An Inspired Chat with Amber Monique of Downtown Los Angeles

Amber Monique shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Amber, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
One of the most profoundly proud moments of my life unfolded recently on August 7, 2025. As I occasionally do, I was out feeding the homeless when I encountered a 72-year-old woman I had met previously a sweet, outgoing soul who lived in her car. This time, however, she was strikingly different: listless, withdrawn, and visibly unwell, a stark contrast to her usual vibrant self, despite her son attributing her state to the oppressive 108-degree heat. After initially providing food and water and leaving, an insistent intuition compelled me to return and check on her. My attempts to secure a shelter placement hit snags, so I instinctively called paramedics. Despite their initial dismissiveness and her own insistence that she was “okay,” something in my gut knew better. I firmly advocated, explaining that her unusual demeanor warranted a thorough check. My persistence paid off; a vital check revealed her blood sugar had dangerously plummeted to 40, leading to her immediate rush to the emergency room. A call the next day confirmed the severity: she was in immense pain and urgently required dialysis. “You were my angel,” she tearfully told me, stressing that had I not intervened and advocated for her, she would likely not have survived another day in that car. It was, without a doubt, a moment etched into my memory as a testament to the power of human compassion and persistence, and truly a proud moment to go down in the books.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been a plus-size model for a decade, with experience spanning runway, e-commerce, print, and commercial television. I’ve been blessed to achieve many of the goals I once only dreamed of and I’m still actively modeling with even bigger milestones ahead.

Beyond the runway, I’m deeply passionate about creating digital content, especially on YouTube, where I share makeup tutorials, beauty procedures, and all things glamour. Beauty, love, and purpose are the heartbeat of my brand.

I’m also a dancer at heart, using movement and music to express myself in ways words can’t capture and I’m eager to explore even more of that passion. Outside of the spotlight, I feel a deep calling to serve, whether it’s feeding the homeless or caring for stray animals in my spare time.

I’m also the author of Hacking Pretty Privilege, set to release January 6, 2026, a book that blends my personal journey with powerful insights on confidence, image, and self-worth.

My vision is to stay rooted in the beauty industry, expand into acting, and continue building a life of wealth, influence, and impact—using my platform to inspire change and leave a lasting legacy.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
A powerful chapter of my life has ended.
I’ve laid down a burden I carried far too long the belief that I was bound to people who, in truth, brought little real value to my life. For years, I was the one holding everyone up.
The shoulder to cry on. The problem solver. The giver who went without so others could have.
And in return? Silence, neglect, and the slow realization that my generosity had been twisted into a weapon—used to drain me, not love me. That era is over. For good. My mind is clear. My boundaries are unshakable. My loyalty is my own.
Romance, family, friendship no matter the title, I will always, without hesitation, choose me.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could whisper one truth to my younger self, it would be this:
You are beautiful. You have a purpose. You will grow stronger and overcome the moments that feel unbearable right now. Life will get better—just breathe and take it one day at a time. And whatever you do, keep dreaming. Those dreams may seem distant, but they are already making their way toward you.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am fully committed to bringing my book Hacking Pretty Privilege to life. It’s been three years in the making a project that originally wasn’t even meant to be a book, but more like a private beauty secret diary to myself. Over time, it evolved into something far bigger and more meaningful. This book matters to me because it’s the essence of what I believe in, what I live by, and what I’m still striving toward. I want women everywhere to truly understand what pretty privilege is and how to access it at any age, size, or race. Inside, I share powerful self-care tips and strategies, along with a fresh, more balanced perspective on beauty one that goes deeper than we often realize.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace tucked away in a quiet library, unwinding in the serene comfort of a spa, or near the calming presence of water. Nothing soothes my spirit more especially when I’m not entertaining anybody’s dusty son.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @itsambermonique
• Youtube: @amberdoesitall

Image Credits
Anastasiya