Today we’d like to introduce you to Charron Monaye.
Hi Charron, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Well, my writing has transpired in seasons, so bear with me. Writing was never something I aspired to do; it just came naturally. As a child, I would write poetry to share my thoughts or emotions because I always felt that speaking them would either cause me to be ridiculed or judged. I was a child that really cared what people thought about me. So, instead of fighting for my voice, I just spoke through my pen because I knew it would not speak back.
I became a published writer in 1992 as a contributing writing to the book Tears of Fire. After that, I collaborated for years, as well as writing for magazines and CNN. However, my first published book as an Author was released on November 4, 2010, entitled, My Side of the Story. Then, writing poetry turned into writing articles for magazines, to writing song lyrics, to authoring books, to play scripts, and now children’s books. So, what started out as a form of expression, has now evolved into a legendary and profitable business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I embarked on this journey to become an entrepreneur and author, I was broke, had no business knowledge, and was so clueless regarding marketing that I couldn’t even sell a pen. I was also going through a divorce, wearing a heart monitor after experiencing life-threatening panic attacks, and facing eviction, all while embracing single motherhood. The only thing I possessed was a composition book of poetry and a desire to share my story, hoping to sell enough books to provide for my children.
I was hopeful and believed having a published book would wipe away my debt and solve all of my financial troubles, but that myth was soon debunked. Even after finally getting my first book published, I had no business or marketing plan, no clear understanding of my target audience, no selling system, and no team. That investment soon taught me that education, along with my gift was going to be the only way I achieve at this rebirthing.
In 2014, I decided to use my savings to invest in myself –– hiring a coach, paying for mastermind classes, and studying the strategies of others who were already winning. With me doing the work to learn, I went from being broken and broke to building businesses, attracting clients, selling thousands of books, and gaining recognition in the industry as a literary game-changer.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Every person walking should have job insurance!!! When I used to have one income, I was always broke, struggling, and didn’t like the feeling that my employer had control over whether I had money or was broke. Even though I am a versatile writer, I have published books within the Poetry, Inspirational & Personal Development, Business, Children’s, Devotional & Journaling, and Self-Help; I needed to take my love and make it professional.
So, in 2008, I started my literary company Pen Legacy, LLC which is a literary company that continues to help individuals share their stories and provide a platform to elevate their voices. In 2015, I started Pen Legacy Publishing which became my platform to advocate for storytellers and entrepreneurs who want to share their truth, testimony, and knowledge with the world through book publishing. In addition, I became a Ghostwriter and Scriptwriter for people who needed help getting their story written and/or adapting their books to script. Throughout my tenure, I have had the honor to serve men and women from all walks of life!!! I have served as publisher and author coach to great writers such as; Ms. Evelyn Braxton, Precious L. Williams, Esq., Dr. Katrina Sparks, Dr. Arthur Vaughm, Kinyatta Gray, Ty Johnston-Chavis, just to name a few.
With all I have accomplished, I am most proud of being able to serve as a reminder that our stories, our history, and our culture matters.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
As a mother, business owner, entrepreneur, employee, and woman loved by many; this is a question I get a lot. The easiest way to answer it is my drive for excellence and the lifestyle I am seeking.
Seriously, when you have gone through what I have and repeated life’s trials and tribulations, you do what you have to do to get a new result. So, if that means I have to work, grind, and hustle for 24 hours to embark on a new reality then that is what I have to do. Sacrifice requires hardwork! But this year, I was blessed to have a team hire an assistant that was able to keep the company moving and give me more time to my personal life, professional development, and growth. My mantra is, “You can’t be everything to everybody and nothing to yourself,” so between my team and assistant, I have been able to balance everything much easier now. I literally stop working nowadays about 7 pm and Sundays I no longer work. The little rewards make my heart, mind, and peace smile! You can’t allow yourself to work a business or life so hard that it overworks you!!!
But my focus and determination to win is what has made me successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.penlegacy.com
- Instagram: iamcharronmonaye
- Facebook: charronmonaye
- Twitter: penlegacy
Image Credits
Christian Cuan
PickedPhotos
