Daily Inspiration: Meet Mony Nation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mony Nation.

Mony, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Photography for me is about life, beauty, and capturing moments seen and unseen. Drawing with light has become as much a part of me as breathing is to life. My story began as a little girl, born and raised in a small blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town in Alabama, whose dreams were bigger than hers. That little girl, now an adult woman, still hopes and works towards the fulfillment of those grandiose visions through three consistent loves in my life: various forms of artistic expression, travel, and fashion. Notably, for the last ten years, photography has been that medium that has centered so many of the things I adore.

I drew my first comb and barrette at age four, my first fashion croquis at ten, and designed my homecoming court dress at fifteen. In college, although I began as pre-med, I promised myself I would take one formal art class since I never had one. From that moment, I was hooked. After my third art class, I switched my major and haven’t looked back since.

I attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where completing two Bachelor of Science degrees, the first in Interior Design and the second in Apparel Design, was no small feat. During my last semester was when my love affair with photography began. To satisfy a graduation requirement, I took a film photography class. Falling in love was an understatement. Thank goodness I was a senior or I would have switched my major again. Ha!

Upon graduation, I moved to NYC where I worked in both the fashion and travel industries for 15 years. Shows and presentations I worked on included L’Wren Scott, Vera Wang, Victoria’s Secret, Mimi Plange, Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung, and many others. Prior to the pandemic, I also had the pleasure of working for three industry leaders, Macy’s, Billabong/Element, and Norwegian Air. Once I began working in travel, anywhere I flew, my camera went as well.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve looked into many faces, walked, climbed, and bounced over many roads. I’ve been sick in Greece, missed trains in Italy, and saw my life flash before me several times in America. I’ve laughed incessantly and loudly, whispered in hushed tones, and sat in silence. I’ve dug my toes in the sands of the Motherland allowing each wave to cover my returned feet unlike those of my ancestors who were taken from Africa’s shores. I’ve stood at doors of no return and stared numbly. I’ve dreamt of lavish interiors and haute couture gowns. I’ve hoped for terra cotta roofs, koi ponds, and hair that didn’t go poof.

Everyone has challenges. Some are tougher than others. They say artists have tortured souls. I would agree wholeheartedly. Although I don’t like to share my inner thoughts publicly, I will. For me, an obstacle has been those pesky voices of doubt from both internal and external sources. The challenge has been to believe I am good enough, that my work is good enough, and that my voice is valid no matter how much I have been ignored and overlooked. I am not just a “speck of color in a lily-white pond.” I am not the fluctuation of my weight. I am not just the color of my skin. I am worthwhile, worthy, and deserving. I have a place for thriving, too. I have learned that for me photography has been a grounder, an inspirer, an expresser, and a puller out of creative ruts. I have also learned that finding the balance between work and dreaming until those dreams become the sustenance of reality, is important. Last and certainly not least, I have learned to hold on to hope and to try again.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
After completing seven books and a 14-minute video for my Graphic Design MFA thesis, I was knackered. I took a 6-month break before focusing on creating again. Amid the rest period, there was this intense pull to conquer my fear of in-studio photography. Thus, I set a goal to complete at least one shoot a month for a year. Currently, I am in month five. Between my job and finding myself conceptualizing ideas well into the night when I should be asleep, my most recent images center Black women first and then other women of color, motion, beauty, fashion, and pops of color. Before this endeavor, I mainly concentrated on travel photography and design, which I will continue.

Additionally, I designed and created the looks for a gospel music album cover as well as three skirts that were displayed at Macy’s Herald Square (NY) for their 150th-anniversary celebration. Moreover, I served as co-editor for a photography magazine, wrote travel stories for a fashion magazine, and I am completing a narrative photography book. I have exhibited my photographic works in both group and solo shows from the East to West Coast. I was chosen as LensCulture Critic’s Choice 2022, IPA’s Juror Top 5 pick in the Color Category, AIGANY Fresh Grad 2022, and will have an image displayed at the busiest airport in the world, Atlanta Hartsfield, September 22, 2022-January 25, 2023. It has been an exciting journey to see these things come to life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
The experiences in my life have taught me to believe in the power of prayer and to expect answers, not luck. I’ve seen where winning competitions are God’s kisses in the form of encouragement to continue along the way. Simple conversations serve as a spark. I’ve seen the gifts we’ve been endowed with make room where there was none. I have also seen opened doors stay open because of true forgiveness, favor, preparedness, kindness, the right attitude, consistency, and persistence. And yes, there is such a thing as being in the right place at the right time.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.monynation.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/monynation

Image Credits