Check Out Monica Hamlett’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Hamlett. 

Hi Monica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am Monica “Mona Lizza” Hamlett, owner of Mona Lizza’s Lyrics, a full-service entertainment company. I began my journey in this area of work as a background singer and then a solo artist. My first taste of event planning featuring live music was a result of me planning, from scratch, my own CD Release party at They Say in Downtown Detroit in 2006. I loved every part of bringing people together through good music, great food, and a worthy cause. 16 years later, I’m still at it! Being able to combine all of my passions into one big movement is a great blessing. I’m able to feature independent artists, local business owners, and any upcoming community outreach events through each event! 

We, at times, have special projects that we launch to highlight specific things during the year. Our Mompreneur & Dadpreneur of the Year Projects have been going strong for 3 years. We celebrate the wonderful things these heroes are doing through business and beyond on a daily basis. 2023 will see Mona Lizza’s Lyrics taking bigger steps towards saying “Thank You” to our Mompreneurs and Dadpreneurs not only in Michigan but all over the country! 

I’m living my dream. I thank God every day for allowing me to live in my passion. Helping others build along the way with me is an even bigger added bonus! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely not been all balloons and cotton candy! I’ve had trouble in the past getting everything funded for certain events. I decided to, at times, partner with other business owners to ease the costs of bringing community events to life. It has proven to be a great collaboration for them as well as me. 

Another obstacle has been my health. In 2019, I was in a car accident. I was hit from behind by a semi-truck. This has caused sooo many obstacles over the last 3 years. I’ve had 4 major surgeries with many, many smaller procedures in between during this time. It has been horribly hard not only physically to keep up with my event schedule, but it has also been taxing financially. I wanted to make sure that I was able to still offer opportunities to the many companies I’ve worked with for so long despite my own personal setbacks. 

There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve been able to work through the pain and continue, in some capacity, to run my business and keep afloat. It’s all been worth it! 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in highlighting the businesses and services that our communities provide. I also provide a stage for independent artists to perform their original music with live bands! I’m most proud of being able to bring people together for great causes through music, food, libations, and retail. 

My dedication to only working with small businesses, helping them bring in more income for them and their families, definitely sets me apart from others. Strong communities are built around strong, viable businesses that its residents know about and frequent. Keeping our dollars local is important! 

What matters most to you?
Being able to leave my son a legacy through building a business my family will be proud of for years to come is soooo important. I had to build from the ground up alone. I don’t want my son to have to struggle every step along the way to accomplish his dreams. I’ll leave him a blueprint! 

Contact Info:

• Website: mllevents.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/monasentertainment
• Youtube: Mona Lizza’s Lyrics

Image Credits
Dr. Mary Welsh
Mr. Aaron “Able” Grable
Minister Nefertiti Morris
Mr. Larry Hurst