by MONIQUE BRYAN
Welcome to the first episode of our series Business is Personal, where host Monique Bryan engages in an inspiring conversation with Monique Taylor-Yee Shui, the visionary founder and Editor-in-Chief behind byHER Magazine. Together, they delve into the magazine's inception, exploring the journey that led Monique to this moment and the challenges she overcame with unwavering determination to realize her dream. Join us as we uncover the twists, turns, and triumphs of the entrepreneurial path.
As we sit down for the interview, a sense of nervous energy fills the air. Monique Taylor-Yee Shui and I share a nervous laugh, both uncertain of what the interview holds. With the camera rolling, I'm determined to showcase her powerful story in the best light, while her husband Jason, the "video wizard," ensures everything looks perfect on screen.
Settling into the couch, I can't help but admire Monique's stylish army green two-piece outfit, bold red lips, and oversized glasses. I make a mental note to ask her about her fashion choices later. As we chat, I confess my admiration for her since the beginning, drawn to obviously because we share the same first name, but also her engaging content, and impeccable style. She laughs in disbelief, her humility shining through. And with that, we dive into the heart of her journey.
Video Shownotes:
MB:Â I knew from the moment I discovered you on Instagram that we would one day be friends.
She laughs.
MB: Because we are M & M - Mo and Mo. I just loved your sense of style. And you know what? No one has ever said a negative thing about you. To me, that's a testament to how you operate out here in the world. So, over the years, we got a chance to run into each other. I remember being seven or eight months pregnant when I ran into you at Winners HomeSense. We got to talking, and you told me about this idea that black women's stories, black Canadian stories, need to be told. Why aren't we highlighting us? So, what happened after that moment? Because here we are now at the launch. What was going on with you then? Were you waiting for the right steps?
Monique: There was a lot going on, and I think this happens to many of us on the entrepreneurial journey, especially when it's something we love, like creating content and storytelling. But I also felt impostor syndrome. I questioned whether I was the right person to do it. These thoughts came to my mind, and I worried someone might take the idea and run with it. I had to get rid of that thinking. I didn't go to journalism school, I had no training in that field, but I still believed I should be doing this. So I did a lot of research because I wanted this to be done right. I didn't want to just go ahead without being prepared, you know
MB: You didn't want to half-ass this, am I right?
Monique: Absolutely. I wanted to do justice to the magazine and our community. There's a lot of pressure because it's just me, and I understand that our community is busy with amazing projects. That's why I'm doing this. As I talked more about it, people started volunteering their time and approaching me. It's overwhelming, but it's also a reminder of the importance of asking for help, something many of us Black women struggle with.
I believe in supporting our community, which means paying for work. We need to move past the mentality of just asking for favors and value each other's worth with proper compensation. Currently, I'm funding this project, and while I can't pay everyone, the support has been a blessing. The encouragement from people has been my motivation.
MB: You’re launching in Women’s Month.
Monique: Yes, continuing the momentum from Black History Month. Black history isn't confined to just February; we're extending that celebration. This is the perfect time to launch and celebrate us."
MB: It's safe to say that you're wearing many hats. Like 10 times over. I don't know how you do it all. But I would love if you shared a little bit about some of your journey, like some of the hats you've worn that have made you the stylish, creative leader you are today.
Monique: My style and creativity actually go back to my parents. My dad was a tailor, so he knew how to make great quality clothes and dress well. He always emphasized the importance of looking good. My mom shared the same sentiment, insisting that looking good makes you feel good. Even in the '90s, she wouldn't let me wear jeans to a birthday party, pushing me to dress up.
I owe my first experience with presentation to them. I've always loved art since childhood, enjoying drawing and coloring. Art was my favorite subject in school, but it took a backseat when I went to university. I had to start thinking about my future and career path. The West Indian parentage has a set of career paths to follow, so I went to university for business and marketing. However, the creative side faltered during that time.
After graduating, I ventured into sports marketing, working with the Hawks in Atlanta for a few years. But I got homesick and transferred to work with the Raptors in Toronto. I was more on the sales and marketing side of the team at that time. Eventually, I had a career change and ended up in banking after going back to school for finance.
MB: How long were you at the bank?
Monique:Â 15 years, girl, 15 years! My creativity didn't spark back until it was time to get married. Planning the bridal shower and creating the invites reignited my creative side. I even considered DIYing my wedding, but my planner, who's also my cousin, and one of the decorators convinced me I wouldn't have time. I managed to incorporate other creative aspects into it, though.
After that, having kids and planning their birthday parties kept my interest in creativity alive. That eventually led me to be discovered by Cityline a little while down the line.
MB: How did you end up on Cityline?
Monique:Â I never thought I'd be on Cityline. My journey started with creating backdrops for events. I met a mom, in a Facebook group, and she asked me to do backdrops for her kids' birthdays. I also did some events. Tracy Moore, the host of Cityline, saw my decor at one of these parties. At the same time, a mom from my girls' school, who was a DIY expert on Cityline, was looking for help with crafts. I assisted her, and she invited me to come to the show. I was very camera shy at the time, but a producer saw me and encouraged me to be on television. I initially resisted, but after supporting the DIY expert a few times, they convinced me to be on the show. I started with DIY segments and then expanded to lifestyle topics, like tablescapes and fashion styling."
