We invited Monique to style Nin Studio from her own lense, we asked her a few questions along the way.

We learn about her journey of self belief that comes only from hard work, trusting oneself and having this reflected back to us in the space we show up in. The queen of interpreting style? We think YES. 

How did you get into styling?

I would have to say it started in the early 2000s during my sophomore year in college. I had no idea Fashion Styling was an actual job. While working on my bachelor's degree for Fashion Merchandising at the FASHION INSTITUTE of TECHNOLOGY in NYC I had stumbled into the idea of becoming a Fashion Stylist. I had a friend who was also a student at F.I.T that asked me to be one of her models for a shoot. Apparently no one could fit into these micro tiny BABY PHAT shorts . I distinctly remember the gold dangling chains across the back pockets. No questions asked I showed up to set ready to go. Soon after I found that this project was an actual  "TEST SHOOT" . With tons of curiosity I asked more questions and observed every moment. Immediately I was excited to find my calling... this was it!. I decided to complete my Bachelors degree and for the next few years worked my way from ground zero with absolutely no experience in styling . My first serious job was interning for a high fashion editorial by answering a random Craigslist ad online.  From that job I was referred to another stylist and so on. My start was nothing but high fashion Editorials for magazines such as VOGUE,  BAZAAR , L'OFFICIEL  & ELLE . This base eventually transitioned into Los Angeles which led into the Wardrobe and Costume Design world. It has been well over a decade of so many different Styling and Costume experiences. Just to think it all started with those micro BABY PHAT shorts. 

2. Whats your favorite styling experience?

Believe or not it was during a shoot for 2 Music Videos . If anyone knows major music videos can be 17 hour days and a hectic shit show. The experiences that stuck out the most was the collaboration with two dope female directors. I remember the feeling of being proud of how far I came with zero experience and hard work. Trust was built and that is also something I felt in both experiences. 

The first was a moment on set where we had 2 hours to do hair , makeup , a fitting and also fit time to shoot the talented ballerina Misty Copeland for DRAKE'S video " Nice for what". Not only did the director like every piece I selected.. so did Misty. Under pressure and crunched for time we executed precisely. I was so nervous and praying that everything went smooth during the fitting. It had to.....and it did. After that I was like damn I'M GOOD. 

Second favorite styling experience was the cast Styling for Ariana Grande's video "BOYFRIEND"...which may I add won MTV BEST SONG OF SUMMER. It was a hot NYC summer in this gorgeous mansion and it felt like I had to dress a million people. I managed to get fabulous pieces for all the main principals and stunt actors. Consistency and fast execution is key. We were on set and the director callled me over and I was like uhh ohhh. I went over with my assistant and she said "You killed it". I was so overjoyed and overly proud at that moment. To myself ....I was like hell yeah Gurlllll. Boom.

3. Whats your favorite look / styling you have seen?

I think I will forever be a fan of textures with quirky patterns and bold colors with a dash of street gawd. The tackier and loud the better. Give me the big hair,  clacking nails , intimidating shoes and loud jewelry...all of it.  Maybe it's the Brooklyn 80's baby in me. I am drawn to it. I just love seeing bold playful strong outfits that make you look twice. I absolutely love mixing high and lows. A Strong designer shoe or purse with a thrift find is always the way to go.  I always try to focus on sustainability. How can I recreate this? Style is taste not fashion.

4. What is your morning routine?

Oh man. This question makes me nervous lol.. Semi structure-ish. Being I'm still adjusting to the slower living in Mexico City . It's not as consistent as I LIKE to be just yet. Progress not perfection. I do have the habit of very slow mornings. Will start with making my bed. Take a long look at my vision board and sometimes I'll follow with a short guided meditation. Open all the windows for fresh air while I burn some copal.  Lately been playing Hermanos Gutierrez while I'll do a light sweep and dust around the house. I'll then prepare a big breakfast and take my time making pour over coffee. I am a HUGE breakfast girlie. After all that.....I decide what colors I want to wear that day. I wake up in color moods. I think the key for me as a Native New Yorker is keeping it SLow MAX. 

5. What happened in the last dream you remember ?

 Hrmmm