Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Kelly.
Hi Monique, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Believe it or not, my journey into professionalism and entrepreneurship started as early as age nine when my late mother, Angela Thickin, began training me in many of the areas I specialize in today. In addition to her training, I have also undergone numerous years of organizational training, formal education, and certificate programs while thriving as a professional in the corporate setting. My never dying love for learning, accompanied with my natural unique strategic thinking skills have undoubtedly taken me far. Yet, despite how nice this story sounds and the woman I have become; it didn’t happen as easy as it sounds. I Have had many challenges and setbacks that I now, in hindsight, understand were necessary character builders which have ignited the perseverance one needs as an entrepreneur.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While I have certainly done well for myself, the road to today wasn’t always the easiest. I grew up in a single-parent home in which I was often responsible for my younger brother while my mother worked two and sometimes three jobs. We didn’t have it all, but we had enough. However, there was something that I was always longing for that I felt I didn’t have and that was love and support. Many years later and a hard fight to find myself, I can tell you that what you think you’re missing out on, you go looking for. I ended up in a relationship that was filled with toxicity and manipulation that would cause me, a straight-A student full of potential, to leave college and lose everything, including most of my friends and family. Luckily for me, I would soon learn that what God puts inside of you, no one can take away. It is your job to unlock and unleash that power to become who you were always meant to be. Now, I won’t say it was as simple as that and trust me working a job that you feel is beneath your abilities but you cannot get out of because you don’t have the degrees the corporate world deems necessary is a humbling experience. Being told “No” after each promotion opportunity or interview can certainly get the best of you.
There were many days that I cried, knowing that I was better than my situation. After a crying phone call to my grandmother about being looked over again, she gave me a hard truth that I hold close to my heart and mind to this day. That truth was that no one values you; you must value you. Despite knowing my situation and shortcomings, she did not sugarcoat anything for me, but I needed that. It made me get really clear about who I was and what I wanted, but most importantly, it made me decide what my value would be and what I deemed necessary to be my own version of success. It took some time but ten years after graduating high school, I finally graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, to be followed by a dual master’s program in which I received a Master of Healthcare Administration and a Master of Business Administration. Currently, I am working diligently on a Doctoral degree in Management with a concentration in Information Systems Technology. I would also receive promotions back-to-back at Emory University, where I have now worked for 13 years.
Yes, it took a while, but I got my life back on track and achieved many of the goals I always saw for myself. However, what I am most proud of is becoming a volunteer with Diamond in the Rough Youth Development program, where I mentor girls in hopes that the seeds planted will help them make great decisions for their lives from the very start. Mentors or Mistakes they don’t have to make the same mistakes I have made, which may have been a game changer for me if I had a mentor in my life. Ironically enough, I have continued to evolve into a better woman by working with these youth and this is where I have begun to dream even bigger, which led to the birth of my business, Moni Management.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Moni Management is a full-service business management company providing development, coordination, and organization of all business activities to entrepreneurs and small business owners. We do this by providing a full range of business services to our clients that tackle the tedious and often time-consuming administrative tasks associated with starting a business.
Moni Management offers a variety of services, including business planning, marketing planning, project management, business coaching, and organizational process improvement. Our goal is to manage the necessities of running a business, allowing business owners to focus on growing their businesses.
I love all things business but not more than I love bringing the visions of others to life. This is what separates my business from others. I want to ensure every client reaches the level of success they desire and right from the start I walk alongside them to ensure we do just that. With Moni Management, your business is my business.
My business is an example of God’s promise to us in that “your gifts will make room for you”. I was doing business for people and providing knowledge and skills to people and businesses without a business because it is who I am and what I love to do. Before I knew it, I had multiple clients and a real need to get my business affairs in order the same way I work with clients to. I am most known for my ability to develop and implement strategies for businesses in addition to my robust skills in information systems and technology.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Books Woman Evolve – Sara Jakes
Bamboozled by Jesus – Yvonne Orji
You Owe You – Eric Thomas and Chris Paul
Podcast
The L.E.A.D. Podcast – Dessi Wilson
Priceless Perspectives – Dr. Nicole Steele
Courageous Conversations – Dr. DeYonne Parker
Beyond Brilliant – Gem Makers
Other
Saved in the City
Tera Carissa Hodges
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monimanagement.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monimanagement/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoniManagementLLC
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-kelly-mha-mba-78846a182/
- Other: https://calendly.com/monimanagement/15min?month=2023-06
Image Credits
Kimazing Photography
