Monica Davis is no stranger to breaking boundaries. With a powerhouse career that spans nearly two decades in corporate America—working with iconic names like the NBA and Wyndham Hotels—Monica made a bold pivot from boardrooms to business ownership, all in the name of purpose. Today, she stands at the forefront of innovation and empathy as the founder of Eternal Water Cremation (EWC), the first pet water cremation service in Miami-Dade. Her journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and redefining what success looks like.
At the heart of Monica’s story is a powerful blend of personal transformation and professional evolution. After becoming a mother through a deeply emotional IVF journey, Monica realized that time—and how we choose to spend it—is life’s most valuable currency. That realization became the catalyst for leaving behind the corporate world to build a legacy rooted in compassion, sustainability, and community impact.
In this candid interview, Monica shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path, the challenges she’s overcome as a woman of color in entrepreneurship, and how she’s using her voice—and her vision—to change an entire industry. With grace, grit, and a clear sense of purpose, Monica is not just leading a company—she’s leading a movement.
1. What inspired you to transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship, and what was the defining moment that led you to take the leap?
Entrepreneurship was always in me, but corporate America provided stability. I spent years excelling in my career, working for major organizations and steadily moving up the ladder. I was good at what I did, and for a long time, that was enough. But becoming a mother completely shifted my perspective.
My journey to motherhood wasn’t easy—I had my son, Caden, after my second round of IVF, following a heartbreaking miscarriage during my first attempt. That experience changed me in ways I didn’t expect. It made me hyper aware of how precious time is and how I wanted to spend mine. I no longer wanted to build someone else’s dream—I wanted to create something of my own that would give me not just financial success, but the flexibility to be present for my children.
Then, after having my daughter, Madaline, that feeling only deepened. I wanted to leave behind more than just a career—I wanted to build a legacy. I wanted my children to see that anything is possible when you have a vision and the courage to pursue it. So, while the desire to be an entrepreneur had always been there, my children became the reason I finally took the leap.
2. What challenges did you face as a woman of color breaking into the entrepreneurship space, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges as a woman of color in any space—corporate or entrepreneurship—is constantly having to prove yourself. It’s not just the major obstacles; it’s the small, everyday moments that add up. The microaggressions, the moments where you’re overlooked, the times you have to repeat your credentials just to be taken seriously.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked into a room and seen the shock on people’s faces when they realize I am the owner, the decision-maker. There have been moments where people assumed I was an
assistant or a support staff member instead of the person leading the charge. Those moments can be frustrating and exhausting, but they also fuel me.
What I’ve learned is that success isn’t about fighting for a seat at someone else’s table—it’s about building your own. Every time I break a barrier, I know I’m making it easier for the next woman of color to walk through that door. That keeps me going.
3. Many women struggle with work-life balance—how do you manage the demands of running a business while maintaining your personal well-being?
Work-life balance is one of those things I am constantly trying to figure out. The truth is, I don’t always get it right. I’m a mother of two, a wife, working a corporate job, going to school full-time, and building my business. Some days, it feels like I’m just trying to stay afloat.
But what I’ve learned is that balance doesn’t mean giving everything equal time—it means giving your energy to what matters most in the moment. My kids will always be my priority, but I also make sure I’m taking care of myself in the process.
I’ve also had to become incredibly disciplined with my time. I focus on my why—the reason I’m doing this in the first place. I remind myself that the sacrifices I’m making now are for the long-term freedom I want later. But in that same breath, I remind myself to enjoy the now—to be present, to make memories, and to appreciate how far I’ve come.
4. Who has been your biggest mentor or source of inspiration on this journey, and what’s the best advice they’ve given you?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have multiple mentors throughout my career, and each has shaped me in different ways. One thing I’ve learned is that mentorship doesn’t always come in the form of a formal relationship—sometimes, the biggest lessons come from people you least expect.
