Meet Kourtnee Monroe | International Model, Writer, Psychology Major

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

Hi Kourtnee, how do you think about risk?
My whole career and life have been based on risk. With age comes wisdom so now I take calculated risks but that was not always so. I like to refer to myself as a risk-taker and a dream chaser and that is what I pride myself on being. Without risk, there are no rewards. I feel that the only person who fails is the one who never tries because even if you fail, you learn something. Mindset is everything. I took a risk in 2015, moving from Dallas TX to NYC all by myself, with no support, no family, and hardly any finances. I certainly don’t recommend anyone else doing that (LOL) but the risk was worth it. The plan was to pursue acting. I had an audition and although I did not secure the role, I knew in my mind I would relocate to NYC for good. I remained confident that things would work out. I didn’t take no for an answer. I now take more calculated risks but I always move by faith, not by sight!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As cocky as it sounds, I love the quote that an artist told Pamela Anderson; “Every time she walks out the door, it’s considered performance art.” I adore that mindset and I would like to think my lifestyle, career, and image are performance art. The entertainment industry is not the easiest route to go on but I have worked hard to become my own brand and be 100% completely in charge of my image. It was not easy, especially in NYC but if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere (or so they say) I overcame the challenges by taking them in stride. You don’t take no for an answer and like Beyonce says, “if you want power, you go straight to the source.” No one can stop your dreams if you keep going. I pride myself on 100% being in charge of my own brand and it is a lot of hard work. I recently modeled for Playboy and I am very proud of myself for securing that shoot. I am now working on shooting for FHM! Very excited about these publications coming soon.

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?
NYC has everything for anyone! It totally depends on the lifestyle you live. If it were up to me, I’d dine at Carbone, Daniel, or Mastro’s for a nice steak. It depends on your taste but you can always have a nightcap at a nice hotel bar. My favorites are at the Four Seasons, The Mark, or Bemelmans at The Carlyle. Most New Yorkers stay away from the tourist spots but if you’re into theatre, you cannot go wrong seeing a show on Broadway. Fifth Ave and Soho are great for shopping. For art and culture, spend some time exploring at the Moma or the MET. I’d take my friend for a great spa treatment at a luxury hotel. You can never be bored in NYC!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shout out my mentor, lawyer, and dear friend Robert Lewis. He took me under his wing and without his support, I would not be here today. Many people have assisted me along my journey and I cannot name them all, but shout out to all my dear friends and associates who continue to believe in me and support me.

Website: https://koalamodelsagency.com/profile.php?kourtnee_monroe

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kourtneemonroe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kourtneecheriemodel

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KourtneeMonroe

Image Credits
Clinton Mingo Photography Cochise Clausell