Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Davis.
Hi Monica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My path to starting Eternal Water Cremation wasn’t linear—it was personal, purposeful, and deeply rooted in my identity as a mother, daughter, and community builder. I launched it because I saw an opportunity to reimagine what compassionate after-care could look like during one of the hardest moments in someone’s life.
I’m an Afro-Latina from Panama, a mom of two beautiful children, and someone who’s always balanced corporate leadership with a passion for service and legacy. After nearly two decades in HR, I developed a clear understanding of what people need during transitional moments: to feel seen, supported, and respected. That same belief inspired me to build a service that offers compassion and dignity, not just to pets, but to the families who love them.
Eternal Water Cremation is more than a business; it’s a reflection of my values. We offer water-based cremation services that are gentle on both the pet and the planet. Every detail, from our urns and clay paw prints to the way we communicate with grieving families, is designed with care. I wanted to create something that felt human and heart-centered—a place where people could feel like their pet’s story mattered.
The response from the community has been humbling. From veterinarians who trust us with their clients to families who’ve written to say our service helped them find peace, every message reminds me that we’re filling a real need.
This is just the beginning of the story. I’m building a legacy not only for my children but for the families we serve—one gentle goodbye at a time. #BecauseEveryGoodbyeMatters
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been anything but smooth but it’s been incredibly meaningful. Launching Eternal Water Cremation as the first and only water cremation provider in Miami-Dade came with a lot of pride, but also a lot of uphill battles. I’m in an industry where women, especially women of color, are not just underrepresented, we’re often invisible. I can’t tell you how many times someone looked past me assuming I wasn’t the owner.
There were delays, zoning setbacks, permit confusion, and a learning curve every step of the way. Water Cremation is still new to many, so there was a constant need to educate, from city officials to the veterinary community to pet parents themselves. I was advocating not just for my business, but for an eco-friendly, dignified option that many hadn’t yet understood.
Opening was delayed more than once. There were days I was exhausted from my 9-to-5, pregnant with my second child, and still working late into the night to troubleshoot operations, marketing, or logistics. But every delay taught me something about patience, strategy, and staying grounded in my purpose.
I’ve learned how to navigate spaces that weren’t built with people like me in mind. I’ve learned how to lead with empathy, how to make space for grief, and how to build trust in the most tender moments of people’s lives. And most of all, I’ve learned that when you stay true to your vision, even when others doubt you, you end up building something bigger than a business, you build a legacy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Over the past two decades, I’ve dedicated my career to people, culture, and leadership development, working for nationally recognized organizations like Wyndham Hotels and the NBA. In those roles, I specialized in building inclusive cultures, developing leaders, and creating systems where people can thrive, grow, and show up as their authentic selves.
While I’m proud of my corporate accomplishments, nothing brings me more pride than being a mom. My children are my daily reminder of why I do what I do. They inspire me to lead with heart and to build things that matter.
Professionally, I’m known for connecting deeply with people—whether I’m developing a people strategy or launching a new employee program. That human-centered lens is what also led me to launch Eternal Water Cremation, I wanted to create something that blends compassion, dignity, and sustainability.
What sets me apart is my ability to bridge worlds: corporate and entrepreneurial, strategic and emotional, professional and personal. I build with intention. I lead with purpose. And above all, I never lose sight of the human experience at the center of it all.
How do you think about luck?
When I think about the role of luck in my life and business, I believe luck is real—but it rarely acts alone. For me, it’s where preparation, faith, and perseverance meet opportunity. Some might call it luck that I crossed paths with the right people or that the timing worked out. But behind that “luck” was years of hard work, consistency, and saying yes to the scary things even when I wasn’t sure how it would unfold.
Building Eternal Water Cremation in an underrepresented industry as a woman—and an Afro-Latina woman at that—came with countless setbacks, delays, and people questioning whether I was really the owner. There were moments that felt like bad luck, like having to refile paperwork, push timelines, or juggle full-time motherhood, entrepreneurship, and a demanding corporate career. But those very moments also strengthened my resilience and clarified my purpose.
So yes, maybe a little luck played a role. But I think the bigger forces were preparation, alignment, and a deep belief that what I’m building is bigger than me. Luck may open the door, but you still have to have the courage and conviction to walk through it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eternalwatercremation.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eternalwatercremation?igsh=Yzh1YXY4MmZxbGsw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Mn9E2nRaw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