The best advice I’ve received? Stay a student. No matter how much success you achieve, never stop learning, never stop growing, and never stop being open to new perspectives. Every person you meet has something to teach you—your job is to listen.
5. What does success mean to you beyond financial growth?
For me, success is freedom. The freedom to spend time with my children without guilt. The freedom to create something that aligns with my values. The freedom to choose how I spend my days and who I spend them with.
For so long, I measured success the way society told me to—climbing the corporate ladder, getting promotions, increasing my salary. And while those things were fulfilling in their own way, I realized that what I was really chasing wasn’t money—it was security and autonomy.
Having children changed everything for me. It made me reassess what success truly looked like. When I see my son and daughter laughing, growing, and thriving, that’s success. When I know that I’m building something that will give them generational wealth and opportunity, that’s success.
I also define success by impact. If I can create something that helps others, if I can be a representation for women—especially women of color—who want to step into entrepreneurship but don’t see many examples that look like them, then I know I’m doing something meaningful.
At the end of the day, financial success is great, but it’s not what drives me. What drives me is the ability to create a life where my children see joy, possibility, and purpose. It’s about living life on my own terms, making a difference, and ensuring that my work is something I can be proud of. That, to me, is the ultimate measure of success.
6. What is a personal habit or daily ritual that keeps you grounded and motivated?
I start and end every single day with prayer.
I have a tendency to constantly chase the next goal, the next milestone, the next challenge. I get so caught up in forward momentum that I sometimes forget to fully embrace the blessings I’m currently living in. Prayer keeps me grounded. It reminds me that none of this is by accident—that every step of my journey has been part of a greater plan.
Each morning, before I check emails, before I dive into work, before I get consumed by the day, I pause. I thank God for the day ahead, for the opportunities in front of me, for the strength to handle the challenges that may come my way. And at night, no matter how exhausted I am, I take another moment to acknowledge everything that happened that day—the wins, the lessons, the small moments of joy.
That routine keeps me centered. It reminds me of why I’m doing this and who I’m doing it for.
I also try to incorporate gratitude into my daily practice. Whether it’s writing down three things I’m grateful for or just taking a deep breath and appreciating a quiet moment, I make it a point to recognize the good, even on the hardest days. Because no matter how much pressure comes with being an entrepreneur, a mother, a leader—this life is a blessing. And I never want to take that for granted.
7. If you could give advice to young women aspiring to be entrepreneurs, what would it be?
Believe in yourself first. Before anyone else. Before the world validates you. Before you have proof that it will work. Because if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.
Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business—it’s about stepping into the unknown, facing rejection, and having the resilience to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. And trust me, there will be moments when it feels like nothing is working. You’ll question yourself, you’ll hear more “no’s” than “yes’s,” and you might even wonder if you made the right decision.
But here’s what I’ve learned: The people who succeed aren’t necessarily the smartest or the most talented—they’re the ones who refuse to give up. They’re the ones who push through the doubt, the failures, and the fear. The ones who show up for themselves, even when no one else is watching.
The world will tell you all the reasons why you can’t—why you’re too young, too inexperienced, too ambitious, too much of something. But that’s why it’s so important to be your own biggest advocate. To drown out the noise and trust that if you have the vision, you also have the ability to make it happen.
You are capable. You are enough. And everything you need is already within you. You just have to have the courage to start—and the perseverance to keep going.
8. What inspired the idea behind Eternal Water Cremation, and why did you choose to focus on pet aftercare?
Growing up, we always had pets in our home—they were part of the family. Our Dalmatian was a constant companion, and my stepdad had a habit of bringing home dogs that didn’t have a place to go. We never turned them away. Our home was full of love, wagging tails, and the kind of joy only pets can bring. When
one of them passed, like many families, we would bury them in the backyard, creating a small, special place to remember them. It was a heartfelt way of saying goodbye, a way to honor the love they gave us.
