Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Johnson.
Hi Monica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
At times, my story feels like it was pulled from the pages of a warped fairytale — full of unexpected plot twists and radical pivots I never would have written for myself. There were seasons that nearly broke me, however, those chapters forged me into the author of my own becoming.
I grew up in South Orange, New Jersey, a creative suburb just outside New York City. I knew early on that I wanted to work in TV & media. After studying communications, interning for Martha Stewart and becoming an Associate Producer in the Advertising industry, I was building the career I had envisioned. But behind the scenes, I was navigating deep personal loss as both my mother and grandmother’s health declined. My world was upside down. When my mother passed away, everything shifted. I stepped away from my career to pause and rediscover what truly brought me joy.
In that stillness, I found makeup artistry and eventually after much training and education, I built my own bridal and editorial beauty business. Fast forward and a few years later, the pandemic became another turning point. I taught myself how to play the piano, channeling grief and hope into music. What began as private healing evolved into performance, community, an album and ultimately a sold-out concert.
Standing on that stage was more than a musical milestone. It was proof that our most painful chapters can become purpose. My journey taught me that reinvention isn’t about abandoning who you are. It’s about expanding into who you were always meant to be and embracing it all. Sometimes the story you never would have chosen becomes the one that changes everything.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not in the least bit. I don’t think meaningful journeys ever are.
Imposter syndrome is real. The voice in our head is real (and sometimes taking up way too much real estate). Doubt is real. Chasing a dream that seems to take others half the time while you’re still building yours…that’s real, too.
The key is refusing to quit and resisting the urge to compare yourself to anyone but who you were yesterday. It’s not a race, it’s a marathon. And often, we are our own harshest critics.
The road less traveled forced me to face challenges head-on. There were moments of isolation, vulnerability, and immense pressure , times when I had to consciously regulate my nervous system and steady myself amidst the tears and the pain. But those obstacles strengthened my resilience. They taught me discipline, surrender, and faith even when faith felt as small as a mustard seed. It was still there though!
I’ve learned that our struggles aren’t setbacks. They’re training ground.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Minus all the titles of being a multi-faceted creative, producer, entrepreneur and pianist, I’m a storyteller drawn to transformation and uplift. I’m someone who believes that creativity encompasses healing, connection and becoming. Whether I’m creatively producing a project, enhancing someone’s natural beauty or sitting down at the piano translating emotions into sound, I’m most alive when I create something that uplifts people. I blend my intuition with intention.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a single accomplishment but having the courage to reinvent myself and pivot. From personal loss to global uncertainty, I’ve chosen to turn every rupture into a reintroduction to parts of me I never knew. I’ve taken so much time to fall back in love with myself and I love the person I’m becoming even more.
What sets me apart is that I don’t create from the surface. I create everything from the heart and it comes from a place that can’t be taught. I create from lived experience. I understand grief, resilience, beauty, discipline, consistency, faith and pivoting. At the end of the day, I’m someone who continues to choose growth. I hope my work will give others permission to do the same because we each have a unique story.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The Garden State is such beautiful place. It’s rich in restaurants, culture, wineries, Farmer’s Markets, the Jersey Shore, endless adventures and lush landscapes. I’ll always have a soft spot for incredible pizza and bagels. Growing up in South Orange, spots like Star Tavern, Reservoir Pizza, and Sonny’s Bagels weren’t just local favorites, they’re staples of the town.
Pricing:
- Makeup Artistry Pricing Available Upon Request
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mojoglowmua.com / www.mojoglowlifestyle.com
- Instagram: @mojoglowmua / @mojoglowlifestyle
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicaerynjohnson/
Image Credits:
Tatiana Christina Epps (TC Studios)
Christine Keeley (Christine Keeley Photography)
Orion Phillips (Tempered Minds Entertainment)
