AURA: Hello, Monica! To begin, we’d like to know: What does Latinx Heritage Month imply to you? How do you have fun your heritage in your every day life?
Monica: Latinx Heritage Month is all the time a superb reminder to honor and love the place I come from. Considered one of my favourite quotes is “I’m my ancestors’ wildest desires.” I attempt to have fun and honor my heritage every single day by dwelling unapologetically as myself. I’m a daughter, a sister, a surfer, a enterprise proprietor, a filmmaker — and I’m proudly Latina!
AURA: Who’s your greatest inspiration? And why?
Monica: I come from a protracted line of sturdy, impartial girls and my mother is one among my greatest inspirations. She is an immigrant from Mexico, a single mum or dad, and a public college instructor who labored exhausting to make ends meet. Her first job after immigrating to this nation was assembling manufacturing unit components in East Los Angeles, the place she labored along with her sisters. Rising up, I keep in mind her balancing work and faculty to earn her instructing credential. She taught in LA’s underserved communities for over 10 years after that. My mother is my final function mannequin and raised me to be the multi-dimensional girl I’m immediately.
AURA: What an unbelievable story! How did your upbringing form you into who you’re immediately? When or how do you know that browsing was going to be your factor?
Monica: My upbringing in sports activities formed me from a younger age, and I really feel fortunate to have found my passions early on. I’ve been an athlete since I used to be a bit of woman, however browsing was not an apparent alternative for me. My mother all the time made certain I had entry to each alternative for fulfillment.
She sought out scholarships to sports activities camps and afterschool applications by the Metropolis of Santa Monica, which is the place we lived. It began with gymnastics and volleyball — after which I found browsing. I fell in love instantly and was doing headstands on my board by the point I used to be 12. I’ve been a surfer woman ever since.
AURA: How has your browsing profession advanced since then?
Monica: In 2017, I co-founded a artistic collective referred to as The Gnar Gnar Honeys, whose mission was to fill the hole in feminine illustration in motion sports activities content material. I’m now the founding father of Waves Made Media, a manufacturing firm devoted to increasing narratives round girls, and other people of coloration in sports activities by media, together with movie, TV, and branded content material.
AURA: We love that you just’ve paved the way in which for different WOC within the surf and artistic world. If you happen to may give one piece of recommendation to any younger trailblazers, what wouldn’t it be?
Monica: Be who you’re — not what you assume different individuals need you to be — and lean into it! Don’t be afraid to take up house and share your distinctive views.
AURA: That’s nice recommendation. Do you might have a favourite Latinx creator that everybody wants to take a look at?
Monica: My sister, Alejandra Campoverdi! She is presently writing a ebook referred to as The First & Onlys, wherein she explores the emotional toll of being “first technology” by her expertise as a Latina who went from being on welfare as a baby to attending Harvard and later serving as a White Home aide to President Obama.
AURA: Wow! You will have a powerful household. As a director, producer, and licensed surfer extraordinaire we need to know — how do you juggle all of it?
Monica: Listening to my physique. Working a enterprise can develop into a 24/7 routine, however after experiencing burnout, I prioritize taking trip of every day for myself. Whether or not it’s making time for a surf session, getting a fast exercise in, or ingesting a matcha latte in my silk gown, my creativity stretches once I take care of myself in between.
AURA: What’s your every day hair routine like?
Monica: Once I was youthful I really hated my curly hair. Trying again now, it’s no shock as a result of within the early 2000s the most well-liked coiffure was shiny and pin straight. I didn’t see myself mirrored on this pattern, however as a teen, I wished to slot in. I’d spend hours within the toilet perfecting the look. I even reduce my very own bangs, which didn’t go over properly!
Now, I couldn’t be extra in love with my curls. Browsing has taught me to embrace my pure hair! I spend lots of time within the ocean, so between the saltwater classes, I make certain to offer my hair the TLC it deserves.
I shampoo my hair most days and pair it with a heavier clarifying shampoo as soon as a month. Once I situation, I exploit my fingers or a moist brush to detangle with the conditioner first, then rinse. I carry a reusable water jug and spray bottle in my Jeep in order that put up surf, I can drench my hair and add leave-in conditioner for the drive house. I all the time use a number of water with my merchandise: that is key for the curls!
AURA: What’s the finest magnificence tip you’ve ever acquired?
Monica: My curly hair specialist, Andrea Mororo, as soon as mentioned: ENJOY Your Curls and Allow them to be FREE!
AURA: What’s your favourite AURA product?
Monica: I really like the Masque as a result of it replenishes my curls after salty days on the seaside.
AURA: What targets are featured in your AURA Ritual?
Monica: Improve Curls is my principal focus, and general, having bouncy, stunning mermaid hair is my long-term objective!
AURA: At AURA we imagine that hair is highly effective and customized magnificence can lead you towards infinite potentialities. What makes you imagine in infinite potentialities?
Monica: Catching a tremendous wave on a heat, sunny afternoon surrounded by inspiring girls I’m fortunate to name my mates.
After this inspiring chat, we’re able to chase some waves and embrace our pure magnificence. We will’t thank Monica sufficient for sharing her story with us and revitalizing our spirits. To maintain updated along with her newest endeavors, make certain to comply with her on Instagram at @monicamedellin_. You haven’t seen the final of her but!
And keep tuned to @aurahaircare for extra Latinx Heritage Month content material as we discover this wealthy tradition!
