We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Monica Tucker. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Monica below.
Monica, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
As a military spouse who said “I do” at the tender age of 18, I quickly realized that my mother’s warning, “You are too young to get married,” held more truth than I initially understood. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of challenges and uncertainties, I discovered my true calling – a purpose rooted deeply in my desire to help others. From as far back as I can remember, I felt a profound sense of empathy and a compelling urge to alleviate the pain of those around me. Growing up in humble circumstances, with hand-me-downs from my siblings and a mother who did her utmost to provide, I learned the value of compassion early on. “To care about others is to care about yourself,” my mother often said, and those words became the guiding principles of my life.
Despite my trials, my conviction to make a positive impact remained steady. Whether through writing, publishing, consulting, or simply brainstorming solutions, I found purpose in lending a helping hand. The joy of seeing someone’s burden lightened, even in the slightest way, fueled my passion for service.
As a military spouse to a then junior enlisted service member, I became intimately acquainted with the unique challenges that our military families encounter. Determined to make a difference, I made a solemn vow to support those who walked a similar path to mine. “I did not have much when I was married, and I vowed to help those who were just like me,” I remind myself, knowing that my experiences have equipped me to offer valuable support and understanding to others.
As I dedicate myself to service, I go beyond, aiming to instill these principles in my children. I taught them the importance of developing a helping hand while also emphasizing the need for self-care and healthy boundaries. “Always help where you can, but don’t overextend yourself,” I advise them, hoping to instill the balance between compassion and self-preservation that I have learned.
Reflecting on my journey, I find comfort in knowing I have lived out my purpose to the fullest extent possible. With each act of kindness and each moment of support extended, I reaffirm my belief that I was born to make a difference in the lives of others. “I will use every God-given gift to serve my purpose on earth until my time is up,” I declare, embracing the journey of empathy and service that defines my existence.
My story reminds me that purpose can be found amidst adversity in a world often fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Through God-given empathy and my commitment to helping others, I have made the decision to touch the lives of others as I have changed my own life.
And through these actions, I have found my rightful position. My story isn’t over.
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?
My brand for Mocha Vision Media is unconventionally centered on amplifying voices. While the primary focus remains on uplifting the Black community, I strive for inclusivity within the military family and women’s communities, embracing multiculturalism. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of supporting and uplifting men who are often overlooked.
Focus on Service to the Community:
Assist individuals striving for personal advancement despite financial constraints.
Volunteer time and skills to support aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals in discovering their purpose.
Contribute to the empowerment and solidarity of the Black community by:
We are safeguarding our interests.
We are facilitating mutual aid.
We are promoting inclusivity and collaboration with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Professional Focus:
Develop and expand my media company to amplify the voices and stories of others through:
Podcasts.
Publications.
Various other media platforms.
Grow the Black business community through:
Juneteenth initiatives.
We are expanding the Black business network to include youth interested in entrepreneurship.
We are facilitating the Black Expo and providing support for Black-owned businesses.
Continue creating multicultural outlets for men, women, and youth on the border, highlighting our existence within the community.
Stay tuned for exciting surprises on the horizon.
Personal Focus:
Strengthen my spiritual connection with God to ensure my purpose aligns with His will.
Write my book and produce my movie.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as most impactful: Empathy: Recognizing and connecting with the feelings of others has played a pivotal role in influencing my decisions and actions. Empathy allowed me to connect deeply with those I sought to help, fostering genuine relationships and meaningful interactions. To develop empathy, I encourage individuals to actively listen to others, practice putting themselves in someone else’s shoes, and seek out diverse perspectives. Volunteering or community service can also provide valuable opportunities to develop empathy by interacting with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
Resilience: I encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks throughout my journey, but resilience enabled me to persevere in adversity. By viewing challenges as chances to develop and learn, I persevered through setbacks and remained steadfast in pursuing my objectives. To cultivate resilience, I advise individuals to develop a growth mindset, which involves viewing failures as temporary setbacks rather than permanent defeats. Building a support network of friends, family, and mentors can also provide invaluable encouragement and guidance during difficult times.
Adaptability: As I progressed, I came to understand the significance of flexibility and adaptability in response to shifting situations. Whether navigating unexpected challenges or seizing new opportunities, adaptability allowed me to adjust my approach and remain agile in pursuing my goals. To enhance adaptability, individuals embrace change as a natural part of life and stay open to new experiences and perspectives. Cultivating a willingness to learn and adapt can help individuals thrive in an ever-changing world.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to focus on developing and improving these three qualities:
Prioritize self-awareness: Take the time to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and values. Self-awareness is essential for identifying areas of growth and development, as well as recognizing when to seek support or guidance from others.
Embrace the concept of continuous learning: Dedicate yourself to ongoing personal growth. Foster curiosity, explore new opportunities and welcome feedback and constructive criticism. Developing a mindset geared towards growth will enable you to navigate and flourish in an ever-evolving environment.
Cultivate a strong support network: Surround yourself with mentors, friends, and allies who will support and encourage you on your journey. A strong support network can provide valuable guidance, perspective, and encouragement during your journey’s highs and lows.
By prioritizing empathy, resilience, adaptability, and embracing self-awareness, lifelong learning, and a strong support network, individuals can navigate their journey with confidence and resilience, ultimately realizing their full potential and achieving their goals.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
I am a life consultant. I prefer that to life coach. My ideal client is someone who approaches our collaboration with humility, acknowledging that neither of us possesses all the answers, but we’re committed to working together towards achieving results. I value open-minded clients receptive to new ideas and willing to engage in constructive dialogue as we navigate toward our shared goals.
Contact Info:
- Website:abeliantgroup.com
- Instagram: @abeliantgroup
- Facebook:facebook.com/abeliantgroup
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/monicatucker
- Twitter: @abeliantgroup
- Youtube: youtube.com/@abeliantgroup
- Other: @blackelpasovoice @midlifemocha @coachmonicatucker @amplifyelpaso
Image Credits
Photo credit: @MidlifeMocha