Today we’d like to introduce you to Monicia Archie.
Hi Monicia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Monicia, but most people know me by my nickname, Moni. Moni has always been easier for people to spell and pronounce correctly, so when I introduce myself, I tell people they can call me Moni.
I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. Ever since I was a child, I have been interested in fashion. One of my favorite things to do is shop. A big part of what people know about my personality is that I love things that look and feel good. I enjoy things that are aesthetically pleasing. I used to want to be the next Anna Wintour. Growing up in Austin, I did not get much exposure to high fashion, so I had to rely on fashion magazines. I loved buying Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and occasionally W Magazine, no matter how much they cost.
In high school, I worked at Highland Mall in various department and clothing stores. When I attended Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, I initially majored in Public Relations. My plan was to work for a high-fashion magazine or in public relations for a luxury designer or high-end department store. By the end of my freshman year, however, I found out I was pregnant with my oldest daughter. Needless to say, being a mom came first, and I had to put my dreams of becoming a high-fashion magazine editor on hold.
I moved back to Austin to be closer to my family. After the birth of my oldest daughter, I realized I needed a career in a profession that would always be in demand. In addition to loving fashion, I have always been fascinated by the law and true crime. Pursuing a career in the legal profession seemed like the second-best and most natural fit outside of fashion.
I ultimately graduated with an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies. I have been a Legal Assistant for the State of Texas for the past 14 years. I like to think that my career in the legal profession pays the bills, takes care of my family, and funds my passion for fashion.
I started my Instagram page, Moni’s Beauty Chronicles, in the summer of 2019. When I first started, I posted pictures and videos of myself—and sometimes my children—doing unboxings of subscription boxes. At the time, I subscribed to Ipsy, BoxyCharm, and FabFitFun. I also shared unboxings of makeup and skincare products that I purchased from Sephora and Ulta.
From there, the unboxings evolved into clothing hauls. As a mom, I am always looking for a good deal, and that helped me incorporate my love of fashion and shopping into my content. I began posting about items I purchased at bargain prices and sharing ways to look stylish on a budget.
When 2020 arrived and the pandemic changed everyday life, I expanded my content to include health-related topics, food and nutrition, and social justice issues. About six months ago, I began my fitness and weight-loss journey. I have been documenting my progress and sharing my experiences with my followers. I also enjoy posting information that I believe may be helpful to others who are on similar journeys.
In addition to fashion, beauty, and health content, I make it a point to share positive and motivational messages for women and girls. I also believe there is an undervalued and underserved market for young and middle-aged Black men. Because of this, I intentionally share fashion, skincare, health, and motivational content created by Black men for Black men.
Ultimately, Moni’s Beauty Chronicles is a space where I can share the things I love and am passionate about. It allows me to freely express all the qualities, interests, and experiences that make me who I am.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up in a single-parent household came with challenges that I had to face and overcome. I did not come from a wealthy background. My mom had me when she was still in high school, so in many ways, we grew up together.
Most of the struggles I faced stemmed from having a mother who was balancing a full-time job while trying to provide for her children and still be present in their lives. My mom taught me the importance of making the best of what you have and appreciating it. I may not have been able to afford high-fashion or expensive designer clothes, but my mom made sure I still looked stylish and put together in my bargain-priced outfits.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In my professional life, I am a Legal Assistant for the State of Texas. I have worked for two state agencies and currently have 14 years of state service.
When I started my career, I was a Legal Assistant I working on a part-time federal grant. I learned so much in that position that I was offered a full-time role once the grant ended. Being a Legal Assistant at that agency taught me the value and importance of attention to detail, meeting deadlines, and ensuring that the work you perform remains within the scope of your responsibilities.
In that position, I was required to travel frequently to assist attorneys during trial proceedings. Once I had my youngest daughter, I had to make the decision to find a position that did not require frequent or extended travel. As a result, I transferred to the state agency where I currently work.
I am very happy in my current position. I started as a Legal Assistant I and have worked my way up to Legal Assistant IV. I recently received a customer service award after being nominated by my coworkers.
The attorneys I have worked with have consistently complimented my organizational skills, attention to detail, efficiency, and overall helpful nature. I am always willing to help and eager to learn. I am also a quick learner, which is one of the qualities that sets me apart from others.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was an only child until I was 14 years old. As I mentioned before, I have always loved fashion and makeup. I was the first daughter and the first granddaughter in my family, and my grandmother would dress me up as if I were competing in a beauty pageant.
I was very girly and feminine. My favorite color is pink, and one of my favorite movies is Clueless. I loved dressing up for school and remember trying to recreate some of the outfits from the movie.
I was a shy and quiet person growing up. I really did not come out of my shell or find my voice until high school. Some might say that was when I discovered my ability to debate and express my opinions. I was one of those teenagers who loved having a job because it gave me the freedom of earning and spending my own money.
Being shy and quiet is also something that has carried over into adulthood. I usually open up and become more talkative once I feel comfortable with the people around me and the environment I am in.
When you get to know me, you will discover that not only am I intelligent, but I am also very funny. I have a dry, sarcastic sense of humor. Friends have often compared me to the character Daria. Anyone from my generation should know who Daria is—and if you do not, Google her and thank me later.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monisbeautychronicles
- Twitter: https://x.com/monischronicles
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@monisbeautychronicles5766
- Other: https://www.threads.com/@monisbeautychronicles
