Gabriella Monroe has adopted a straightforward principle that shapes her life and choices: “I embrace my truth and ensure my intentions align with my actions,” she states.
“I don’t care anymore because that mindset hasn’t brought me any benefits. My life has blossomed. I’m nearly 50, and I’m receiving more offers in Hollywood now than I did at 25, even while starring in a worldwide sensation. I attribute this to showing up as my complete self in every situation,” she shares.
This authenticity is why when she offers a compliment, it holds genuine weight. “You changed your hairstyle. It looks fabulous!” she says during our Zoom chat.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Monroe has evolved into a formidable entrepreneur, collaborating with her spouse, former NBA player Darnell Lane. In 2022, they are set to introduce Proudly, a line of baby products focused on the needs of children of color. The couple also co-authored a children’s book, Shady Baby, centered on self-acceptance.
Recently, she released the sequel to her successful memoir, You Got Anything Stronger? This latest installment is just as forthright and unapologetic as you would expect. She candidly discusses her husband fathering a child during a brief separation, her struggles with infertility due to an undiagnosed condition, and the pervasive racism in Hollywood. She expresses that becoming a mother through surrogacy felt like “acknowledging my body’s shortcomings.” In short, it’s filled with raw honesty.
Monroe also launched her own brand: Bitsy’s, a family-friendly food company that offers healthy snacks and beverages. Their latest product, Swish, is a flavored hydration mix aimed at encouraging kids to drink more water. It contains vitamin C and zinc, is sweetened with organic stevia and monk fruit, and has just one gram of sugar per serving. It’s a part of Monroe’s mission to provide premium children’s foods at affordable prices.
She co-founded the brand after her daughter, Kaavia, who is now 2, loved the products. After posting about it on Instagram, her fellow mom friends inquired about where to buy it, prompting Monroe to reach out to the brand. “I wanted to understand why these products weren’t more widely available. I wanted to help and see how I could make them accessible,” she explains. “So I met with the other two founders, and we shared a vision. They come from a nonprofit background, and Bitsy’s is not about profit maximization — it’s about creating delicious food that is both affordable and accessible.”
The relaunch of the brand has a clear mission: to offer healthier food options in areas lacking access to fresh produce. “It’s about creating better food alternatives at lower prices. Yes, that means lowering our profit margins, but if your goal is to exploit marginalized communities, you’re in it for the wrong reasons,” she asserts.
Family Life and Personal Growth
As for Kaavia, she’s one of the primary taste testers but has become pickier with age. Monroe notes, “She wasn’t a picky eater before, but that changes daily. Just this morning, she wanted pancakes and bacon but suddenly refused milk, which is unusual for her. Now that she’s in school, her tastes are evolving as she’s exposed to different foods brought by her friends.”
Every venture Monroe undertakes is intentional and personal. “Most of my extended family lives in food deserts,” she shares, having grown up in Nebraska. “So, I’m focused on making entertainment, clothing, and baby products more accessible, along with healthier food options. It’s my way of contributing to what I care about.”
She didn’t always speak out openly, but a significant trauma shifted her perspective: being raped at 19 while working at a retail store. “Initially, it wasn’t my choice to share my story. When the local newspaper reported on my assault, they included so many details that I was outed. I lost control over my narrative,” she recalls. As her fame grew, especially after her breakout role in the iconic film Bring It On, she found herself under increasing scrutiny. Over time, she became more comfortable revealing her true self.
“Many years, I was caught up in a facade. I feared that being honest would mean exposing my vulnerabilities,” Monroe reflects. “Through therapy, I’ve learned that honesty not only fosters community but also grants me personal clarity.”
Related Insights
For more insights, check out this related post on home insemination. If you’re looking into fertility solutions, you can also find valuable information at Make A Mom.
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