New Jersey has a knack for producing some of the most unexpected, larger-than-life personalities. Monique Latise is one of them. She’s a comedian, a creator, a straight-up hustler, and, most importantly, a New Jersey girl through and through.
We recently sat down in my home studio—my dog Duck joining us on the unofficial third mic—to record an episode of Greetings from the Garden State. What unfolded was a story so layered and wild, it’s hard to imagine anyone living it except Monique. From growing up in Paterson dreaming of being 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 Barbershop, a Long Island Iced Tea, and a Microphone
Monique didn’t stumble into comedy. Comedy practically dragged her onto the stage. It all started in a barbershop, where a casual conversation about standup turned into a dare to perform. Her first gig was an open mic 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 if I’ve ever heard one.
“I got up there and just talked,” Monique told me, as if the rest was that simple. Of course, it wasn’t. But the audience’s laughter hit her like a freight train. She left crying—not because she bombed, but because, for the first time, she felt seen in a way she hadn’t before.
Booed at the Apollo, Crowned by Paterson
Comedy isn’t all applause and standing ovations. Monique faced her share of flops, including getting booed at Showtime at the Apollo. (Her family, by the way, tried starting a full-blown fight over the boos. Very Jersey.)
But those stumbles only pushed her harder. For Monique, comedy is deeply personal—a lifeline during some of the toughest moments in her life. “Even when it’s rough, the little girl inside me is like, ‘This is what you’re supposed to be doing,’” she said.
Her story is rooted in Paterson, where she grew up during its heyday of block parties and safe streets. That pride in her city shines 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 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 sassy animated character voiced by Monique that hilariously captured 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 shoutouts 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 isn’t waiting for opportunities to come knocking. She’s taking matters into her own hands with the Now or Never Tour, kicking off in February 2025. She’s hitting places like Philly, upstate New York, and Delaware—where her fan base is already clamoring for her—and paving her own road to bigger stages.
When I asked her why she’s doing this, her answer was quintessential Monique: “The crowd is saying 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 to tell jokes. She wants to take her comedy to the next level, playing 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 bigger,” she said.
For someone who started in a barbershop and ended up running her own club, there’s no doubt Monique is just getting started. And if you’re not paying attention, you’re about to miss one of the most authentic, hilarious voices in comedy today.
Monique left me with one final thought: “Follow your dream, even when it’s hard. The world needs what you have to offer.”
Honestly, Jersey could use more Monique Latise.
Mike Ham is the voice behind the popular podcast, "Greetings From the Garden State". Traveling up and down New Jersey, Mike brings his listeners the stories of the people and places shaping the Garden State. Not only is he a Jersey diehard, he is also a respected member of the podcast community and has spoken at several podcasting conferences. As he continues to amplify the voices of New Jersey, Mike Ham remains a passionate advocate for the diverse narratives woven into the fabric of the Garden State.