Monique Maria Prude is a 32-year-old military brat, turned United States Army veteran, who holds a master’s degree in Human Services Counseling, and is currently working to receive a license to practice professional counseling in the state of Georgia. That is a substantial resume in the eyes of many, but Monique is just warming up.
Inspired by her stylish mother, as well as her own love of high fashion, Monique pursued a professional modeling career in her early twenties, after learning to work the runway in college. She began by attending a casting call in Savannah, GA. She won an opportunity to sign with an agency. The deal, however, fell flat. The agency misled her. At the top of 2017, after a brief hiatus, Monique revamped her portfolio and comp card, and stepped out on faith to resume her career as a model. The unsavory experience with the agency inspired her to learn every aspect of the industry so that her journey can one day serve as a blueprint for others.
Monique is now an independent, aspiring model. She creates her own opportunities. So far, she has worked as a model on runways and for Bronner Brothers hair shows. She has also done some editorial work, which she enjoys most.
Monique also completed a modeling course to sharpen her skills, and learned to network. She now frequently collaborates with photographers, designers, hair stylists, and other creatives to put together fashion shows and photo shoots. She hopes to, one day, own a studio where young girls in the fashion industry can come and receive legitimate help with their careers. And yes, in the midst of it all, she will still practice professional counseling.
“I believe that, as women, we can wear more than one hat”
she replied when asked about her plans. Philanthropy is the underlying theme of Monique’s life’s work. Her desire to help people can be traced throughout every single one of her endeavors.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping others”.
Monique believes that passion is born of her own resilience, having experienced quite a bit of trauma in her lifetime. She credits spirituality as the force that drives her. Monique Prude is clearly one to watch. She is a firm example that, no matter what course you’ve taken in life, pursuing that thing that you daydream about is not only allowed, but admirable!
