Monyae Smalls shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Monyae , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
The most recent moment that I felt proud was when I turned 23 this year!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Monyae Smalls, and I’m a 23-year-old Minister, Podcast Host, and Christian Motivator/Influencer. Years ago, I founded SmallTalk the Brand, which started as just an Instagram page with motivational quotes, and has blossomed into a full-fledged Instagram with posts and reels, a podcast with over 2 seasons, and now original merchandise. This podcast started as a way to share my story of transformation, the highlights of my life, and the lowest moments of my life as well. All of this encompasses what SmallTalk the Podcast is about! It’s about knowing that one Small Talk can change your life.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I had an amazing relationship with my late Uncle, Bishop Melvin Easley Jr. He was not only my mentor but was one of my biggest supporters. Whatever I did in life, I could always remember him being there, even during COVID-19 when my graduation was canceled, he allowed me to have a graduation ceremony at the church he Pastored. Through his many lessons, he showed me who I was and could become. He is one of the main reasons that I serve the way I serve! He helps me to see that there was so much in me, and his support helps me to see what he saw.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me that it’s about the moments that we are alone and endure that matter the most. During success, we generally get puffed up and forget that there were steps that got us to the place we are in. My favorite scripture is Psalm 119:71, and it discusses suffering and how that inconvenience is a teaching mechanism for us, and ultimately leads us closer to God. It’s always through suffering that I learned that I had so much more to me, and I wouldn’t let any inconvenience stop me from moving forward. Success has taught me how to be proud, but suffering has taught me to stay low and humble, because that’s the way to gain.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I believe that if my closest friends were asked what matters to me, they would say community. I believe in community and the need for us all to be connected. It is through connection that we learn about others, but we also learn so much about ourselves when we commune with each other. I often find myself taking time out to be in community and let others know that they are important and matter.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The answer is simple! I hope people will let the world know that I “Sang through the pain!”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1902738/episodes.html
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalltalkthebrand_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monya%C3%A9-smalls-5717391b5?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monyae.smalls.1/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@smalltallkthepodcast
