I found myself working with Rebel Jones once again, this time for a modeling opportunity with Apex Modeling. It was a pivotal moment for me—I had recently finalized the decision to separate my corporate work from my creative ventures. Professional collaborations and services for others would now fall under Upbound Media Group, while my curated and collaborative artistic endeavors would operate under the banner of ZAMA Creative. It was the name I chose to represent my artisanal pursuits and the lens through which I would share my most personal and profound creative expressions.

That day, after the modeling event, Rebel and I were moving between locations when we crossed paths with a group of gentlemen who were drawn to Monique’s striking presence and the camera in my hands. Rebel, ever the connector, handled the public relations with her characteristic charm, while I leaned into my creative flow. Within five minutes, we were in the midst of an impromptu street portrait session. When they asked for my name, I gave them the one I had only just chosen hours earlier—a name that now defines my journey in craft and career.

I shared the portraits on my newly minted Instagram page, one small but meaningful step in the launch of my broader media enterprise, with ZAMA Creative as its heart and soul. Thank you to those gentlemen (shoutout to @afgoon7_) for their spontaneity, and to Rebel Jones for continuing to make connections and create opportunities at every stage of our shared journey.