Meet Monica Rivera: Model, Actress, & Digital Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monica Rivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monica, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking is what has propelled my entire being, not just in my career. It made me grow as a person and each time I took a major risk, it became easier the next time I had to do it. Understanding early on that being comfortable and growth don’t often happen in the same space. I used to be too afraid to drive more than 30 minutes away from my town, had I not for the first time driven out of state for over 7 hours straight – I would have missed my first opportunity to be on a TV set. I always was fearful of being judged and overlooked, but if I never gotten over that to follow my dream of modeling and acting, I would have never taken the leap that lead me to meet some of the coolest people and be apart of an industry that I’ve always wanted to be apart of ever since I was a child. Taking risks made me realize there’s nothing really to be afraid of except for the possibility of your next big breakthrough. People don’t realize they’re usually more fearful of what would happen and how their world would change if everything went right, because you already know what to expect when you stay where you’re comfortable.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have also started my first business that I’m really excited about! My brand sets me a part from others because my end goal in everything that I do is to help others, not to just for monetary gains. In starting my business, Higher Timeline, I’m sharing some of the metaphysical elements and spiritual practices in my life that have dramatically transformed my overall well-being. It is a lifestyle brand I’m developing with encouraging custom art I’ve created and quotes or “affirmations” that I’ve conjured up throughout my personal journey that have reminded me of my own strength and power as a woman. I wanted to brand beyond just giving advice through oracle and angel card readings and create a community where collective self-care and growth in all areas of life is possible. I’m starting small, but my goal is mighty!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta is the city that will have my heart forever. There’s so much to do, so much to see, and the community is always so welcoming in showing you around. I love dancing and going out, in fact I might make it a requirement that if you want to hang out with me that you have to go at least one club in Atlanta! The last club I went to is called ‘The Basement’ in East Atlanta where they play nothing but early 90s-00s music. Ironically, there was a bar/club called “Church” too. Chaka Khan Hacienda and Blake’s are also in my top five of places to go out and dance. After dancing all night there are so many great coffee shops and places to grab a bite from. One of my friends works at Spiller Park at Ponce City Market, so I usually grab a coffee there, maybe do some shopping, and walk the Beltline. Two vegan places that are amazing are Slutty Vegan and R Thomas which is open 24 hours. For concerts, I really liked the Drunken Unicorn – it’s a small intimate venue so you can get really up close and personal with whoever is performing. And as tourist-y as it may be to ride the SkyView, I think everyone should do it at least once to really take in all of Atlanta. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to my sister for always being there for me whenever I needed someone to listen to me and keep me grounded. She always looks to take care of me when I’m sick, unsure of myself, or just says the most hilarious things to make me laugh at the right moment. I call her my “soul-sistar” because of how she never fails to say the right thing at the right time and can read me like a book before anyone else. I work hard to show her that she can demand anything that she wants out of life. She’s the baby of the family but I want her to see that she can manifest whatever she wants no matter how young she is. She deserves more than all of the credit because she puts up with me when I’m at my worst yet tells me I’m beautiful and to keep following my dreams and goals. I am lucky to have a sister that is also my best friend.

Website: www.monicamarierivera.com
Instagram: @monicamarierivera
Facebook: www.facebook.com/monicamarierivera
Youtube: www.youtube.com/monicarivera
Other: www.highertimeline.com www.tiktok.com/monicamarierivera

Image Credits
1. Kelly Martucci 2 & 3. Designs by Monica Rivera 4. Headshot by Anthony Shoots 5. Aaron Rodriguez 6. Matthew M. 7. Geek Chic Photo 8. Kelly Martucci