Meet Evan Monét | Branding Strategist & Graphic Enthusiast

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

Hi Evan, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
Other than deciding to work for myself, I believe the single most important decision I made that contributed to my success was to not be afraid of failing and also allowing people to witness those moments in real-time.

I think most times, people see the image of entrepreneurs, the extravagant lifestyles, etc, and don’t see the losses behind the scenes. A lot of times people who are not entrepreneurs don’t realize that outside of our lifestyle, we’re truly real people with real feelings, who go through real-life things.

I think being able to be transparent with my social media followers and my overall following in general helps them see that I am just as regular and normal as them.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Since I was 12 years old, I developed a love for art. Being able to express my creativity through my laptop has always been something that I have been proud of. I began my graphic design journey as a super-fan of Chris Brown. In 2008, while in sixth grade, I created a fan-page via MySpace that had ALL things Chris Brown. I also began to notice and follow similar fan-pages that had the most amazing graphics! I knew they were using really good software, so I found a few free trials to get my feet wet.

Fast forward to 2009, I began designing pictures for my friends on MySpace and also taught myself how to code, so I started designing their MySpace layouts too. At the time, this was easy because I had nothing else to do, lol.

Once I got to college, I noticed a true need for better marketing around campus, specifically for the Black organizations on campus. When I got my feet wet, I was probably the only person who created flyers for every organization on campus.

In 2016, I decided to start my business because I noticed there was a need for quality graphics, and I was truly the epitome of a broke college student. I started charging only $25 for logos, $30 for flyers, etc. I had not reached the ability to create or build websites, but I think if I had gotten this far, I would have probably only started at or around $75.

I think the only challenge truly during this time was making sure I was charging what I was worth, which is something I still struggle with.

Lessons I’ve learned include time management, learning to navigate life as a 20-something business owner, and maintaining my mental health. I think as time has gone, I’ve gotten better with all of the things I once considered a challenge.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area and I know I needed to show them the best time ever, the first place I would take them is Fade & Facet. I love the atmosphere and the drinks are definitely TOP TIER.

The next place I would take them is directly to any museum. I love museums and my friends definitely do too! Specifically, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. I love history and the Civil Rights Movement has always interested me.

Soigne Garden is definitely on the places to visit list, not only is the food amazing, I love a great aesthetic!

Next, we would definitely have to visit the Trap Museum. Although I’ve been there a plethora of times, I think it is an important landmark in the community. The highlights of trap music is displayed each and every time I visit and the vibes are immaculate.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes, there are SO many people I want to dedicate my shout-out to…

I feel like I’m giving my 2001 BET Awards Speech (shout out to Whitney Houston!!!) or something, but, I want to thank God first. God has brought me through so much, and so many things that I’ve prayed for have come to fruition just by having faith in Him.

Secondly, I’d like to thank my family. My mom and my brother have truly been so supportive although we all suffered the huge loss of my dad this year. My dad still shows me how much he is rooting for me even while he is no longer here physically. Outside of my family, my closest friends have been an amazing support system.

My sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. have truly shown me the truest definition of sisterhood and loyalty, and no matter what, I know that I can always count on them to share my posts, or tag me in a new opportunity!

Website: www.evanmonet.com

Instagram: brandedbyevanmonet

Image Credits
Lamar Pacley, Shutter Eye Photo