Years later, when I first learned about water cremation, it immediately caught my attention. The idea that there was a more natural, gentle way to care for a pet after they passed—one that didn’t involve the harshness of flame cremation—just made sense to me. But what really surprised me was how little people knew about it. Something that felt so compassionate, so aligned with the way we already say goodbye to our pets, wasn’t widely available or even talked about. That realization stuck with me.
I started thinking about how many families, like mine, would appreciate an option that felt more personal, more in tune with the love they had for their pets. That’s what led me to create Eternal Water Cremation. I wanted to offer a service that gives pet parents a choice—one that honors their beloved companions in the most gentle and dignified way possible, while also being kinder to the environment. Losing a pet is heartbreaking, but knowing we can give them a farewell that reflects the love they gave us is something truly special.
9. Can you explain how water cremation works and why it’s a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional cremation?
Water cremation, also known as aquamation, is a gentle, water-based process that returns a pet’s remains to their natural elements. Unlike traditional flame cremation, which relies on extreme heat and releases harmful emissions into the air, aquamation uses a combination of warm water and natural alkali to accelerate the natural decomposition process in a way that mimics what happens in nature. It’s a much softer, more respectful approach.
One of the biggest advantages of water cremation is its environmental impact. It uses 90% less energy than flame cremation, making it a significantly more sustainable option. Traditional cremation releases harmful carbon emissions, mercury, and other pollutants into the air, while aquamation produces none of that. The remaining solution is a sterile, nutrient-rich liquid that can be safely returned to nature without harm. Beyond being better for the environment, it’s also a gentler process for families. They receive up to 20% more remains, giving them more to cherish as they decide how they’d like to honor their pet’s memory.
10. How do you see EWC disrupting the pet aftercare industry, and what impact do you hope to make?
The pet aftercare industry has remained largely unchanged for decades, and Eternal Water Cremation is offering something truly different. We’re not just another pet cremation service—we are redefining what pet aftercare can feel like.
For too long, the industry has been focused on efficiency rather than empathy. EWC is bringing heart, sustainability, and innovation into an often-overlooked space.
I want pet parents to know they have an alternative to traditional cremation. I want veterinary clinics to offer this as a forward-thinking option. I want to normalize conversations about greener, more compassionate end-of-life care.
At its core, my goal is simple: to give grieving families peace of mind while making a positive impact on the environment.
11. As a woman entrepreneur in a niche industry, how have you approached breaking barriers and establishing credibility?
Stepping into entrepreneurship, especially in an industry that’s traditionally male-dominated or slow to change, means constantly proving yourself. I’ve had moments where I walked into meetings and people assumed I was someone’s assistant rather than the founder.
But here’s what I’ve learned: your work speaks for itself. I focus on showing up with knowledge, confidence, and a clear vision. When you are passionate about what you do, when you know your business inside and out, and when you deliver results, people take notice.
I also lean heavily on building relationships. Credibility isn’t just about expertise—it’s about trust. I make sure to connect with veterinarians, industry professionals, and pet owners in a meaningful way.
Most importantly, I remind myself that I belong in these spaces. I don’t need permission to take up space—I’ve earned it.
12. Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for EWC, and do you see expansion opportunities beyond Miami-Dade?
Absolutely! While my immediate focus is on serving Miami-Dade and Broward, I see EWC expanding into other cities and states. The demand for eco-friendly, compassionate pet aftercare is growing, and I want to be at the forefront of that movement.
Beyond expansion, I want EWC to become a trusted name in pet aftercare, known not just for our service, but for shaping industry standards and education.
13. How do you hope to inspire other women entrepreneurs, particularly those looking to innovate in traditionally male-dominated or overlooked industries?
I want other women to see that they belong in any space they choose to be in.
Innovation doesn’t require permission. Leadership doesn’t require validation. If you have a vision, go after it—even if no one has done it before.
My hope is that by sharing my journey, I can show other women that success isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about having the courage to start and the resilience to keep going.
Find out more on https://www.eternalwatercremation.com
