Monique Asai Blanchard was born in Southern California to parents of Japanese and American descent. Monique's love for the arts began at an early age but her talents as an athlete gained her a scholarship on the U.C.L.A. Women's Water Polo team. After winning back to back National Championships, her curiosity in the field of arts and entertainment only deepened and she soon found her undeniable passion for modeling and acting which took her out of the water and on to the stage.