningful impact. I carry that mindset into everything I do, whether launching a business, pursuing my degree, or raising my children.
My work ethic comes from my family, especially my mother. Growing up, I watched her work tirelessly, always putting in the effort to provide for our family and lead by example. Her resilience, discipline, and unwavering commitment to doing things the right way shaped how I approach my own work.
Starting Eternal Water Cremation, the first pet water cremation service in Miami-Dade and Broward, has been a labor of love. It’s required long hours, overcoming obstacles, and staying true to my vision, but I’ve never shied away from the grind. My passion for what I do keeps me going, and I truly believe that when you love what you’re building, hard work becomes second nature.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the founder of Eternal Water Cremation, South Florida’s first pet water cremation provider. My journey into this industry was deeply personal—I wanted to create a service that not only offers a dignified farewell for beloved pets but also prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility. Unlike traditional flame cremation, water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) is a gentle, eco-friendly process that uses water instead of fire, reducing carbon emissions and leaving behind more remains for families to cherish.
What excites me most about Eternal Water Cremation is that it’s truly pioneering. Many people don’t realize that they have an alternative to traditional pet cremation, and I’m passionate about educating families and veterinary professionals about this option. Our focus is on providing compassionate, personalized service that helps pet parents navigate one of the hardest moments in life with care and integrity.
Right now, we’re gearing up for our official launch in March, and I couldn’t be more excited to bring this first-of-its-kind service to Miami-Dade and Broward counties. We’re also rolling out a Veterinary Partner Program to help clinics offer water cremation as an option to their clients, ensuring that more pet owners have access to this service when they need it most.
At the heart of Eternal Water Cremation is the belief that every pet deserves a farewell that is gentle, dignified, and environmentally responsible. I look forward to growing this business, supporting our community, and changing the way we approach pet aftercare.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three key qualities have been most impactful in my journey of launching Eternal Water Cremation:
Resilience & Adaptability – Starting a business, especially in a new industry, comes with constant challenges. From navigating regulations to educating people about a lesser-known service, I’ve had to pivot, problem-solve, and keep pushing forward even when things felt overwhelming. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say: embrace setbacks as part of the process. Every obstacle teaches you something valuable—use it to adjust and keep going.
Relationship-Building & Communication – I’ve learned that no matter how great your idea is, success comes down to building trust—whether it’s with customers, business partners, or the community. From working with veterinarians to introducing pet parents to water cremation, I’ve prioritized clear, compassionate communication to help people feel comfortable with something new. My advice? Listen more than you speak, ask questions, and build genuine relationships—people support businesses they feel connected to.
Industry Knowledge & Continuous Learning – Entering a highly regulated industry meant I had to educate myself constantly, from environmental laws to business operations. I didn’t have all the answers at the start, but I made it a point to seek out experts, ask questions, and learn from those who came before me. For those just starting, I’d say: never stop learning. Read, network, find mentors—stay curious and stay informed because that knowledge will set you apart.
Starting something new is never easy, but if you stay resilient, build strong relationships, and commit to learning, you’ll always find a way forward.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been learning to trust the process and embrace patience. When I started Eternal Water Cremation, I wanted everything to come together quickly—I had a vision, a plan, and I was ready to execute. But I quickly realized that building something from the ground up, especially in a highly regulated industry, takes time.
From dealing with permits and approvals to sourcing the right materials and educating the community on water cremation, I’ve had to navigate unexpected delays, setbacks, and challenges that were completely out of my control. In the past, I might have let those roadblocks frustrate me, but I’ve learned to lean into the process, pivot when necessary, and trust that everything is unfolding as it should.
This shift in mindset has not only made me a stronger business owner but has also allowed me to approach challenges with more clarity and confidence. Instead of seeing obstacles as failures, I now see them as part of the journey—each one bringing me closer to my ultimate goal. It’s been a tough but incredibly rewarding lesson in resilience, adaptability, and perseverance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eternalwatercremation.com/
- Instagram: @candidlymo @eternalwatercremation
- Twitter: @EternalWaterCrm
Image Credits
Lidia Liddel
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
