Morgan Angelique Owens is the author of “Finding My Sparkle” and Founder & CEO of the MAO Brand, Professional Pretty, and Curvy Cardio, LLC. An entrepreneur powerhouse — Author, Consultant, Speaker, and Brand Ambassador — Morgan uses her vision and voice to coach and uplift women and young girls by sharing the knowledge and expertise she’s honed in the areas of physical and mental health, beauty, personal empowerment, and lifestyle content. She uses her passion and fashion-forward savvy to authentically bridge the gap between brands and underserved audiences through her Blog, Professional Pretty. She has been featured in national publications such as Black Enterprise. Morgan has received numerous awards such as, “Woman of Influence”, “40 under 40”, and “Black History Honoree” from the Cincinnati Chamber.
Morgan strives to empower individuals and businesses to invest in their futures and find their Sparkle. In 2021 she partnered with The Cincinnati Herald newspaper to create Herald Beauty. A beauty hub for minority women. She serves as the Chief Creative Beauty Consultant. In 2022, Morgan launched her self-titled talk show, The Morgan Angelique Show: a talk show focused on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle aimed towards an often underserved and overlooked audience. The Morgan Angelique Show will not only inspire viewers but educate them in the fields of (but not limited to): beauty, fashion, health/wellness, financial literacy, and more.
First things first, how did we develop an interest in writing?
My major is actually in creative writing. I’ve also loved the outlet of writing and how therapeutic it can be.
When did you realize you had a story that the world needed to hear?
I first realized I had a story to tell the world when people thought they knew who I was. I refused to let others write my story, so I decided to do it.
What was the writing process like, did you come up with your title first and build around it or did the manuscript come first?
I wrote my book by simply letting the words flow and then I strutted it into chapters. The title of my book came during the whole writing process I had no idea at first what the title was going to be.
What is the message behind your title?
Finding My Sparkle means finding that inner self-love that exudes from the inside out. Other people can’t help but see that “sparkle” shining through.
Can you share 3 takeaways you would like women to take away from your book?
-Don’t let anyone define who are you.
-Don’t be afraid to share your story, you never know who needs to hear it.
-Do whatever it is you want to do. There are no glass ceilings.
At any moment during your writing process did you experience writer’s block, what tips do you have for overcoming it?
I didn’t necessarily have writer’s block but I did have to push through an emotional wall. When I started writing and reflecting I often found myself starting to cry. It brought back so many emotions that I had suppressed, I had to walk away from writing for a few weeks. I pushed through and kept going however because I remembered my “why.” Why I started writing the book in the first place.
Take me through the first moment you held your book in your hands, what did that feel like for you?
When I first saw and held my book it was really an amazing experience – I actually cried. I was also nervous because it was actually getting real that other people would read my story.
What would you say was the most challenging part of your writing process?
The most challenging part of your writing process is simply starting.
– What key tips do you have for marketing your book and getting it out to the masses?
What audience is your book written for?
It’s for anyone who needs to find their sparkle 🙂
Social Media Handles: IG @morganangeliqueowens
Website: www.morganaowens.com
