Meet Dr. Monica Riley | Award-winning CEO, Educator, Philanthropist & Integrative Medicine Expert

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

Hi Dr. Monica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I am thrilled to answer this question! We just celebrated our 7th Biz-Versary and in a reality where 45% of businesses fail within the first 5 years, I am so grateful that Dr. Monica’s Natural Beauty, LLC is still a beacon of light and transformation in the realm of sustainable beauty. When I think back to how I started my business, I must go way back; even before 2016. The idea for clean beauty self-care, with special care to melanated beauty, really began in my Nana’s kitchen. I was only 4 years old, but I remember being mesmerized by the plants and flowers that she would distill in this huge soup pot every Saturday. And, to my 4 year old self, I was living my best life….munching Nana’s homemade biscuits with strawberry jam and watching her create elixirs that healed the body, mind and spirit. Nana instilled in me respect for daily self-care. In her words, “no woman, regardless of what stage of life she’s in should ever sacrifice her vim, vigor and vitality.” Dr. Monica’s Natural Beauty, LLC is my Afro-Indigenous story of limitless longevity. My family’s eclectic legacy of longevity, living well into their 100’s, just made sense to be the secret sauce for my company. I had 100 years of family beauty and longevity recipes, I had family support and I had my 30 year expertise in the Holistic Health Sciences of Aromatherapy, Herbology, Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

What should our readers know about your business?
I founded Dr. Monica’s Natural Beauty & Mindfully Melanated ™ Essentials to inspire women 40+, with special care to melanated beauties, to prioritize daily self-care; with clean beauty and curated custom hair, body and skincare essentials free of gluten, endocrine disruptors, additives and phthalates. Gluten is not only in our foods, but also in our hair and bodycare essentials: shampoos/conditioners, hair pomades and grooming essentials, and skincare lotions and butters. We absorb 100% of what we place on our skin into our bloodstream. Women 35+ are most vulnerable to an autoimmune disease diagnosis such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, MS, Celiac Disease or Lupus. And, women of color are 55% more prevalent to such a diagnosis.

My fervor for self-care resonates as the very essence of my being. My impassioned advocacy implores individuals, especially women aged 40 and above, particularly those with melanated beauty, to embrace their inherent worth through daily self-care rituals. I passionately advocate that addressing the underlying issues that we hold in our tissues is paramount, preventing their insidious manifestation into physical maladies. I envision a world where self-acknowledgment and self-love becomes an inviolable norm.

I have always believed that I should try at least “once” what holds my curiosity. And, if I step out on faith, I will not fail. So, my academic journey encompasses a myriad of prestigious achievements, showcasing my multifaceted interests and unwavering commitment to holistic wellness. My educational milestones include graduating Summa Cum Laude with a BA in English/Africana Studies from Vassar College, followed by attaining an MSJ (Master of Science in Journalism) from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Furthering my pursuit of holistic health sciences, I earned a Naturopathic Medical Degree (NMD) in Integrative Medicine from The Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, enriching my expertise in anxiety and PTSD trauma healing as a Certified Coach from the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health.

In the realm of media and academia, my impact resonates deeply. My tenure as Executive Producer at PBS/WLIW-TV garnered accolades, boasting two Emmy Awards for Best Documentary. Additionally, my contributions to academia as an Adjunct Professor at The College of Southern Nevada since 2006, alongside my co-founding role in The Sankofa English Initiative, signify my dedication to education and community enrichment. I knew I arrived in the sustainable beauty space when Dr. Monica’s Natural Beauty, LLC was selected as the “New It & Now” Beauty Brand at MACYS (2019-2020) This honor, along with some serious, scentsational hard work, allowed me to scale my new business to six figures for the first time! Close to my heart are my significant roles in humanitarian efforts such as President Emeritus- The Women of Global Change- Las Vegas Chapter, The Embracing Project, and Project Marilyn, Inc. In 2022, I was bestowed the prestigious award – Las Vegas Woman of Power in Non-Profit Leadership. I was recently named an Executive Contributor with BRAINZ Magazine. I share my expertise in the Beauty Business & Lifestyle space. This honor is immeasurable to me. And I am deeply grateful.

I live by my affirmations born through my life experiences. When fear is present, give your inner child a hug. FACE EVERYTHING AND RISE! Look for the joy in the present: BE GRATEFUL. Look for the simple things that make you smile. Appreciate what you do have: stop focusing so much on what you do not have. Speak only words of harmony. Let God be the CEO of your life. The past is over and NOW is the time when you can co-create your future. God may have bigger plans for you. Remember to keep shining like the sun because the world needs your light.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh! I absolutely LOVE this question! You see; I live a tale of TWO Cities. I live my life between Las Vegas, NV and Shaker Heights, OH. Both are filled with my loving family, friends and my passion for inspiring humans to embrace self-love through self-care. But, my life experiences, in both cities, are eclectic.

When I’m in my home in Las Vegas, I like to invite friends to cocktails, cooking and conversation at my home. I live on the edge of The Red Rock Canyon and we experience a change of seasons in the desert. My playground is The Red Rock Resort. I love the intimacy and jazz swag of The Rouge Room and I enjoy the option for intimate privacy at T Bones Chophouse. The spa at red rock is a great place to spend the day, hang out and chill with friends. At night, I go where the jazz flows. There are many spots to enjoy good jazz and decadent nightcaps.

My life in Shaker Heights breathes fun, family and pampering. When weather permits, there is nothing like spending time under the sunset on the rooftop of The Garden of Eden or sipping on a caipirinha cocktail at my fave Brazilian restaurant – Batuqui Brazilian Restaurant. And, hands down, I always have to scoop up my family to go see a Cleveland Cavaliers game! My cousin is the Head Coach of the CAVS so it’s ALWAYS a good time! Let em’ know!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a “ShoutOut” to my Mommy and Dad. Without them, there would be no me! I suppose it’s in my DNA to be an unapologetic disruptor. I got it from them! From them I learned the life lessons that I live by: Ground yourself! Stand steadfast in your Faith! You cannot be fully present in your life if you are preoccupied in your head. It is important to be connected to your body and your soul to gain full access to your power. You must LOVE what you do and do what you LOVE! Running a business is a 24-hour labor of love. You will run into obstacles, and you will lose “friends,” so be passionate about your purpose. My daily WOW (words of wisdom): “Self-Care IS Healthcare”™ When we stop nursing the ego, we begin to nourish the soul. My parents raised me with unwavering grit, gratitude and grace.

Website: https://www.drmonicasnaturalbeauty.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmonicabickerstaffriley/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-monica-riley-708524174/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/VegasHolistic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmonicasbeautyandselfcare

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@DrMonicaBickerstaff

Other: BRAINZ Magazine Executive Contributor – https://www.brainzmagazine.com/executive-contributor/Dr.-Monica-Riley%2C-MD

Image Credits
Monica Bickerstaff Riley, MD Unified Brainz Virtuoso, Ltd. Brainz Magazine