Meet Monica Hackett | Founder & Lead Designer

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

Hi Monica, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I moved around a lot as a child after my parents got divorced, but for the most part, I can say I’m from West Orange, NJ. I have four siblings—an older sister, two younger sisters, and a younger brother. I’m a girl from the north but I’m a country girl at heart. I moved to Atlanta, GA in 2016 and have been here ever since.

Growing up, I was involved in a lot of activities—varsity basketball, photography, a pageant, FBLA, yearbook club, Delta GEMS, and the NAACP. I was a quiet child but I felt most like myself when I was either doing something creative or spending time with my family.

My parents met at Howard University for law school, which brought two major influences into my life: a deep appreciation for Black culture and community, and an early education in the art of arguing and not taking no for an answer. But most importantly, they always told me that whatever I wanted to do, I should put my all into it. That’s where my mindset and determination come from.

I was raised to be a hustler, a free thinker, a go-getter, and a dream chaser. These qualities are at the core of New Foundations Media. Every day, I apply that same drive and creativity to the work I do behind the scenes and for my clients. It’s about bringing my whole self to every project and helping others realize their visions with the same passion and commitment my parents instilled in me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m excited to share more about my art and journey! My work at New Foundations Media stands out because it’s deeply rooted in a blend of analytical thinking and creative exploration. I started my journey at Spelman College, where I initially pursued health science. However, I soon discovered my true passion lay in philosophy, with a bit of biochemistry on the side. This unique combination of disciplines helped shape my design philosophy, emphasizing both analytical precision and creative freedom.

During my college years, I stumbled upon graphic design and media, which quickly captivated me. I became a computer science tutor and started freelancing, learning the immense power of visual storytelling. My pre-med background enriched this journey, allowing me to bring a unique perspective to my designs.

After honing my skills as a digital media specialist, I founded New Foundations Media, a sanctuary for transformative and business-centric design. Here, I focus on creating designs that are not just visually compelling but also profoundly resonant with my clients’ stories and goals. One of the aspects I’m most proud of is helping small businesses and entrepreneurs build a strong brand presence. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my clients succeed and know that I played a part in their journey.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been far from easy. I’ve faced numerous challenges, from creative blocks to imposter syndrome and balancing the creative and business aspects of my company. Overcoming these obstacles required a lot of resilience and support from my family, friends, and mentors. They were my sounding board and motivators, helping me navigate through tough times.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned some invaluable lessons. Staying true to yourself and your vision is crucial—authenticity is what builds trust and connection. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and lean on your support network; their encouragement can be a game-changer. Lastly, always be open to learning and evolving. The design industry is ever-changing, and continuous growth is essential.

What I want the world to know about New Foundations Media is that we are more than just a design company. We are passionate about empowering businesses and individuals to realize their potential and make a lasting impact. Our story is one of perseverance, creativity, and community. Each project is approached with a commitment to creating designs that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.

At New Foundations Media, we believe that great design can change the world, and we are dedicated to making that belief a reality, one project at a time.

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 Atlanta for a week, I’d make sure she had the best time ever! Here’s how I’d organize our itinerary to hit all my favorite spots and experiences:

Day 1: Welcome to Atlanta
Morning: Start with coffee at Dope Coffee, one of the many amazing Black-owned coffee shops in Atlanta.
Evening: Head to The Battery to eat, drink, and maybe catch a baseball game (even though we’d both be confused about what’s happening in the game).

Day 2: Art and Culture
Morning: Visit the High Museum of Art. I have a membership, so this would be a good free activity.
Evening: Grab dinner at Pinch of Spice for some delicious Indian food.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure
Morning: Go on a hike with Hike with Banji, a local black-owned hiking company that offers a great experience.
Evening: Walk the Beltline and enjoy the street art, shops, and vibrant atmosphere.

Day 4: Foodie Fun
Morning: Enjoy vegan Chinese food at Harmony Vegetarian, my favorite spot despite being a pescatarian.
Evening: Treat ourselves to cinnamon rolls at Cinnaholic.

Day 5: Creative Day
Morning: Attend a paint and sip event. We both love painting and it’s always a fun, relaxing time.
Evening: Visit an art show or festival to soak in more creativity and local talent.

Day 6: Thrifting and Relaxation
Morning: Go thrifting in the Little 5 Points area. It’s the perfect spot to find some unique pieces.
Evening: Have a picnic at Piedmont Park and rent some bikes to ride around and enjoy the scenery.

Day 7: Shopping and Family Time
Morning: Spend the day shopping at TJMaxx, HomeGoods, and Target. We both have a bit of an obsession with home decor.
Evening: Hang out with my mom. She always knows where the party’s at, so it’ll definitely be a time!

Atlanta is such a diverse and exciting city, and this itinerary ensures my best friend gets to see the best of it. From coffee shops and museums to hikes and thrifting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, there are so many people and influences that have been pivotal in my journey. First and foremost, my parents deserve the biggest shoutout. They’ve always been my rock, instilling in me a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community. Their encouragement and unwavering belief in my abilities have been crucial in shaping who I am today.

I also want to shout out my older sister. She’s always been so supportive of me. Even on those days when I felt like giving up and throwing in the towel, she was there to lift my spirits and motivate me to keep going. She’s even helped me on occasion with creative processes and admin work!

Another person I want to shout out is my partner. He watched my business go from an idea to my full-time career. He’s supported me, talked me down from the “artist mental-breakdown ledge,” helped me get over my imposter syndrome, fed and cared for me after I burnt myself out from late work nights, and been one of my company’s biggest promoters (no need for a marketing budget!).

I’d also like to thank my friends and family who have also been on my unofficial marketing team (T-Penny, I’m talking to you!). Their support, love, and word-of-mouth promotion have been invaluable. Without these amazing people, I probably wouldn’t have had the courage and confidence to make New Foundations Media what it is today.

Website: https://www.NewFoundationsMedia.com

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

Other: Email: Monica@NewFoundationsMedia.com