Pedestal Professional: Monique Johnson, Founder of Made 2 Soar

Pedestal Professionals is a weekly spotlight series on our blog that highlights Black women entrepreneurs who are forging new paths in their respective fields.

Meet this week’s Pedestal Professional, Monique Johnson, Founder of Made 2 Soar! Monique was born in Manhattan, NY and raised in Winston Salem, NC. She is an artist, author, and motivational speaker with a personal testament that is inspiring to Black women everywhere. Since launching Made 2 Soar, Monique has been featured on many news platforms including FOX and CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. She has even been invited by the White House to help unite women from across the globe. We were honored to chat with Monique and learn about her journey!

Tell us about yourself.
I am an artist, author, and motivational speaker dedicated to a life of advocacy and inspiring individuals from all walks of life. I began my career in the field of law but soon realized that I had a more powerful calling to influence and motivate others. Now, I am operating in my gift as a full-time motivational speaker.

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How did you get started?

My story of overcoming obstacles has garnered interest from people all over the world. I started by sharing my testimony in the church as a kid. As I continued in life, achieving great things, defying the odds, surpassing doctor’s initial projections that I would not live past the age of six, my story grew to attract the attention of media. After graduating law school, I jumped right into motivational speaking and disability advocacy.

Tell us about your educational journey.

Every achievement in my life was first challenged by naysayers. Upon graduating high school at the top of my class, I attended North Carolina Agricultural & Technical University where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. I then went on to obtain my law degree from Elon University School of Law.

What’s the most rewarding part of entrepreneurship?

The most rewarding part is making decisions based on your knowledge, expertise, wisdom and your gut feelings. This does not mean that every decision made is the right decision. However, when you take ownership of your choices, it puts you in the position of learning from your mistakes.

In your opinion, what is unique about being a professional Black Woman?

Black women continue to rise out of the ashes that society has dumped on us. We possess the strength, elegance, knowledge, and power to make mountains move and to simply make things happen.

What’s your business mantra?

Anything is possible.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to aspiring Black women entrepreneurs?

Always take time to pour into the lives of other young Black women in our community. It does not have to be something that is highlighted in the news or that you received accolades for. But we can be sheroes to those young Black women who feel left out, pushed aside, and overlooked. As we transfer our positivity to them, we plant the seed for them to do the same.

How can people learn more about your products and services?

You can connect with me on social media on Facebook (Made 2 Soar) and Instagram (@Made2Soar). I am also the author of the book Soaring: 7 Lessons to Help You Soar Into the Life You Were Meant to Live. It is available for purchase on my website (www.made2soar.com)

Is there anything else you would like The Pedestal Project readers to know?

People always ask, even if not to me personally, “What is her condition?” I stand at only two feet tall due to a genetic condition called diastrophic dysplasia dwarfism. In spite of my short stature, I have impacted major crowds and continue to stand tall with tenacity and the boldness to inspire the world.

If you, or someone you know, would like to be featured in Pedestal Professionals, please complete the form in the “Connect” section or email us at pedestalprojectorg@gmail.com.

Pedestal Professional: Monique Johnson, Founder of Made 2 Soar

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