Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique “Ms. Nique” Cheeks.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Monique. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
“If my past wasn’t so dark my future wouldn’t shine so bright”, isn’t just a great statement or quote but it’s the title of my memoir. I was born Monique L. Crusoe and raised on Chicago’s south side. When I was younger I would write for fun, soon after it became my way to cope with the issues I was facing. In “If my past wasn’t so dark my future wouldn’t shine so bright”, I give you if these walls could talk direct view of my many obstacles. After mentally losing the battle to myself, that voice of reason told me not to be mad anymore, that I’m here for a reason and I’ve not served my purpose yet. From that point on, I have been on a mission of sorts. First, it was a mission to find my purpose which lead past purpose and took me on a journey to betterment. The self-discovery and betterment journey walked me through my life’s many phases which included guiding me through my healing. I’m who I am TODAY because of my own pain and experiences. It is why I say “I’m on a journey to motivate and inspire and to be the voice of the voiceless victims of abuse.” I personally know you don’t have to be what your circumstances make you. You don’t have to be a product of your environment. You have the power to choose to be different, better and heal not hurt.
Can you talk to us a bit more about the challenges along the journey?
This road has had boulders, hills, valleys, and flows. Storms, meteor showers and floods and while it’s been extremely difficult at times… through every obstacle or in this sense act of God. I dressed for the weather (so to speak). After being the victim of, dealing with and surviving physical and sexual abuse at the hands of people who were supposed to love and care for me. I decided there had to be more for me. That thought became clearer at sixteen after my failed suicide attempt; which was in part brought on by delivering a stillborn child alone the year before. Once I awoke in that hospital, I was furious! Angry that my eyes opened, angry that I was still alive… Why you ask? Because it meant my pain was still there as well. I’d been fighting in every way I could up until that point. Fighting off pedophiles, rapist, my parents, other family, and the system. No one seemed to understand me or what I was going through. As if that wasn’t enough, I was basically put out of my cousins’ home that was fostering me at the time of my suicide attempt. I’ve been faced with homelessness, dropped out of high school, became pregnant and my boyfriend at a time was physically abusive. I had two nervous breakdowns, (1) at sixteen and another at twenty-one. I’m determined to get through this thing called life as a victor and survivor, so I feel that’s what keeps me going. My journey is bigger than me… I’m a messenger so I have to continue on this journey so those that need it will receive my messages.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a woman of many gifts but I am an Authorpreneur/Actress first. I’m currently promoting my memoir “If my past wasn’t so dark my future wouldn’t shine so bright” (available anywhere online books are sold) and my services. My specialty is in encouraging and motivating people through life’s circumstances. I do that by motivational speaking and through my books. I cover domestic violence, mental health awareness, teen pregnancy, dropping out of school, being a ward of the state and Overcoming poverty, just to name a few. Having first-hand knowledge of these subjects is what sets me apart from others. I’m most proud of not just overcoming my situations but seeing them as lessons and setting out to help (tutor) others through the lessons so they’re able to pass the test also.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I’m asked this question often and in the past, none of my answers would be the same. However, in my healing self, I would have to say no. See, if I were to change even a single thing, my outcome may be different. While things sure did get tough, I’ve become this beautiful being, a dusted-off diamond in the rough, perfectly imperfect woman, mother, friend and wife I am now… and I love who I’ve become.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.2beinspiredby.me
- Email: msnique@2beinspiredby.me
- Instagram: MsNiqueReVamp
- Facebook: Facebook.com/AuthorMsNique
- Twitter: @1MsNique
My book can be bought directly through my website or I have provided the links to my book through Amazon and other sites as well.
Xlibris https://www.xlibris.com/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-0106854050
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Wasnt-Future-Wouldnt-Shine-Bright/dp/1465378987
Image Credit:
Photographer: JSCP photography, Designer: Flobinna Fashion
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.
