So, start at the very beginning – Who Are You?

Former international model and author of my memoir Wild Child to Couture Style which chronicles my life from a small town to the Couture runways of Paris. I overcame discrimination, rejection, and ageism, but persevered and on my own terms, achieved success. I would like to encourage and share my inspirational story with others.

What makes you dope?

I was able to self-publish my book, produce a one-woman show based on the book which garnered a two-page story in the world’s biggest newspaper, the NY Times.

Who was your first inspiration and how did you first learn about them?

When my interest in modeling peaked, I watched runway shows and Billie Blair who was a top runway model at the time, was a huge inspiration. Her elegance and beauty paved the way for me. Also, the energy of Pat Cleveland influenced me.

What’s your happy place? Your favorite thing to do to bring yourself joy?

I love music! It can bring me out of any negative situation and is my go-to for whatever mood I’m in. I also love to dance and often dance at home alone like nobody’s looking. (Well actually they aren’t :))

Where do you get your energy and motivation?

After surviving what I’ve been through in life, I am grateful for every day, and greet each day with enthusiasm. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for me every day.

What does balance mean to you and how do find it?

I am a workaholic, and I must know when to stop or slow down. I am getting better at learning how to relax and be still when things aren’t moving for me the way they should. Yoga and meditation are important.

What sacrifices did you have to make, or struggles did you face to get here?

My memoir is jammed packed with struggles. I had to lie about my age and family status, separate from my children, and constantly re-invent ways to survive until I succeeded.

What is the early advice you didn’t listen to that you wish you had? Or what advice would you give your earlier self?

I would have planned my travel decisions better. I am one to act on impulse and I soon realized that is not always best.

What was your greatest failure and what did you learn from it?

My book received film offers after being featured in the NY Times. Not realizing the impact Covid had on the industry, or anything about production, I was impatient and expected too much too soon. I kept rushing for answers and my project was dropped. I certainly learned patience.

What was your proudest moment to date?

To have accomplished so much in my life, I have so much to be proud of: Working for every major designer in the world, all over the world, publishing a memoir and poetry book, recording a CD of original songs, producing, and starring in my one-woman show…. All major proud moments.

ACTION: How Can We Help You Today?!?!

I am available as an inspirational speaker at: shailahedmonds@gmail.com. My book can be purchased on Amazon, paperback, and e-book, on Audible.com and Itunes.com as an audio book which I narrated as well. An autographed copy and all my work can be seen on my website, shailahedmonds.com

Bonus Brag – What are you currently conquering? Is there something exciting in the works? Next steps?

I am currently pursuing inspirational speaking as well as writing my script/screenplay for films or series. Everyone tells me my book should be a movie, so I’m putting it out there!

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