People often ask me how I became a Feng Shui Consultant, or how I created my own system. In hindsight, I can see how the different stages of my life followed a path that led me here — but in the moment, things didn’t always feel so clear.
It’s a story filled with love and loss, bold grandmothers, flying kites, unexpected turns, and quiet moments of deep knowing.
These 21 facts trace my journey — from a little girl in Ecuador who was told she’d never amount to anything, to a woman who helps others fall in love with their homes and trains consultants around the world.
Each of these stories offers a glimpse into the life that shaped my calling. I hope you’ll find a piece of your own story in mine.
This is my story, told through 21 personal facts — some fun, some painful, all true. Read below and watch the video.
My Journey
My life has been a journey of contrasts — pain and love, limitations and freedom, self-doubt and empowerment. Through my series 21 Facts About Moni, I’ve shared pieces of my story, from my complicated childhood in Ecuador to my work today as a Feng Shui consultant and trainer. Here’s a deeper look at my path.
For more stories and how they weave with Feng Shui, check out my books:
- Room by Room, Feng Shui Secrets for a Happy Life here, and
- The House of Many Gardens, Feng Shui Secrets for Home Landscaping here.
21 Facts About Moni (Playlist)
A Childhood of Two Worlds
I was born into a family where my father’s first reaction to my birth was disappointment. The nurse joked, “It’s a flipflop” — a colloquial way to say “girl” — and her laughter made him question why he couldn’t have a second son. That moment set the tone for years of feeling unwanted.
But there was another side to my childhood — my grandmother’s home. There, I was adored. She taught me style, grace, and how to move through the world with confidence. She even marched me into Ecuador’s most exclusive girls’ school, Cardinal Spellman, and demanded I be admitted — and it worked.
Overcoming Restrictions
My parents controlled many aspects of my life. For example, I wasn’t allowed to cut my hair for years, and I was kept from physical activities that would have helped my coordination — then abused for not being more athletic. As an adult, I consciously chose to develop the strength I lacked, becoming a fitness instructor teaching Zumba, Pilates, and many more classes. Now I’m training to do pull-ups (something I could barely hold onto at first!).
From Graphic Design to Architecture
My career has taken many turns. When my mother bought the first Macintosh computers to Ecuador for her pre-press business (laying out books for printing), I taught myself — and her team — how to use them, diving into computer graphic design before it was mainstream. Later, a quiet but insistent voice in my head told me, “Go register in the School of Architecture.” I listened, even though enrollments were already closed. That decision led me to lifelong friends and new passions.
Discovering Feng Shui And Creating My Own Method
When I first studied Feng Shui, I was fascinated by its principles but shocked by how poorly it was often applied. Many homes ended up looking awkward instead of harmonious. So I went back to the roots of Feng Shui, blending ancient wisdom with practical design, and created my own system: the Nine Steps to Feng Shui®.
Training the Next Generation of Consultants
What started as teaching classes at a community college grew into something bigger. Students asked me to train them professionally, and now I run an online school, certifying Feng Shui consultants worldwide. My mission? To help people create homes that make them proud — spaces where every object “has nice things to say.”
My Greatest Victory: A Happy Family
Despite growing up in dysfunction, I was determined to break the cycle. I chose a loving partner, raised my children with respect, and even homeschooled them for 10 years!
Today, I teach, write, and help others create spaces that truly support the life they want. My story isn’t just about getting through hard times—it’s about real change. If I could reshape my life from the inside out, so can you.
Your Feng Shui Path
I’ve spent decades weaving together design, healing, and tradition to create spaces where people thrive — and teaching others to do the same. If my story resonated with you, maybe it’s time to start your own.
👉 Explore what it takes to become a Feng Shui Consultant.
👉 Or join the Feng Shui Friends Community and start transforming your home, one step at a time.
Want to start learning Feng Shui? Take the class Feng Shui Explained.
Share with Us!
💖 What did you love most about this article?
🌟 What was the most valuable thing you learned?
🌸 How will you apply this in your life?
Scroll down to the bottom of this page and let us know your thoughts.