MB: I love the journey! And it brings us to the magazine. What do you want people to feel when they pick up a copy?
Monique: I want to generate happiness, joy, inspiration, and even surprise. There's so much beauty and amazing work in our community, but it's often overlooked. I want to raise awareness and showcase our talent. I've profiled fashion designers on Cityline who feel unseen in Canada, despite their success abroad. I want the magazine to be a source of pride and a platform for our voices. It's important for young girls to see examples they can aspire to. I remember feeling limited in my aspirations because my reference points were all American. I want our publication to reflect our unique Canadian perspective and be a resource for our community
MB: That story is so powerful. It reminds me of why this venture is so important. It's for us now and for the generations of tomorrow. Monique, it's such an important mark to make in the world.
MB: Speaking of community. There's a perception of cliques in our community, especially here in Toronto. What's your take on that?
Monique:Â I've heard about these cliques, but I haven't personally experienced them. Many people have brought up this issue, so it's worth exploring for sure. I hope the magazine can bridge gaps and connect people. We need to support each other more, and having a central hub for events and initiatives could be a great way to foster that support.
MB: In the GTA everyone lives across the city, and are so busy, it's hard to get to all the things sometimes. And I know for me sometimes I only hear about the event once it’s over. That's why I love the idea of byHER being a place where we know what's happening, where we can see new faces and hear their stories. This series exists to tell the stories of women from all over the country. I want to learn about more people and what they're doing. It's about creating awareness and connection, even when we can't be physically close.
MB:Â You're doing a lot, wearing a lot of hats, running this on your own. Let's talk about this fake word called "balance." It's not a thing, right? How do you manage all this? I'm a new mom with one child, and you have two. Every time I call, you're either on your way to an event, coming back from one, or getting ready for another. How do you do all these things and keep your wits about you?
Monique: Oh, my goodness, I feel like I'm hanging on by a thread sometimes. But what people don't always see when it comes to balance is the importance of a support system. My husband, Jason, is incredibly supportive. This goes back to even before we had children. We were living in Midtown, in the North York area, when we had our first child, Savannah. As our family expanded, our condo just wasn't working anymore. So, we moved to Ajax, closer to my parents in Whitby. That move was invaluable because my parents, both retired, are now nearby to help with the girls. Jason's mom also lives next door, which is a huge help.
Even with this support, there are still a lot of late nights. I had to leave my full-time job because I was already overwhelmed before starting the magazine. It wouldn't have been possible to do this while still working full-time. My husband encouraged me to make the leap, and it was the right decision."
MB: I love that. The support from your spouse or partner is crucial.
Monique:Â I've also learned to give myself grace. I'm trying to do something positive for the community, and I can't run myself into the ground. If I can't get something done, I need to rest or eat. Last week was hectic with the dinner, Cityline, a panel, and weekend events. The community's support has been crucial in maintaining some sense of balance.
At the launch dinner, I was overwhelmed with happiness, pride, and joy. Everything ran smoothly, and it was a beautiful moment. It solidified that this is the right path and created a sense of accountability. Now that it's launched, it's real.
MB: I love that. So what advice would you give to a woman who has a dream but is held back by her own internal dialogue about what’s possible?
Monique: My advice would be to believe in yourself and your vision. It's normal to feel scared or unsure, but don't let that stop you. Also try to get a supportive community around you. That's what motivated me to push forward. Do it, don't let those things stop you. Surround yourself with positive people and do the research. Become an expert in your field to gain confidence. My time in the corporate world gave me an understanding of the key factors needed in running a business. Research, surround yourself with positivity, and be prepared for late nights. You have to be willing to put in the time and maybe sacrifice some social time. If you're laser-focused, it will happen.
MB:Â I love that you put in that piece about doing the work. You have to take action for things to happen. Telling people about your idea makes it even more real. I'm so proud of what you've accomplished and being on this journey with you. When I saw your post on Instagram, something sparked. I knew this was going to be juicy.Â
MB: Ok Monique, I have one final question for you. Looking into the future, five years down the line, what is byHER magazine now?
Monique smiles:Â byHER magazine is the number one publication in the community. We are about to celebrate our big five-year anniversary, and I would love to launch a byHER fest, a celebration of all of us.Â
MB: Ouuu like the Canadian Essence Fest they hold in New Orleans each year, that I’m salivating over on Instagram each year?
Monique: Yes, but our version. I want byHERÂ to become that hub for black women to come to for inspiration, a place for them to vent, and a community where we can truly see ourselves in a place of joy.
MB:Â I love that, and I see it for you and for all of us on this journey with you. I think that is a perfect place to drop the mic. Monique, thank you so much for being here and spending time with me. You've got an army behind you and a village around you. We got you, girl!
Business is personal, y'all.
Monique: Yassss!Â
This interview has been edited for clarity and spaceÂ
Join us monthly for ‘‘Business Is Personal’, an empowering interview series, hosted by Monique Bryan, that shines a light on the often untold stories of women in business. By delving deep into the journeys of female entrepreneurs, this series uncovers the real challenges and triumphs behind their success stories. Each episode is a candid exploration of the entrepreneurial spirit, highlighting the unique genius of each woman, their trials, hardships, and invaluable lessons learned along the way.Â
Comments