Meet Monique
We had the good fortune of connecting with Monique and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Monique, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
My name is Monique and I’m from Santa Rosa, CA. My up bringing and background definitely impacted where I’m at today.
I was raised by my grandparents since I was 6 months old since my biological parents weren’t able to care for me the proper way. When I came to live with my grandparents, who I now call mom and dad, they brought me in and took care of me along with my aunts and uncles, who I now call brother and sisters. I grew up in the 90’s and from early on I watched my family struggle a little bit. We were lower middle class, my parents worked long hours and even weekends to provide for all of us. However my parents made sure that we got to do things we wanted to. My brother lived in Alaska to play hockey, both of my sisters figure skated or did karate, and I was able to do competitive gymnastics and travel basketball.
As I got older and my siblings started leaving the house it was just me and my parents. I got to see a lot of things especially when it came to finances. It was a lot like taboo to not ask about it, and they wanted to make sure I had nothing to worry about. Looking back, I wish my parents would’ve taught me more. They might not of known a lot themselves and taught themselves what they knew.
Being in the financial industry and even working as an operations director for a local salon has given me so much insight on finances. I am breaking that “generational curse” in my family. Having two small children, my kids will know how to work with a budget, how to save for retirement, the importance of life insurance and the ins and outs of your basic financial situation.
I love being able to help other families understand the importance of their finances whether if they came from a family who taught them and they just need help putting something together or if they come from not knowing anything and giving them some educational tools on how they can protect themselves and their family.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Working as an operations director is amazing. I get to see the staff grow and also helping them achieve their financial goals is rewarding.
As a financial literacy advocate (life agent), the most challenging part is being self accountable. Coming from an employee mindset and shifting it to be an entrepreneur is something I’m still learning and I think I will always be perfecting it.
I’ve learned so many lessons during my journey, but resilience is something that I have in my personal life and professional life that I can say I’m proud of.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in wine country, so there’s tons of local restaurants, winery’s and being close to the Bay Area has its perks.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The owner of the local salon, Kimberly Michalik has been amazing in my growth and working at her salon for 8+ years has given me a lot of insight with finances for a business.
Global financial impact is my agency and I love our products, clients and my business partners!
Of course my parents and my spouse by giving me the support to pursue whatever goals I have.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monique_hbd?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Tamara Demello
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