Meet Monica Kline | President & Founder of Identity Brand | Brand Strategist | Digital Course Creator | Best Selling Author

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

Hi Monica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After spending 20-years working in corporate and with a small company, I realized I was building someone else’s dream. When I made the career change from a large Fortune 500 business, I felt like I was just a number, at any time my position and myself could be eliminated. Then I went to work for a small business, where I had my hands in many aspects of the business, it was fulfilling to see ideas come to fruition and become profitable. When I took a step back, I realized, I am building someone else’s dream and my earning potential was capped. Small businesses *typically* don’t offer bonuses, health insurance or matching a 401k. You get a salary and figure the rest out on your own. After a decade of doing this, I knew I was too driven, smart and passionate to continue down the path of building someone else’s dream any longer. I put all my focus on my ability to build a business I was passionate about. Going ALL IN on yourself is exhilarating, you hold the key to your freedom in every sense; freedom of time, no cap on your income; which also comes with the at times heavy responsibility of not just caring for yourself, but caring for your team, your clients and their families. When I made the decision to become an entrepreneur, I felt ethically responsible to see the trickle effect my role has on everyone within my sphere. For instance; when I would close a large deal or new client; I did not or could not have the mentality of going out and ‘securing a new bag’, that is a luxury item that most entrepreneurs will tell you is not necessary. Instead, I reinvested every dollar into growing my business, whether it was new software or technology upgrades to grow brands and businesses. The trickle effect to me is making sure my clients kids are financially cared for; if their parent is investing in me to build their brand and business; I am reinvesting into the business so that we ALL grow and grow together.

Now, my why of going into business is to create generational for my son and future generations of my family lineage. Being a single mom since my son was 2 years led me down a path of playing it safe when it came to my career, and when he was grown and off spreading his wings while pursuing his passions is when I made the leap into becoming an entrepreneur. It has been exhilarating, exhausting and scary at moments, but I would not change a single thing. It is ALWAYS worth it to invest in yourself, your business and your future while making an impact. I know in my heart, this is my calling. Helping other business owners create freedom on their terms.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Monica’s PASSION is guiding entrepreneurs to create financial freedom on their terms, by creating multiple revenue streams using an omni channel approach.

As a full service branding agency, Identity Brand builds omni channel brands and businesses, taking this approach creates multiple revenue streams for our clients, as we never want to rely on 1 revenue stream in these ever changing times that we live in.

Identity enjoy’s working alongside intentional and integrity based business owners who are passionate about taking massive and consistent action.

Monica, founder of Identity loves to live life out of the box and loves a challenge and pushing herself outside of her comfort zone. In 2013, she did exactly that and made the decision to leave her comfortable lifestyle in Southern California and set her eyes on the energetic; New York City. 

Upon arriving in New York City, she quickly rolled up her sleeves and signed up for her real life lessons on life, love, business, and grittiness; that only NYC can offer.

Since launching her branding agency, her business model has continued to evolve and she continues to invest not only time, but the best technology, software and platforms for her clients.

She’s continued investing in her education to remain relevant in an ever-changing industry, while being AHEAD of the trends. Seeking the industry thought leaders and is mentored, coached and held accountable by them. Investing in all of this, so that she can deliver her years of experience and make certain it is relevant to move the needle in her clients brands and businesses. 

In 2019, she strategically added “Course Creator” to her repertoire. Diving into the $325-Billion E-Learning Industry, to have the ability to reach more entrepreneurs and help them scale and monetize their brands by taking digital online course curriculum while implementing a “do it yourself” methodology to brand building, which is now known as Identity Brand Business School.

In 2020, Yahoo! Finance named her one of the Top Course Creators & Experts to watch.  2021 was a monumental year, she was tapped by KEAP, a SaaS Software company, to become one of their entrepreneurial brand ambassadors; which included a DocuSeries featuring her journey of building her business, which is titled BIG GRIT.  They also named her one of the years ‘Most Courageous Entrepreneurs’.

Other milestones accomplished over the past year, include; adding Best Selling Author, Keynote Speaker, and experiencing a 600% growth spurt in business. The one thing that has become more evident while on this journey of entrepreneurship is WHO I serve as clients. She is a firm believer that like minded individuals make a business partnership magical.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
(Question, is this referring to ATL or NYC?). I am answering for NYC….

There is so much to do and see in NYC, I have a custom itinerary for all of my guests that have visited, it hits all the main attractions, sites such as Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Wall Street and of course the 9-11 Memorial; this is for first timers. Then based on what your preference is; I have options they can add on. For instance, when I have someone like my niece visiting, we did a rooftop hop from uptown to downtown. If you have a more sophisticated palette, we add in some of the must see museums sprinkled in with tastings at Michelin rated restaurants. You name it, NYC has got it. Some of my personal favorites are dusk at Bar Sixty Five, then off to dinner at any of my favorites; Le Grenouille or Benoit in midtown, or a casual and cozy Le Charlot on the UES. If I am in mood for Italian, I head to I’ll Mullino, or for Sunday family dinner it is normally Carbone. My favorite after work bar to gran a nosh and glass of champagne is The Whitby Hotel. If you like Frank Sinatra, I head over to Carnegie Club on Saturday nights and of course a night cap at the Old King Cole Bar at the St. Regis. If I am in the mood to stay out until the sun comes up, I head downtown to Meatpacking or across the bridge to Brooklyn. I spent a lot of time in BK, as that is where my son calls home. I could go on and on for days about things to do in the city!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents treated me like a gift from the moment I was born. The nurturing, love, and confidence they deposited into me created the woman I am today. They were my greatest teachers in life and the integrity and values they instilled in me is deeply rooted in the foundation of who I am. I know they are still guiding and protecting me from above.

My son, who is the light in my life. Watching him pursue his gifts and talents and never ever giving up on his dream inspires me daily. His pure dedication to his craft will allow him to soar and find success on his terms.

Website: https://identitybrandbymonicakline.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/identity.brand.by.monica.kline?utm_medium=copy_link

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-kline-a41a5918

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monica.ulrich.77

Image Credits
Professional Photos: Georgina Vaughan Photography Make up by Olivia Rose Beauty