We had the good fortune of connecting with Caprice Monique and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caprice, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I don’t believe people think about the beauty industry in terms of impacting society- especially in a positive way. If anything, we see how unrealistic beauty standards reaffirm insecurities. How the “perfect” plastic surgery bodies on Instagram make regular girls feel like they are the ones that are abnormal. And what about the men? Particularly heterosexual men?! Why is self-care seen as feminine? Don’t men have faces that are exposed to the same elements that women are? Shouldn’t everyone be celebrated for their unique beauty regardless of gender or sexual orientation?

This is how my approach to beauty differs from other artists. Yes, I love beauty but I love people so much more. I don’t care about what product is being pushed as “the next best thing” for its 5 minutes of fame. I care about how the person sitting in my chair is feeling about themselves. Because no matter what I do to your face, if you aren’t feeling good inside you still won’t be happy with what the outside looks like.

Most of this whole beauty thing boils down to confidence. But confidence takes practice and nurturing. This is the real service I provide my clients. A moment that is all about them and makes them FEEL beautiful. This is one of the reasons you don’t see very many “before & after” pictures on my social media. For one, if my client wouldn’t post themselves with a bare face on their pages, why would I?! Secondly, how arrogant is the idea that I had to transform my clients face when in reality I am playing off your best features not covering your “worst” ones. I’m not turning my client into anything except the most confident version themselves.

I want to help elevate our beauty consciousness because the world needs it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
One of my goals for 2023 was to open a brick and mortar location and I am proud and slightly shocked to say that it happened.

909 Collective Beauty is a collaborative co-working space for creators in beauty, fashion, and wellness located in the Inland Empire. I am excited to bring luxury beauty services, education, events and products to the community that raised me.

“Welcome to the Creation of a Beauty Community”

Our team is incredible. I cannot wait for you to meet Iya, Breanna, and Raylene.

We are looking for like-minded beauty professionals (Makeup Artists, Barbers, Hairstylists, Lash Techs, Estheticians, Massage Therapists, Tattoo Artists) to join our team and co-create this beauty community committed to being your best!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love this question! First let me say….Don’t sleep on the IE! Besides being the perfect distance between LA, OC, and SD one of my favorite things about where I call home is the food!

Want Hibachi? Tokyo Kitchen in Montclair.

Hot or cold outside, Raspado Xpress in my hometown of Pomona is my favorite.

Speaking of Pomona, you have to eat at Donahoo’s Fried Chicken and Tacos Jalisco.

Mestiza in Ontario is the cutest and most delicious coffee shop. It is a gem and Im so grateful for an actual boutique coffee shop this good.

Tequila Hoppers. I love that the bar and grill is owned by a woman. The food is seriously good. I had no idea for so long. Spinach and artichoke dip is a must.

Piano Piano is a dueling piano bar in Claremont is a fun way to mix up a weekend. Everyone is hilarious.

Molly’s Souper in Upland is my favorite place for breakfast.

Need a dentist? Dr. Sugiono is the BEST.

Wow, honestly I have so many more places to mention but now I’m thinking this is definitely something we will talk about on our vlog on Youtube. Inspiration is really everywhere!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to Shout Out the strong women in my life.

My Mom, Kris, who I would literally be nothing without. I think I can navigate my world so confidently because I subconsciously know that you are there to hold me up when I am weak. She reminds me to feel my emotions and gives me space when I can’t. The way she knows my heart better than I do is an incredible measure of how close we are.

My sister, Teresa, you are my best friend. You keep me grounded and are such a safe place for me to be vulnerable. You named me “The Mad Scientist” and I love that you are involved in all the behind the scenes madness of building this dream.

My step-grandma, Wendy, who is proof that it is love that makes a family. She’s literally opened my world and is my favorite travel partner ever. Her spirit is like the oceans we’ve visited together, tranquil yet exhilarating. I absolutely want to be like her when I grow up.

My nieces, Sidney & Gianna, being your CeeCee is the highlight of my life. There is not one thing better in this world than loving you two. You inspire me. You motivate me. You astonish me on a regular basis with how sharp your minds are and how deep your hearts are.

&
My grandma, Susan Angela, who left this physical world in January. She was the best grandmother you could imagine. So much of who I am comes from her love. She made me feel like the most special little girl and even until her last days how proud she was to talk about me to all her nurses brings tears to my eyes. I can feel her guidance and protection over me. I can’t explain it but in the most heartbreaking way I understand what they mean by she is still here. I miss you terribly. I can’t wait to make you even prouder in this second half. I love you.

Website: www.909collectivebeauty.com

Instagram: @caprice.909 & @909collectivebeauty

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/909collectivebeauty

Youtube: @909collectivebeauty

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.