We’re looking forward to introducing you to Dr. Monica Sliwa. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Monica , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: When was the last time you felt true joy?
Every morning I wake up, I find small moments of gratitude that quietly build my joy. But the last time I felt true, overwhelming joy was just a few months ago—when my sister passed the bar exam and officially became an attorney. In that moment, I was radiant with pride. I jumped up and down, tears in my eyes, and even lost my voice from shouting with happiness. It wasn’t just her win—it felt like a shared triumph, a moment of pure love that I’ll never forget.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Dr. Monica Sliwa — a full-time Pharmacy Manager at CVS Pharmacy and a self-taught guitarist with a global reach in the music world. By profession, I lead one of my favorite pharmacies, ensuring exceptional patient care and team leadership. But outside the white coat, I’ve built a platform of over 100,000 followers where I share my passion for guitar through honest, hands-on reviews and creative content.
What makes my journey unique is the blend of science and soul — I’m entirely self-taught on the guitar, and I use that experience to connect with musicians at every level. I work with guitar brands from around the world, showcasing instruments not just for their specs, but for how they feel, sound, and inspire.
Whether I’m guiding patients toward better health or musicians toward their perfect guitar, my mission is rooted in value, authenticity, and inspiration. I’m currently expanding my content to include live demos, collaborations, and highlighting emerging luthiers who deserve a spotlight.
My story is proof that you don’t have to choose between your passion and your profession — you can lead in both.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Bonds are often broken not by one big event, but by a slow buildup of unspoken truths, emotional distance, and repeated moments where one person chooses their comfort or image over connection. In my experience, what truly breaks a bond is when someone you’ve loved deeply knows how to meet you, understands your heart—and still chooses not to. Silence when there should be accountability. Games when there should be vulnerability. That kind of emotional neglect slowly severs even the deepest ties.
But restoration… that’s different. Bonds are restored when both people are willing to be honest, raw, and responsible for the pain caused. Not just through words, but consistent action. It takes humility, courage, and emotional maturity to truly rebuild something sacred. Without mutual effort and safety, restoration becomes a one-sided fantasy.
I’ve learned that love alone isn’t enough—truth, trust, and alignment matter more.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
As a child, I lived through the echoes of war in Iraq and later escaped to Syria. Fear wasn’t just a passing emotion — it was a daily reality. I had to leave school for my safety. In the short time I was in school, I faced bullying which made me feel invisible and misunderstood. There was no roadmap, no clear promise that things would get better.
But in the middle of all that fear, I found something powerful: imagination.
When the outside world felt unsafe, I turned inward. I began to fantasize about the woman I would one day become — a strong, self-made, guitar-playing woman who gives back to her community, supports her family, and lives freely with purpose and dignity. I didn’t have proof it was possible, but I believed in her. I became her.
That inner vision carried me through the darkest moments. It gave me something bigger than fear to hold onto. I didn’t just dream — I used those dreams to rebuild my reality.
Today, I am living proof that imagination is more than escape — it’s a seed. With resilience, grit, and heart, you can water that seed until it grows into the life you once only dreamed of. I’m not just surviving anymore. I’m thriving. And the scared little girl I once was? She’d be proud.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d say I value loyalty, sincerity, and emotional presence above all. I care deeply, and when I’m invested in someone — friend, family, or more — I show up wholeheartedly. I don’t do things halfway, and I value people who bring the same energy: consistent, kind, and real.
What matters most to me is feeling emotionally safe — knowing I’m surrounded by people who mean what they say. I’ve built myself up through difficult circumstances, and I hold my peace and dignity close. I’ve learned that real strength is knowing what you deserve and not settling for less.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
For years, I committed to my future — eight years of studying, working nonstop, and saving every penny to buy a home for my family. I’m proud of what I built, but in the process, I missed out on one of the things I love most: seeing the world.
Now that I’ve created stability, I’ve promised myself I’ll never put that dream on hold again. Travel feeds my soul, and the only thing I’ll ever regret is saying no to an opportunity to explore — to breathe new air, meet new people, and experience life beyond my comfort zone. From now on, if there’s a chance to go, I go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Themonicasliwa
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themonicasliwa?igsh=MTdhMWY2aDc4b3Nvaw==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-sliwa-pharmd-rph-b306b5109?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
