Meet Monique Burks of EmpowerHer Queendom in Oak Cliff

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Burks.

When Monique’s mother died in 2014 of a brain aneurysm and cardiac arrest from recurring brain tumors, her world was turned upside down. A suicide attempt, fueled by heavy depression, anxiety, heavy drinking, and PTSD led to a mild heart attack. It was after these life-altering events that Monique decided to pick herself up, find a way to move forward, and to not just survive, but to thrive.

Even though she continues to deal with challenges, Monique founded EmpowerHer because of a desire to help other women; women who have admired her strength and confided their own struggles to her in hopes of benefiting from the wisdom she has gained from her experiences.

The mission of EmpowerHer is to provide assistance to those who may be enduring the loss of a loved one, experiencing feelings of hopelessness, loneliness and defeat, and those who may be at the point of giving up. Monique’s personal mission is to be an example of how to fight to live, and how to keep moving in spite of adversity.

She lives in Dallas, Texas, with plans to expand EmpowerHer’s reach throughout the United States and beyond.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Easy is not the word I would use. It’s been more of a category five tornado lol. My first event was March 30th. I started planning January 1st locking down the event space and the everything else I needed. It was stressful but when I really want something done I just do it.  Mind you I did not have a team yet so it was just me and my daughter doing it all.

Everything was looking good and then all of a sudden things started falling apart. The venue I originally booked back in January had new owners and they were not aware that I was having any event at there establishment because the previous owner did not tell them. They ended up books my someone in my space. I was so upset I had to walk out.  I found this out when my daughter, MC and I went to see how we would decorate the venue. It was a week before the event. I had to scramble around for at least four of those days looking at new venues spaces. It was very frustrating and I was running out of time.

I found a new event space and I was good until the day before the event I almost lost it due to an error with the front desk not applying my payment to my venue space. It’s was down hill from there. My books that I was supposed to give out to my QUEENS was delayed until after the event. I couldn’t serve food at the new venue because they wanted me to use there caterer. It was just one thing after another. I went home and I told God if you want me to have this event then I will know when I wake up in the morning.

needless to say, the event still went on and I had a great turn out. I decided to inform the Queens about all that had happen up to this day. They all told me we loved your message you delivered along with your and transparency. I was told by another Queen if they only came for the tangible items then they would have never got the powerful message you gave.  I was so happy because at the end of the day that’s all I wanted was for them to get the message I was delivering. No matter what happens keep grinding. Someone is depending on your message.

Please tell us about EmpowerHer Queendom.
EmpowerHER is a community of women where we get REAL, RAW and RELATABLE about what we GROW through. I don’t feel that we GO THROUGH anything. I feel its growth in your storms. When you can see pass the chaos you are in you realize you are being prepared to help another queen grow. I attack the issue head-on and give my Queens REAL LIFE SITUATIONS and solutions that I have grown through. I let them know you are not alone and I am here for you as well as the other Queens. We are so much more when we come together to help one another. It’s time to UNITE and stop putting each other down and lift each other up. Help your sister to achieve her goals and push her into levels she never thought she could achieve. I got your back Queen is what I tell them and you have Mine. I’m a songstress, wife, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, Newly published author of my book entitled “Heavy Is the Crown” Ones women Journey of the strength it takes to manage her Queendom. What sets me apart is my rawness. The Queens always say if you want it straight without the fluff Monique is the Queen to go to.

What were you like growing up?
I actually was kinda shy growing up. I kept to myself simply because I was teased for being the fat girl with a jerry curl. I was also a tomboy so of course, that didn’t make it any better. I really didn’t come into my own until my freshman year of high school. I loved volleyball and the coach figured out early that I could be a good player. I was a cheerleader and was on the student council. I became popular and known around the school so shyness went out the door.

I’ve always been a leader so I should not be surprised I am where I am in my life at this moment. I’ve always enjoyed being in a team environment. You can’t win by yourself no matter how hard you try. You have to have your tribe who has your back.  My issue is I have always and to this day struggle with receiving the same help in return. I’m more of a giver. I try to see the good in anyone no matter the circumstance. We all have fallen short in our lives so if I can help just one I’m getting closer to my goal of Empowering, mentoring, inspiring and walking into my true purpose and calling. #workwithme #growwithme

Contact Info:

• Website: www.moniqueburks.com
• Email: info@moniqueburks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iammoniqueburks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mobleu
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/hisbleu
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-burks-46248644/

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.