We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Monica Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Monica , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only person in the room that looks like me has taught me to unapologetically and authentically show up as myself, never as someone who’s trying to fit into someone else’s box where we’re so often judged and dismissed. People try to place limitations on people who look like me all the time, but we’re not misunderstood, we’re misrepresented.
I grew up in a town where it was really diverse and I honestly didn’t pay any attention to being the only woman/person of color until college. The bubble that I lived in was a stark contrast from the disparaging reality of our country.
I learned to lean into my creativity as a superpower. I learned to intentionally lean in even when it felt uncomfortable (gotta get comfortable with being uncomfortable) because it teaches you the power of resilience, challenging oneself and for personal growth. Stay curious, ask questions, speak up while being observant before being reactionary and make powerful contributions while providing meaningful insight. My creativity became (and still is) a bridge between cultures and perspectives. Instead of seeing my race as an obstacle, I see it as a valuable asset.
I learned to trust my voice, my instincts and knowing how to read a room all while staying grounded. It didn’t come over night and of course it wasn’t without practice.
Remembering that you belong in the room and you have a seat at tables that may not always feel welcoming, is essential. You have something to offer that no one else does. Your voice and your talent are just as valuable as the person sitting next to you Never dim your light because of the color of your skin. Let your talent, your voice and your whole being shine brightly.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
From a very early age, I’ve always been in the process of creating. My passions began through cooking, interior design, television production, and makeup artistry. As I grew, I continued to hone that creative instinct because it’s simply how I’m wired. I am after all, a lefty! I consider myself a Lifestyle Architect and Entrepreneur (someone who designs experiences across multiple creative mediums).
Professionally, I create content, manage and collaborate with various production studios within the advertising industry, produce music, and run my makeup artistry brand, MoJoGlow Makeup Artistry. My career has always lived at the intersection of art, storytelling, and impact.
Music, and specifically piano, once felt like a distant horizon I couldn’t fully imagine reaching. It was an unexpected gift that truly transformed my life and who I am today. It’s become one of the most powerful and transformative parts of my story. Today, MoJoGlow encompasses both my makeup artistry and my piano playing under one umbrella, allowing me to use creativity as a force for connection and healing. Whether through a makeover or through music, my goal is to bring the “MoJo”, that special magic that uplifts, empowers, and reminds people of their own light.
Music, to me, is a universal language. It’s a bridge, a unifier, and a way to reach people in places words often can’t. It has the ability to meet us exactly where we are and move us in unexpected ways. My background in production and advertising has shaped how I present my work and my brand everything I create is intentionally designed, emotionally driven, and deeply personal.
I approach all of my work with passion and gusto. As Beethoven said, “To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.” That philosophy guides not only how I make music, but how I move through life and create in the world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my life are adaptability, focus, and trusting my intuition.
First and foremost, life is never a straight path. In both my career and personal journey, I’ve learned how to pivot because quite simply, life happens. Being adaptable, staying open-minded and remaining hungry to learn have allowed me to stay curious and flexible. Open-mindedness keeps doors open that might otherwise remain shut. The goal is to never throw in the towel just because something looks like a dead end. Stepping out on faith and knowing that God, the universe, your ancestors or whatever higher power you believe in has your back is one of the most important life lessons I’ve learned.
Secondly, focus and disciplined creativity have been essential. Creativity requires intention, discipline, and continuously honing your craft. There are days when you have to push yourself because the passion might not be there, but those tireless moments are often where the magic starts to happen. I think of it as strength training for the mind. You are your own trainer and your own accountability partner. Consistency takes the ordinary to extraordinary heights. It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up as yourself and making your time count. Success is often built on the lessons learned from past failures. Find something you’re hesitant to try and try it anyway. Your future self will thank you.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned to always trust my gut. My intuition is my internal compass. When something feels off, I listen and advocate for myself. Intuition is like a muscle. It strengthens over time the more you use it. It’s easy, especially early on, to seek validation from others, but learning to look inward and honor your instincts allows you to move through life’s emotional rollercoaster with much more steadiness and self-confidence.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, there are a few practices I return to consistently. The gym is a huge outlet for release. Anytime I can move my body, whether it’s walking, yoga, dancing, or lifting, it helps shift my energy and clear my mind.
I also lean in on breathing exercises, cooking deliciously creative recipes, positive affirmations, journaling and reading inspirational books. Listening to motivational podcasts—especially Lewis Howes and Mel Robbins who are two of my favorite are on constant rotation. I honestly also lean into my faith which is guidance for me and a path forward.
Therapy has been another powerful tool, along with vision boarding, which helps me reconnect with the intentions I set at the beginning of the year and stay grounded in where I’m going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mojoglowmua.com
- Instagram: @mojoglowmua
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicaerynjohnson/
Image Credits
Orion Phillips II (Tempered Minds Entertainment)
Tatiana Christina Epps (TC Studios)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
