Mode Around the Globe: Mona Swain
Mona Swain
@monaswain
Photography by Brett Erickson @brettericksonphoto
Location: Hotel Mousai Cancun
www.hotelmousai.com
@hotelmousaicancun
Tell us a little about yourself and how you would describe your personal brand in three words?
I'm Mona Swain! I’m an actress, creator, and unapologetic lover of all things theater. I like to joke that I'm the "Theatre Barbie" because I'm bold, dramatic, and rarely seen without something pink. Whether I'm on stage, on screen, or sharing my journey online, I strive to make the arts feel more accessible while encouraging others to pursue ambitious goals with confidence.
What inspired you to begin your journey as a content creator, entrepreneur, or influencer?
I began creating content during my freshman year of college. At the time, I felt isolated from the community around me and desperately needed a creative outlet. I found that space on TikTok and began making videos. I never imagined I would stick with it for this long or that it would grow into the career and community I have today. It has truly been the happiest accident.
How would you describe your personal style, and where do you find fashion inspiration?
I’d describe my personal style as hyper-feminine ’70s glam. I’ve had the honor of portraying iconic women like Donna Summer, Tina Turner, and Whitney Houston throughout my career, and I draw so much inspiration from their fashion and larger-than-life presence. I love the aesthetic of a true powerhouse diva—bold, glamorous, dramatic, and unapologetically feminine.
What are three wardrobe staples you can't live without?
My three wardrobe staples are a great trench coat, sunglasses, and gold jewelry. I bring my favorite tan trench practically everywhere, no matter the weather or occasion, and in the winter, I swap it for a fabulous pink trench with fur. I also always carry two pairs of sunglasses—the pair I’m wearing and a backup in case I lose them! They instantly make any outfit look chic and mysterious, but they’re also a comfort for me. When I feel overstimulated, putting on my shades helps me feel confident while re-regulating myself.
Lastly, I can’t live without gold jewelry. I sleep, shower, and work out in my small gold hoops and gold chain. When I’m dressing up, I pile on the gold bracelets and wear as many rings as I can fit on my fingers. The more, the better!
What does a typical day in your life look like when you're not traveling?
There’s honestly no such thing as a "typical" day in my life! When I’m not traveling, I’m usually balancing my life as an actress, content creator, and student. I'm preparing for auditions, rehearsing, filming content, doing schoolwork, or editing one of the many miscellaneous projects I’ve convinced myself I can tackle on my own. I enjoy the rare moments when I can simply do nothing, but I love that every day looks a little different.
What passions or interests do you have outside of social media and content creation?
Outside of social media, I'm honestly just a student of acting. I love watching films, TV shows, and live theater—not just for entertainment, but to study performances and learn from other actors. Whether I'm breaking down a scene, reading a script, or seeing a new show, I'm always looking for ways to grow as an artist. Theater will always be my first love. There's nothing quite like the magic of live performance.
What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?
It's hard to choose just one. Playing Tina Turner was a career-defining moment that challenged me in every way and showed me what I was capable of as a performer. Filming a video with President Obama was another surreal, full-circle experience that I'll never forget. But one of the moments I'm most proud of has happened offstage: being able to put myself back through school. Investing in my education while continuing to build my career feels like one of the greatest gifts I've been able to give myself.
Who are some of the women that inspire you and why?
Beyoncé and Keke Palmer have always been huge inspirations to me. Beyoncé inspires me because she embodies the mindset of, "If you won't let me at the table, I'll build my own." Keke Palmer inspires me because she's the definition of a true multi-hyphenate entertainer. I love how she continues to reinvent herself while staying authentic. They both remind me that there are no limits to what you're capable of when you're willing to bet on yourself.
What is one piece of advice that has had a lasting impact on your life?
"If you're scared to do it, do it scared." That's the piece of advice I come back to over and over. I've learned that confidence doesn't always come before the leap—it usually comes after. Some of the biggest moments in my career happened because I was willing to show up even when I was nervous.
How do you stay motivated and creatively inspired?
My audience keeps me motivated. Knowing that people have supported my journey for so many years inspires me to keep creating, keep going, and keep showing up authentically.
What are your favorite beauty products or self-care rituals at the moment?
My two biggest beauty essentials are staying hydrated and protecting my skin. I drink a gallon of water every day because it's made the biggest difference in keeping my skin clear and glowing. I'm also religious about SPF and reapplying it. I always keep the e.l.f. SPF setting spray in my purse, so it's easy to protect my skin without messing up my makeup.
When planning a trip, what are the top three things you look for in a destination?
I'm looking for three things: a beautiful hotel, great shopping, and incredible food. I love staying somewhere with personality, discovering the best local boutiques, and finding unforgettable restaurants.
What does luxury travel mean to you?
To me, luxury travel means being completely stress-free. It's not about how extravagant the trip is—it's about being able to relax, unplug, and know that every detail has been taken care of so I can truly enjoy the experience.
If you could visit anywhere in the world next, where would it be and why?
Japan is at the top of my travel bucket list. I'm fascinated by the culture, can't wait to experience the food, and already know I'd have way too much fun shopping there. I'd love to experience it all firsthand.
What is something your followers would be surprised to learn about you?
I think people would be surprised to learn that I still get nervous. Because of my job and social media presence, people often assume I'm naturally confident all the time. The truth is, I still get butterflies before auditions, performances, and big opportunities. I've just learned that courage isn't the absence of fear—it's showing up anyway.
What is your favorite way to unwind and recharge?
My favorite way to unwind is actually pretty simple. I love ordering Chinese food, putting on a comfort show like Abbott Elementary, and having a cozy night in. Giving myself permission to do absolutely nothing is the best way for me to recharge. 
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of content creation and social media?
I don't know that I've perfected the balance quite yet, and I think that's okay. I'm still learning how to be present in the moment while also sharing my life online. I've realized that not every memory needs to become content, and giving myself permission to unplug every now and then helps me show up more authentically.
What is your favorite song right now?
Right now, I have two songs on repeat. The first is "Through the Fire" by Chaka Khan—specifically her live performance on Colors. The second is "Saving All My Love for You" by Whitney Houston. I'm currently performing in The Bodyguard musical, so I've been spending a lot of time immersed in Whitney's music, and that song has become one of my favorites.
What upcoming projects, collaborations, launches, or exciting news would you like to share with our readers?
I'm currently performing as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Looking ahead, I'm also thrilled to be stepping into Gypsy as Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee, a role I've been dreaming about for a long time. I'm excited for what's next and can't wait to share more as the journey unfolds.
Looking back on your time at Hotel Mousai Cancun, what was the highlight of your experience, and what made it so memorable?
There were so many memorable moments, but two things immediately come to mind. First, the lobby smelled absolutely incredible from the moment you walked in, and it instantly set the tone. My favorite part, though, was the whirlpool on my private balcony overlooking the ocean. Sitting there, listening to music with that view, was the definition of luxury. I still catch myself thinking about it.
