The Ascension of Victoria Monét: A Mother’s Journey
Before our eyes, we’ve witnessed the light of Victoria Monét. For those who have been around since Jaguar (IYKYK), her talent is undeniable and her journey to reach this milestone is the cherry on top.
Victoria Monét has done something I suspect every mother desires but not many get the privilege to explore. She has infused her career pursuits alongside her motherhood. She has used her journey as a mother to fuel her work, not letting her motherhood polarize who she is as a woman.
Photo: Girls United
How many times have women had to quiet their desires once they become mothers? Sure, the journey to motherhood and raising a human is a vast responsibility that often requires additional energy and time and sacrifice than other things. Breastfeeding, childcare costs, sleep deprivation, pick ups and drop offs and so much more traditionally fall to us as the mother. And so we stretch and overextend for a season only for it to repeat itself in new ways in another season. It seems like the wheel doesn’t stop. Sometimes it feels like we do not have control.
But what of the mother?
In her interview with Gayle King, Victoria Monét layed out the inspiration for her hit single, “On My Mama.” She talked about her struggle with postpartum depression and breastfeeding her daughter, Hazel, now 2, while in the studio. The lyrics of the song became an affirmation during a time when she felt the opposite.
It’s also not lost on me that Victoria Monét is a mature 34 years old. As I write these words, she won Best New Artist at last night’s Grammy Awards. While most people are familiar with her latest album, Jaguar II, it was preceded by the amazing debut album Jaguar. Not to mention, her long list of songwriting credits for artists including Ariana Grande, Chloe x Halle, T.I. and Chris Brown. In 2020, she was nominated for a Grammy for her songwriting on Chloe x Halle’s hit, “Do It,” and Grande’s songs “7 Rings,” and “Thank U Next.” Prior to Jaguar, she released a four-song EP. I’m saying this to say, she’s been waiting patiently, maneuvering, pivoting - but never faltered from her main goal.
It’s the tenacity coupled with her graciousness that is an inspiration. I suspect I’m not the only mother who finds it hard, even impossible, to fight for an inch to maintain some type of drive for their passions while raising humans. While it’s often necessary to put the brakes on one thing to prioritize another, many mothers - myself included - struggle to spin the block on their dreams.
While most of us reading these words don’t have the level of access and financial stability as Victoria Monét, perhaps her journey can inspire us to start where we are with what we do have. That can look like following through with that business idea, completing the 20 minute workout video on YouTube, making the first call to see a therapist, asking for help, researching what it takes to pursue a new degree or complete one. Or it can look like writing these words at 8:08 a.m., after dropping off your high school daughter, before your twin boys wake up.
It can look like whatever you need it to. That is the beauty of the journey and in Victoria Monét’s ascension. May we all take flight.