Her Story
About Monica
I got my degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska and worked in chemical dependency counseling for about 6 years before having children and staying home with them. When I went back into the workforce, I eventually went back to school and got my master's in health and wellness coaching, becoming board certified with the National Board of Health and Wellness. I worked for Noom as a health coach, which I really enjoyed, though the company wasn't run very well and let a lot of people go. I've always had a passion for interior design - I even took a class back in my 20s - but life took me in different directions. Now, my husband Desmond and I are starting our own renovation and design business together. He has a background in building, and I do the design work and fine-tuning. We live part-time in Ireland and part-time in Tampa, Florida. Our first project was his house here in Ireland, which we fixed up and got featured in the Irish Independent, selling for $850,000 to $900,000. We're calling our business Homes by Courtenay, and we're excited to take on more renovation projects together. I'm keeping my board certification active because I'm proud of what I accomplished, but this new chapter with design feels like it brings together all my skills in helping people feel comfortable in their spaces.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Monica
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would definitely say go for it, you know, because if you have the opportunity, follow your heart and listen to what's inside and pursue it. It doesn't mean you can't go back to what you were doing - I'm trying to keep my foot in the door with my health and wellness board certification because I was very proud of that. But you think sometimes, like, I'm in my 50s, you know, is this it? And I'm like, it's not it. I'm not done. There's things I want to do that I'm excited about. They always say, you know, do something that you feel a little frightened of, do it. Even if it's just taking small steps towards incorporating it into your life, if you don't want to take the big jump. You could volunteer or just try something out to see if it's something you really would like to do. If you have a passion for something, I just feel like you're gonna end up doing it, one way or another. It's just who you are. Your skills aren't wasted when you make a change.
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