Monique Mayers

Monique Mayers is a mother and creative who is passionate about normalizing the Black experience. Born in Barbados and now living in Toronto, Canada, Monique understands the importance of passing down cultural knowledge, particularly when it comes to curly hair. Growing up with a mother who was a professional hairdresser, Monique learned early on how to manage and style her own hair, which gave her the confidence to experiment with a range of looks.

Monique’s journey into writing began as an "accidental author." Wash Day: A Care and Style Guide for Little Curls is her debut book, born from her own experience as a mom eager to equip her daughter with the skills and confidence to care for her hair—while also encouraging her participation in the process. With vibrant illustrations and engaging rhyming text, the book provides a fun and informative way for children to take ownership of their curls from an early age, teaching them how to care for their hair without relying on damaging tools or chemicals.

Co-created with her daughter, who helped review every illustration, Monique knows firsthand the challenges many families face when it comes to teaching kids how to care for curly hair. One generation ago, we were hot-combing, relaxing, and weaving our little girls' hair. While curls are now seen as "acceptable," they’re still not fully understood. Wash Day aims to bridge this gap by giving young children the tools and knowledge to care for their hair, building their confidence in the process and helping them grow up feeling empowered, not overwhelmed, by it.

When she’s not writing, Monique enjoys exploring nature with her family—whether hiking through the woods or discovering new parks around Ontario. She regularly listens to French music to improve her proficiency in the language. In the kitchen, Monique experiments with fermenting foods and formulates her own hair and skincare products, creating natural solutions that nourish her family while staying connected to her Caribbean roots. Always curious, Monique is committed to learning more about child development, sustainability, and the intersection of culture and creativity—infusing these passions into her work and life.