Meet Jaqueline Monasterio | Jaq of all trades (model, fashion designer, creative director and more)
We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaqueline Monasterio and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jaqueline, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursed a creative career because it just felt like what God was calling me to do and what felt natural to me. I‘ve always had a huge love and passion for what I do. I use modeling, fashion design, creative direction and so much more to truly express who I am to people and it’s been an outlet for me as well. There’s days where I get discouraged and question what my purpose is but then I remind myself of how much being a creative has helped me grow and all the opportunities and the many of the people I know today. It’s a blessing to me that so many people love my work and are inspired by what I do that also made me pursue it. I want to be a testimony to anyone who wants tap into their creative side that they can and they don’t have to be afraid.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is not limited to just one thing, that’s why I’m known as Jaq of all trades. I know there’s so much more and to stop and do just one thing would be impossible for me. I truly believe that God has set me apart from others. God has moved so much in my life and I’m always excited to share my testimony about it to others. I am who I am because of him. Being a creative/artist isn’t easy if I’m being transparent it can be hard to financially support what I love to do and also be hard mentally because I can get so consumed with social media and everything that goes on in the world but because I know that God provides for me and will make a way it keeps me going and I know I could never give up. God set this dream and passion in my heart for a reason and that by itself helps me overcome the adversity and challenges that come with creating art. There’s also many people who genuinely support and help me. Media wants people to believe that you have to do things alone but it really takes a team and when you build that community you’re able to accomplish a lot more. A major lesson is to trust the process and extend grace to yourself, there’s a season and time for everything. There’s no need to rush the process and to always stay in the moment and be rooted in the present. There’s no point in stressing about the future when we’re not promised tomorrow. Some other lessons I’ve learned is that close mouths don’t get feed. You’ll never know who you’ll network/meet or the opportunities you have if you don’t push yourself to talk to those people or go to those events/places. Another lesson is to be consistent and to just post. It’s your art and no one should stop you from sharing it. I really just want to be a reflection of the goodness and grace God has shown to me and be a living testimony. I also want people to know that anything is possible and to go after their dreams.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is tough there’s so many places to go in Georgia but I’d say we definitely gotta go to Duluth/Pleasant Hill area they have so many good Asian restaurants from Korean BBQ to ramen spots. They also have the cutest stores and supermarkets like Hmart. I have a big sweet tooth so we gotta hit Hansel and Gretel bakery cafe. We also have to go to the waterfall in Roswell Mill, bring a speaker, some food and enjoy nature. It’s a little gem that I grew up knowing. Definitely gotta go to Atlanta it’s a must. There’s so many things to do and go to such as Ponce city market, grab drinks at Umbrella Bar they have one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had and then go walk or ride bikes down the beltline. There’s also Colony Square in Midtown the ambience and vibe are just great and there’s so much to try at their food hall. Some times they have yoga or movies at their green area. Another place we would visit is Buckhead Village the aesthetic and vibes are so classy and we can get facials at Faced studio and then go get lunch Le colonial and take pictures. There’s also Caffeine and Octane which is the first Sunday of the month which is so fun and it’s one of the biggest car shows or High Frequency Fridays at High art museum which happens on the first or third Friday of the month we get to mingle and network and just enjoy good music and have a great time.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to God and the Atlanta Streetwear Market and their team, all the creatives I’ve become friends and met, my family especially my sister Apple and to my day ones who have been with me since the beginning and anyone who has helped shape me to be who I am today. There’s so many individuals I want to recognize such as Dakota Martin, Shania Lee, Bashbenzo, Cam Ragin, Elias, Dayanara, Christiana and many more. I love everyone who’s been on this journey with me and I’m so grateful.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaqueline.monasterio?igsh=ZWp4Ymd3MWw2bTVh&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Listed Photographers:
@BashBenzo
@itsgroovy_
@antiisoulcial
@vlonery
@mr..201_
@essence.ransome
@lightofsteph
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