Meet Monique Sourinho | Food and Lifestyle Photographer, Commercial Food Stylist, Occasional Recipe Developer

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

Hi Monique, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
I value loving what I do for a living. Though it might not always make sense to others, I strive to craft a lifestyle that is personally fulfilling, and hope to share that joy through my creative endeavors.

It is a gift to do so, and if it is within my power, I’ll do what I can to ride that wave with gratitude for as long as I possibly can.

It might sound silly, but as I grow older I realize it is quite rare to see people light up within their soul and through their eyes about how passionate they are with how they pursue life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I never fully knew what I wanted to be growing up, all I was certain of was I wanted to be happy. And for me, that meant living a creative lifestyle. I don’t necessarily think my art is anything in particular, but I do wonder if there is an air about my approach.

I’ve always wanted to enjoy what I do and with whom I work with. I know it’s not easy, but I’m determined to see how far I can take that approach and accept nothing less than, for as long as I can help it. It’s a big ask, but I do believe that the best work comes from mutual respect and appreciation for the people and teams we work alongside with.

In the beginning I’m sure people thought I was a bit cooky, until they realized it’s just my personality. I love to be fascinated, I love to learn, I’m a student for life, and there’s limitless nuances to be mesmerized by. It’s like a recipe. The greatest chefs pay attention to the smallest details that make up a part of a whole, and every step of the way is a chance to articulate and season the broader picture. My objective is to enjoy the simplest moments and smallest connections in between, because life is too delicious not to appreciate.

All this to say, life is an adventure of creative collaborations waiting to unfold, if you so choose to perceive it as such. How we choose to live life is an art in itself.

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?
My best friend hasn’t been to LA before so I would definitely start with some coffee and a pastry in Beverly Hills at Avva Coffee. I’d then take them for a little road trip to Pointe Dume in Malibu to catch some sunshine and waves in motion, and some seal sighting. We’d then hop over to Broad Street Oyster Co. for tantalizing, buttery, lobster rolls decked with caviar, and slurp some oysters. Afterwards, we would drive back towards the city to hunt down Birrieria Fernandez food truck for vampiras and mulitas because we’d have to fuel for dancing at night. Ideally, we’d go to Sunday Sessions or disco, or if there’s a great concert, we’d do that. It would be a JAM PACKED day of exploring, but I’d want them to return home with memories and stories to tell. People in LA are friendly, so you never know what conversations and interactions might happen along the way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to a handful of mentors, an entire community of farmers, foodies, and restauranteurs, in Connecticut (my home state), as well as friends and family who played a part in collective growth.

However, if I have to choose just one person in this given moment, I want to dedicate this shoutout to Joshua Eskridge.

Josh is a close friend, a mentor, and absolutely talented photographer, studio and modeling agency owner, based in Miami.

Throughout the years of us trying to figure out this crazy life, he’s been a true friend I can confide in for support, advice, and philosophical chats about what it means to be human as we follow our dreams.

I’ve seen him transform with grit, transition from corporate to freelance, tackle seemingly impossible projects time and time again, and am constantly in awe by his ever-growing expertise through countless obstacles life throws his way.

That said, I think it would be nice for him to know how appreciated he is. He deserves at least that much. He’s the type of person you’d want to see never give up because it’s empowering to see him flourish!

Website: https://beethelove.net

Instagram: @bee.the.love