Finding Possibilities Outside of Your Comfort

I have a personal relationship with taking calculated risks. In fact, they’ve bled into my business as well. After studying in London for a semester in college, I felt like I could conquer the world. It was super empowering. But the next risk I took really altered the course of my life: driving cross-country from New York to San Francisco with only the stuff in my car and little money to my name.

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Monique Johnson
Authenticity vs. Getting Attention: Where’s the Line?

You’ve undoubtedly heard about the Supreme Court case “303 Creative LLC v. Elenis” by now. Lorie Smith, the founder of 303 Creative and a Christian web designer, told the court that she shouldn’t have to design sites for LGBTQ+ customers because it’s against her religious beliefs. And, horribly enough, the Supreme Court ruled in her favor.

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Monique Johnson
Martha, Martha, Martha

I really admire Martha Stewart. A woman who moves through life with flexibility and curiosity, confidently pursues her dreams, embarks on many adventures, and befriends Snoop. Well, that last one might be a little harder to achieve. 

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Monique Johnson
When the Creativity Doesn’t Flow Freely

July is National Anti-Boredom Month, and July 5, specifically, is National Workaholics Day. That’s certainly an interesting collision of concepts: staving off boredom and working too much. This is the perfect time to unpack what happens when creativity doesn’t flow freely because you’re overworked. You’ve undoubtedly heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” That 100 percent applies here. You can’t produce your best work if your creative wellspring is dry. 

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Monique Johnson
Seeing The Big Picture

Revisiting an old project always makes for a uniquely introspective experience. There’s the knee-jerk human reaction to shrink away and judge yourself for the work you did years ago, especially when comparing it to where you are now. Of course, there’s also the glass-half-full approach: look at how far you’ve come. Look at that growth.

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Monique Johnson
World Oceans Day: Diving Beyond Your Personal Boundaries

Quitting scuba diving was a struggle for me in more ways than one. Firstly, my love for nature made me feel like I was turning against an inherent part of myself. Secondly, as a mom, I want to participate in activities with my kids. Once I moved past those hurdles, though, I realized there are so many things I can do with them that don’t compromise my boundaries. 

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Monique Johnson
Meet Monique: How I Became A Designer

At heart, I’ve always been an artist, dabbling in all things related to the arts since I was a kid. I taught myself calligraphy and portraiture. Being creative was second nature to me. I had this intrinsic desire to create, but as a child and throughout my adolescence, I only thought of it as a hobby. When high school rolled around, I took art classes. My teacher told my mom I should consider an artistic career after graduation. Knowing it could be a legitimate pursuit sparked something within me.

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Monique Johnson
A New Adventure in New Hampshire

Spring is a time of renewal, and with that comes new endeavors, projects, and chapters. I’m thrilled that this spring opened the double doors to a significant new chapter. Drum roll, please … my husband and I are property owners! We now proudly own Sundeck Cottages on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.

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Monique Johnson
Making an Impact with Women’s Impact Alliance

If one organization elevates young women and provides resources to ensure their success, it’s the Women’s Impact Alliance. I jumped at the chance to help them with their branding, as their mission profoundly resonates with me. Thanks to my favorite boss from the past bringing me into the fold, I not only did the branding for WIA, but I got to collaborate with him again.

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Cheale VIlla
What I’ve Been Up to Lately

It’s been a minute since I updated everyone about my projects. I’ve been keeping busy, and April is proving fruitful on that front. I have a few new projects on deck. Here’s what I’ve been up to lately.

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Cheale VIlla
Supporting One Client’s Journey to Better

Journey to Better Therapeutic Consulting, spearheaded by the amazing Talley Webb, connects families and children with mental health and substance use treatment programs that cater to their needs. She puts her knowledge of treatment options in the mental health sphere to good use.

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Monique Johnson
How Creativity Can Combat Human Trafficking

Since 2010, January has been dubbed National Human Trafficking Prevention Month to raise awareness, foster education, and prevent this heinous crime from occurring. Unfortunately, this is still a prevalent issue in the US.

When examining human trafficking rates by state in 2022, World Population Review notes that California has the highest number of human trafficking cases (1,334) while Rhode Island has the lowest (10). However, Mississippi boasts the highest rate of human trafficking per 100,000 people (6.32). To think this is a massive epidemic today is as shocking as it is infuriating and heartbreaking.

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Monique Johnson
Here’s a Prime Example of Why Focusing on Brand Marketing Is Important

Has anything truly reframed how we travel in recent years like Airbnb? The vacation rental company has been a popular alternative to hotels (usually cheaper ones, at that) for 14 years now, and it doesn’t intend to slow down soon. Of course, as with practically every industry, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the company’s revenue, especially with travel taking a nosedive during its height.

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Monique Johnson