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

Hi Monae, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks has been a pivotal factor in shaping my journey. Each risk I’ve taken in my life, business, career and school has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and push my boundaries. I consider risk a challenge and a chance. It’s the threshold between your goals, aspirations, dreams and essentially, the complete unknown- forcing you to leave familiarity behind.

Personally, my risk requires faith. Taking a risk is taking a step in faith. And, while the exact outcomes of these risks remain uncertain to us, I believe that God’s grace will always guide each step I take. It’s acknowledging that the path ahead may not be crystal clear, but that you also trust and believe it is already done. “Faith without works is dead.”

Having spent a dedicated four years studying Psychology, and more recently, embarking on a 1,000-mile journey away from the comforts of familiarity, family and small home state, to chase my influencing and cosmetology dreams. I’ve found that risk has become a driving force behind turning my once slightly distant aspirations into a vivid reality. One of my most calculated risks to say the least. My journey in Atlanta has consisted of investing time in enhancing my craft, developing better strategies, nurturing my creativity, and strengthening my faith. Within months, after the relocation that I’ve successfully attracted almost half a million views across TikTok- targeting 13% of Atlanta viewers; effectively highlighting my work that was once tucked away in my business profiles’ archives.
As a testament to my progress, within those three months, my schedule remained fully booked, in advance- sometimes even overbooked with clients. I am steadily moving forward in my influencing and journey to attain my license and looking forward to the overflow of blessings to come.

Growing up my mom always used to say “it’s just time to move on”. I have truly grown to understand the importance of recognizing the point at which something, some place or someone has served its full purpose. Be thankful for its purpose and move on. Sometimes it’s just time to move on. Take a risk. Have faith.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In this season I am most proud of my growth. I have learned patience, humility, strategy and much more throughout this journey that have contributed to my professional, mental, emotional growth.

I am most proud of the full circle that life is revealing itself to be. My talent was catered to at a young age. I started out cutting and styling my Bratz dolls from as young as I can remember. To lightening and coloring wigs on my college dorm floors to now working towards obtaining my Master Cosmetology license in my dream city, building clientele and expanding my business. I am most excited for the opportunities and networks to come after my relocation along with going full time working for myself doing what I love. I have put days, hours and years into my craft and there is still so much more to put forward. I have grown in experimenting, learning from mistakes and remaining open to criticism and different techniques which has also contributed to where I am today. This journey has not been easy but life isn’t easy. I am proud of my testimony and will continue to appreciate the unexpected turns in life. My faith in God will continue to carry me through.

As for MustbMeltd- a wig business created to cater to my inner child. MustbMeltd is focused on playful, youthful and creative self expression- celebrating and recognizing that beauty is a gift from God. MustbMeltd strives to stay attuned to the latest wig trends and techniques ensuring high quality and innovative wig/hair services. MustbMeltd encourages all clients to trust in divine timing and to embrace the journey of self-discovery and self acceptance, obtaining fullness. MustbMeltd will always be set apart from others as it driven behind inner child creativity, faith, passion with a hint of obsession. MustbMeltd specializes in creative wig customizations, color, cutting, plucking services, maintenance and much more. Don’t forget to check out @_meltd on Instagram!

As for Psychology. I will be back for you. I once wrote a thesis “Overall disreputable exposure in Black lifestyle leads to mental disorder like no other race yet it is the results of these historical, economic, social and political factors causing trauma, distrust, stigmas, within the Black community itself that prevents ample imperative psychological care needed- in comparison to their similar counterparts.” I will strive to bring awareness to mental health in minorities, specifically our minority children and youth. My journey began with my bachelors. I look forward to providing clinical therapy to our minority children in need in the future to come.

This is only the beginning.
– Your soon to be favorite Hairstylist and Clinical Therapist

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ideally, I’d love to sit by the water and lay out at the beach all day. However, realistically considering my city lifestyle, I tend to gravitate towards a pretty rooftop view or a charming outdoor setting (despite my terrifying phobia of bugs). And of course, accompanied by some good food and good music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God deserves full acknowledgment in my journey. God has provided me with not only my gifts, but a sense of direction, clarity, comfort and serenity. Along with providing me the tools, education, techniques, opportunities, networks and platforms, I need to passionately live in the purpose he has already declared for me.

As far back as I can recall, God has nurtured my passions. With time, it becomes apparent He has orchestrated every encounter, every learning experience, and every opportunity to mold me into the person He needs me to be to fulfill my purpose.
He has skillfully transformed my love for children and mental health into a Undergrad Bachelors of Psychology and is now in present time transforming my love for hair into a Master Cosmetology license. I will be continuing on with my education in both, Psychology, eventually striving to obtain my PSYD in Clinical Psychology with a speciality in Pediatrics, along with Master Cosmetology license to continue expanding my craft, clientele and business- “MustbMeltd”

In addition to expressing my gratitude to God, it’s important to give credit to my support team, my close family and friends, my mom dad. All of them have put time forward to contribute ideas, lend an attentive ear, strategize, and overall, provide unwavering support. I thank them for always believing in me, never doubting me and always loving me. I thank my parents for always making it happen. Their unwavering faith, hard work, dedication, commitment, enthusiasm, and dedication has truly stood out and is what I now strive for.

The battery in my back. I am truly grateful. There isn’t enough pay back in the world.

Website: www.influencersmarketing101.com

Instagram: _monaealexis

Other: TikTok: @monaealexis

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.