Monica Morones shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Monica, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
2 cups of coffee and watering my garden for the next two hours!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Monica Morones and I go by the art moniker MOJAVE WITCH. I am a multidisciplinary artist that paints, takes photographs, and loves to sew. I started a company called The Maniac Girls back in the early 2000’s with the idea of making wearable art and one of kind pieces. It has now evolved into an online retail store where I sell all of my art and we are currently showcasing my new obsession of hand made concrete pots with my one of kind paintings.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My mother owned a restaurant since I was 11 years old and everyday was about working. No holidays, no vacations, no time off, just working everyday. I worked two jobs and put myself through college and took as many art and music classes that they had to offer, trying to figure out who I wanted to be. I became a working machine. I called my company The Maniac Girls because I could do the work of 3 people and I had the multiple personalities to match!
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I could give a bullshit answer but lets give the real one. The defining wounds in my life has been my choice in men. I chose to stay in unhealthy relationships with men who if I were to say out loud the things they actually did, we would all cringe in disgust. Cleary I needed to do some internal work, and I am currently on a wellness journey of self discovery. I have been single for three years and enjoying celibacy and what it means to deprive the body and the mind of this idea that we aren’t complete as a person unless we have someone to love and love us back. Everything that I was taught and told to be true, no longer is. The era of the woman who no longer needs a man’s validation is among us.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to being a working artist until it is no longer financially possible. I think it’s important at least once in an artists life to quit the regular job and see what it would take to make a living off your art. Not only is it a challenge monetarily but mentally as well. Do you have what it takes to provide for yourself based off of your talent? Staying motivated, learning how to live off of no money and what that means until you sell something, learning the skills you need to actually sell your work and however that looks like. I left the workforce over a year ago and I’m committed for the next two years to sell my art and have this experience. It’s something that artists always talk about doing and I look forward to the challenge!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
That I was a narcissistic artist who chose not to get married or have children because I was selfish. I chose not to get married or have children because at a young age I saw the shit women have to go through. I wanted to break the cycle. I wanted to see what I could do if I could reach my full potential. I learned later on in life that I would have to give up men to do that as well but that is another story for a different time. My legacy will be a story of self discovery and relentless drive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://themaniacgirls.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themaniacgirls/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maniacgirls/
