We had the good fortune of connecting with Erynn Monae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erynn, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
GOD. You really have to have that faith. As long as you have a breath to take, you have an opportunity. I keep going because I know that what I want is attainable. You have to align with your inner self and allow that to be your guide. I think we as people get discouraged because our path may not always be clear to us. Block the noise, and find that inner light. It’s important to know that anything can change within the blink of an eye. You can be down today and up tomorrow. No opportunities today, and the opportunity of a lifetime tomorrow. You never know what tomorrow will bring.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Modeling and creating content are two of my passions. I love being able to express myself through fashion and modeling. It is truly a form of art for me. Ever since I was a kid, I would always be creating something. Whether that was me dressing up in creative looks, writing and making my own music, filming my own YouTube videos, or doing hair and makeup. There was always something that I wanted to create. I remember being a kid, and being so inspired by my parents. I would look through my mom’s magazines for hours and watch her design clothes for her fashion shows. I remember watching my dad write music and make beats in our living room. I was SO inspired and I just knew that it was something I wanted to be a part of. I wanted to be able to make a career out of being my authentic self. Connecting with the world through my talents. My childhood was what inspired me to pursue my dreams.

My journey was not always easy. As an anxiety sufferer, I’m learning to let go of my fears. At this point in my life, I’ve learned that your faith HAS to be stronger than your fear. You have to be willing to step into the unknown and allow God to guide you through whatever your journey is. You have to be willing to risk those false negative thoughts in your mind becoming true. Most of those negative “what-if” thoughts in your mind, actually never come true. When you don’t care anymore about the “worst” thing that can happen, you release yourself from the shackles of fear. The hardest part is the anticipation of the fear. The best part is realizing that you did it. Even if you were scared. Bravery isn’t about NOT being afraid; it’s about being afraid, but doing it anyway.

At the moment, I’m most proud of being featured on Beyoncé’s website for a Halloween look I did last year. I’m also proud of having this opportunity to share my story. I’m excited about elevating my career and making myself proud.

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?
The first thing we’re doing is grabbing some American Deli. That is definitely one of my favorite wing spots in Atlanta. I would also take them to either Juicy Crab or King Crab ATL for seafood. For something chill, we could go to the High Museum or Illuminarium. A rooftop bar or karaoke night at “MICS” would also be super fun.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to give a shout-out to my sister Amaya and my boyfriend James. No matter what, those two always have my back. They’ve pulled me through some of my darkest moments, and celebrated with me at my best. Their support means so much to me. I love them both so much.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erynnmonae/

Image Credits
Shanfotografia Kevon Richardson Raphael Baker

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