We had the good fortune of connecting with Shalet Monique and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shalet, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is the expression and promise of the word “when”. As artist and creatives we will never know “when” our lives will take off in the direction that we want it to go. We live this life with such uncertainty and the only person that really knows “when” is God; and often times he chooses not to share! lol.. The success of my brand is in the unknowing of “when” but the faith to know that the “win” in coming as long as I continue to do the work. This keeps me grounded as Im constantly sharpening my skills and learning new things. I don’t always know when I will see the fruits of my hard work and dedication but I do know that “when” that time comes all of the sacrifices, risk and lessons will all be so worth it! My brand is my undeniable drive, limitless imagination and the gift to unlock peoples gifts because I genuinely believe in everyone and the success in that is so rewarding.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
After only five months of acting, in December 2019 I signed with a bi-coastal agency in Atlanta and Los Angeles to represent me as a talent booking agent! By month seven, March 2020, I signed with another agent in New York and Chicago. In my first eight months of acting, I have done five films, 3 TV / Web Series, and three plays. I landed a lead role in my first production “Somethin in the Water” directed by Nimi Hendrix that went on to win the Newark International Film Fest. I’ve worked alongside some of the most recognized names in the industry and in woking with them I learned such a valuable lesson, “Don’t wait, Create”. With this being said, 1 year and 3 months into my acting career I began stunt training consistently and 3 months later I wrote and produced my first tv series pilot, “Jurnee’s Revenge”, January, 31,2021! I aspire to not only be a superhero to the many students that I have taught over the years, but in my career as well. I am fully actualizing my aspirations! So far, it has been a pretty smooth ride but all journeys have challenges. For me, it is all about how do you deal with those bumps in the road once they appear. I have been very dedicated as I deal with long exhausting nights while putting in a lot of very hard work, I am committed to trusting the process as new horizons come my way. One of my newest challenges has been loosing someone very close to my heart this year and leaving my career as a teacher in the public school system. I now have to make decisions regarding my mental health, time and finances daily. Gratefully I have no horror stories in my career yet, but making huge financial sacrifices to produce my own content during a Pandemic has left me with some unknows. I don’t know whats going to happen next but I am faithful and I know the significance of SACRIFICE! My story is still in the making, let’s see where this new exciting journey takes me. I am an actress, stunt woman, writer and producer with natural talent and an infectious personality. I am most proud of my purpose, service and genuine love and support for people. I am known for my undeniable drive, limitless imagination and unique gift to unlock people’s gifts because I know what it’s like to be a hidden treasure chest at the bottom of the sea. I have a background in Tactical Training and Stunts, which I love to use in my work, when it calls for it. When I’m not acting my focus is on community outreach for youth with special needs and disabilities.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A MUST SEE : Santa Monica Pier, Malibu and Venice Beach, Getty Center and the Griffith Observator. There are great places to eat on the Sunset Strip and you cant leave LA without visiting the Kodak Theatre, the Chinese Theatre, the famous Hollywood sign and Runyon Canyon Park. I hope to get back to LA to work when Covid wraps.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
TRIBE is everything to me. There is such power in having a strong tribe. So… Shoutout to my tribeee! My manager MBI Management My Agents at Aligned Stars My mentee My Catlett Academy family @eyetwinkie My TSAW family My 1:1 Acting Coaches My ATL Stunts family My Actors Connect family My baby sister My Bunni Family & Best Friend My social media friends and followers My students…. There are too many people to actually name lol but Im beyond grateful for my tribe. I thank God for surrounding me with so many beautiful like minds. He opens my circle and closes it.
Website: www.shaletmonique.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaletmonique/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaletmonique/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7izWFwSmGAQ7KoXhRHOsnQ
Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11163108/
Image Credits
@barringtonfilmsllc