Check Out Monica Johnson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Johnson.

Hi Monica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hello! I’m Monica and I’m a little bit of a Jill Of All Trades. I work professionally in Advertising, love to travel and run my own business as a Makeup Artist but I recently rediscovered my love for playing the piano which has opened up some pretty amazing opportunities for me. It’s honestly quite mind blowing how I even got started. It was week ten of Quarantine, at the height of the pandemic, when I walked past my mom’s portrait overlooking my piano and something within my spirit pulled me to the bench. Ever since my mom passed away in 2014, I’ve felt a strong connection to her in astonishing ways. She too played piano, but the disease affected her ability to play and she was forced to stop. Ironically March 11th, 2020 was not only the beginning of lockdown, but also the anniversary of her passing. The pandemic’s lockdown unexpectedly set the trajectory of my piano journey and unlocked a dormant passion I never even knew existed.

Returning to my musical roots after a 25+ year hiatus away from the keys and only 11 months of lessons at age 8, helped to serve as a healing outlet from all the angst I was experiencing. What started out one random day as a “tickling of the keys” transformed into something much more miraculous and beautiful. Over the last two-plus years, I taught myself how to play and read music by learning Chopin, Beethoven, Debussy, and several other composers.

Even more special than rekindling an old passion was the outreach I’ve been able to do. From hosting both virtual and in-person piano recitals, I’ve been able to partner with The Scleroderma Foundation helping to raise funds in finding a cure for Scleroderma. I also released an album, performed in NYC and collaborated with incredible talent. I’ve truly found my purpose all while being self-taught.

Above all, I want others to know it’s never too late to start a new passion or hobby.  If something moves you, follow your heart’s calling and move towards happiness. My music serves as an inspiration to people of all ages. By pushing my own limits beyond anything I could ever imagine, the insurmountable challenges of the pandemic instantaneously became the fuel I needed to continue creating from within and follow my heart’s desire.  By changing your mindset and releasing the fear of failure, you become limitless. The risk of taking a chance and stepping out on faith far outweighs not starting at all.

As a way to unplug from the hustle and grind, I recently traveled to Phoenix, Sedona and Scottsdale where I met some remarkable people.  Staying in one of the most beautiful places in the country became a Spiritual pilgrimage. It was cool to randomly play at a hip wine bar in Sedona and check out one of Scottsdale’s famed piano stores, Riverton Piano, where they had countless pianos for every Artist’s delight. Arizona is a must-visit and I cant wait to return!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? No. Calming and therapeutic? Yes. Every day was a challenge while being in lockdown with the news getting grimmer by the minute. I focused my energies on creating music that whisked me (and those who listened) away to a happier place where worries could melt away. One of my biggest challenges was not knowing how to read music and it was a struggle. I played with my heart and created fluidity, movement, and emotion like an artist who creates art from a blank canvas.

Music was grounding for me and I took my time, focused, and visualized where I ultimately wanted my music to go.Ultimately, perseverance created unity, calmness and joy. I could have easily thrown in the towel but now, I’m so grateful that I didn’t.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a girl boss who gets stuff done! Piano is just one of my many hobbies and outlets that I pour my heart and soul into. Playing became the domino effect for not doing makeup artistry since it was way too risky to do anything in-person.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
We’ve all learned a lot from being able to pivot at the drop of a hat. Being in the Ad industry, the shift was rapid but ads continued to be made while working remotely and the use of technology allowed projects to be streamlined efficiently. The mediums are ever expanding so in five to ten years, the industry can certainly grow in leaps and bounds. We now have the technology to support some of our wildest creations and are changing the landscape and culture.

With makeup, the industry’s latest beauty trends are constantly shifting and styles are consistently getting recycled with new artists, products and techniques emerging.

Lastly, with piano, I’m just getting started and can’t wait to see where the industry takes me over the next several years.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mojoglowmusic.com & www.mojoglowmua.com
• Instagram: @mojoglowmua & @mojoglowmusic
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/6vxyPn6nvj2jpuihSyEoYW?si=l5dTJL5mReCbNBaxeXr3bQ

Image Credits
Christine Keeley, Taylor Lamar, and Orion Phillips