Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Monique Rardin Richardson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Monique, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I discovered my purpose through the defining moments in my life that transformed me. We all have events that altered who we were or shaped us into the person we are now. Unfortunately, some of those circumstances were and are through trauma.
The traumas I’ve endured have deepened my empathetic nature. After significant internal work, I felt compelled to share stories of people and places to help others navigate similar life-altering moments.
This is the essence of my memoir, When Then Became Now, which chronicles the life of a man I’d known since I was a teenager, who profoundly influenced me. He was a homeless addict who was writing life stories for his grandchildren after being told he didn’t have much longer to live. When he passed away, his journal was not on his person because it was lost to the streets.
To heal my grief, I picked up a pen and wrote his story from my perspective. My goal was to show his family the man he was before his pain took over and to find reasons to love and understand someone who sometimes made it hard.
I wanted to humanize all the faces, such as my biological father, who are often ignored on the sidewalks. Through my love, I present a different image that conveys that displaced individuals matter and are cared for deeply, just like everyone else, not just scary people who look different and are lost.
My journey also led me to discover my happy place, behind a camera, where I feel brave and time stands still. I love to turn darkness into light and share photos that bring smiles to others’ faces, with subjects such as my favorite, flowers. If I can help make one person happy or feel they are not alone, my life will be considered successful.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My eclectic passions constantly drive me to explore new artistic endeavors. Like most artists, I often juggle multiple projects at once. Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing my poetry collection, Pieces of Me, come to life through the pages of a book published by Finishing Line Press. A dream I’ve had since middle school became a reality.
Some have described my poetry as a glimpse into a personal diary. Pieces of Me is a journey of courage and self-discovery, reflecting my challenges of feeling whole when born half-Mexican, not looking it, and growing up with one parent. It’s a collection of poems about first kisses, love, hope, and loss, inviting you to find beauty, even in adversity.
I’m also finishing another fictional novel, Our Last Hello, a romance set in the 1970s, due out later this year. I love love!
When I’m not immersed in the world of words or out taking pictures, I sell my photographs, literary prints, and gifts at Forever Present Gifts on Etsy. This is my way of keeping nature and the spirit of classic writers, their books, and their characters alive in our modern world.
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?
Resilience is one. I’ve always found a way to keep going and stay true to myself, even when feeling like an outsider. But it’s empathy that I find truly connects us. It’s easy for me to put myself in another’s shoes, and my compassion for others makes me want to let them know I see and feel them, so I share my personal stories to acknowledge that. Some I’d never seen in print before while growing up that I knew would help me in times of struggle. With hard work and self-love, I’ve learned you can grow from and through it. Becoming a better me has always been my number one goal.
I advise anyone that the only thing you must be in this lifetime is yourself, and it is never too late to follow your passions. I discovered mine as a pre-teen and did not attempt to pursue them until I was in my forties. I never imagined I’d someday get to call myself a photographer or writer, and here we are. I didn’t have the opportunity to extend my education in school, but I’ve been a lifelong learner.
When immersing yourself in what you enjoy, you find ways to learn the skills; in time, they can develop in surprising ways. Remember, it’s not just about the work but the joy of doing what you love. Play, have fun, and do it from the heart!
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Besides sharing my wisdom with my son, learning from him is one of the most extraordinary things about being a parent. He plays a significant role in helping me use and trust my voice. During one of our conversations about John, after he passed away, who is the central focus of my memoir, he suggested I write John’s story. I never imagined I’d be able to tackle writing a whole book. A short story, sure, but 60,000 words, never, and with his encouragement, I did it.
When I lacked confidence in going to my first art gallery opening, my son was there, and the pride I saw in him gave me the wings to fly through the doors and take in one of the most memorable afternoons of my life. He’s a writer and filmmaker; his confidence and imagination inspire me daily. I’m so thankful he came into my life to teach me to be the child I didn’t have the opportunity to be growing up.
It’s the same with my husband, who is a musician. I’ve watched him for over thirty years writing songs and spending endless hours in the studio recording them. These two helped me find the creativity I thought I didn’t have and rooted me onward with each step I took. They still do.
As for knowledge, I joined the California Writers Group, a community of passionate writers who provide invaluable feedback and support. I’m also part of a poetry critique group, where we share our work and receive constructive criticism.
I also found that working on a book with a great editor provides an incredible education and expands one’s writing skills.
I’ve taken online photography classes, which have improved my photography skills and influenced my writing. The more you do, the better you get at anything. Constantly taking pictures and writing has been a significant part of my creative journey, leading me to fulfill some almost forgotten dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moniquerardinrichardson.com/
- Other: https://bsky.app/profile/foreverpresent.bsky.social
foreverpresentgifts.etsy.com
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