Monique Latise: Jersey’s Comedy Queen

New Jersey has a knack for producing some of the most unexpected and larger-than-life personalities. Monique Latise is one of them. She’s a comedian, a creator, a straight-laced hustler, and most of all, a New Jersey girl through and through.

We recently sat down in my home studio – with my dog ​​Duck on the unofficial third mic – to record an episode of Greetings from the Garden State. What unfolded was a story so complex and wild that it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Monique experiencing it. From growing up in Paterson dreaming of becoming a rapper to opening her own comedy club six weeks before the world shut down, Monique’s journey is as unpredictable as it is inspiring.

A hair salon, a Long Island iced tea and a microphone

Monique didn’t get into comedy. The comedy practically pulled her onto the stage. It all started in a hair salon, where a casual conversation about stand-up performances turned into a challenge to perform. Her first gig was an open mic performance at Pianos in Bloomfield. She was petrified, but two strangers at the bar decided to stick around, cheer her on, and buy her a Long Island Iced Tea—an initiation the likes of which I’ve never heard before.

“I came up there and just talked,” Monique told me, as if the rest was that easy. Of course it wasn’t. But the audience’s laughter hit her like a freight train. She walked away crying – not because she bombed, but because for the first time she felt seen in a way she never had before.

Booed at the Apollo and crowned by Paterson

Comedy isn’t just about applause and standing ovations. Monique experienced a number of flops, including being booed on Showtime at the Apollo. (By the way, her family tried to start a fight over the booing. Very Jersey.)

But these stumbling blocks only challenged her even more. For Monique, comedy is deeply personal – a lifeline during some of the most difficult moments of her life. “Even when it’s hard, the little girl in me says, ‘This is what you should do,'” she said.

Her story has its roots in Paterson, where she grew up in the heyday of block parties and safe streets. This pride in her city comes through in her comedy, even as her material evolves to cover everything from single motherhood to dating as a grandmother.

Pandemic pivot

If you think the pandemic has slowed Monique down, think again. While her comedy club — Monique’s Comedy Club in Paterson — was short-lived thanks to COVID, she used the time to create. Enter Dayday, a cheeky cartoon character voiced by Monique, who hilariously captures the chaos of virtual learning during lockdown.

Dayday wasn’t just a side project; it became a phenomenon. “People were sending me messages asking for birthday greetings from Dayday,” Monique said, still a little shocked. She even sold Dayday-themed book bags. For Monique, it was just another example of her creativity shining under pressure.

Now or never

Monique doesn’t wait for opportunities to present itself. With this she takes matters into her own hands Now or Never Tourwhich starts in February 2025. She visits places like Philly, Upstate New York and Delaware – where her fan base is already clamoring for her – and is paving her own path to bigger stages.

When I asked her why she was doing this, her answer was typical Monique: “The crowd says they want to see me. What am I waiting for? I’m not begging anyone to tell me I’m funny. I know what I bring to the table.”

The future is funny

Monique’s dream isn’t just about telling jokes. She wants to take her comedy to the next level by performing at legendary venues like Bananas Comedy Club and Levity Live and eventually traveling the world. “I’ve done some amazing things in Jersey, but now it’s time to go even bigger,” she said.

For someone who started out in a hair salon and eventually ran her own club, there’s no doubt that Monique is just getting started. And if you’re not careful, you’ll quickly miss one of the most authentic and hilarious voices in comedy today.

Monique left me with one final thought: “Follow your dream, even if it’s hard. The world needs what you have to offer.”

Honestly, Jersey could use more Monique Latise.