My name is Monica Tovar Plazas, and I’m originally from Bogotá, Colombia. Before moving to Perth, I built a 20-year career as a corporate lawyer that included private practice, teaching at graduate level in top universities, and holding significant roles in Colombia’s public sector, including positions within the Superintendency of Companies (equivalent to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission [ASIC]), where I also served as a judge in commercial law matters. This experience gave me deep insights into law, public service and corporate governance.
Despite the success I achieved in law, I’ve always carried a deep longing and love for art, sewing, and design, passions I’ve nurtured since childhood. In 2024, my husband and I moved to Australia so I could take a break before accepting a new role at a major law firm. During this time, I decided to fully commit to developing my creative side and pursue formal studies in fashion design. This shift wasn’t a change of heart; it was an expansion of it.
What course are you studying, and at which TAFE campus?
I’m studying the MST50122 Diploma of Apparel, Fashion and Textiles [Design and product development] at Bentley campus. What I love most about this course is how it balances artistic expression with technical precision. The program includes modules on sustainable practices, garment production, fashion illustration, digital tools and patternmaking among others, skills that are not only relevant to today’s fashion industry but essential for launching a conscious and innovative brand.
How have you found the facilities on your campus so far?
The Bentley campus offers a vibrant and supportive learning environment. One of my favourite aspects are the amazing art, sewing and textile manipulations rooms, where we have access to the best technology and materials. Also, the on-site bakery and coffee shop, both run by students. It’s such a joy to grab a freshly baked snack or coffee during breaks. There’s a real sense of community and care that extends beyond the classroom. I also love how much nature we can enjoy just a few steps from the buildings. Our lecturers are incredibly experienced, but what sets them apart is how genuinely caring they are. They’re not only focused on teaching technical and creative skills (fields in which they excel) they are also constantly checking in on how students are really absorbing the experience. That human side of education makes a world of difference. It’s easy to feel supported and encouraged, especially when taking on something new and challenging like changing careers, countries and even age groups.
What career path are you planning to pursue?
Once I complete my studies at TAFE, I plan to return to Colombia and rejoin the legal sector as a senior associate at a top-tier law firm. At the same time, I’ll be launching my sustainable fashion brand, MON. The brand focuses on modular, sustainable garments that reduce waste and celebrate craftsmanship. We aim to work with local artisans to create ethically produced, high-quality pieces that reflect both contemporary aesthetics and cultural heritage.
How long you have been living in Perth?
I’ve been living in Perth since January 2024. It’s a multicultural city that blends natural beauty with a relaxed pace of life, perfect for focusing on study and personal growth. Coming from coastal cities like Cartagena and Barcelona (where I studied), I immediately connected with Perth’s beaches, nature walks, and ocean lifestyle. As an international student, I’ve also appreciated how organised, clean, welcoming and safe the city feels. Compared to larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne, Perth is more affordable, which has made it easier for my husband and me to enjoy everything this journey has to offer.
Do you have advice for students considering studying at TIWA?
If you’re considering a course like mine at TAFE, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it. The training is hands-on, the environment is inclusive, and the education is aligned with real industry demands. The lecturers are passionate and deeply supportive, not just about your progress as a student, but about your wellbeing as a person. I would absolutely recommend TAFE to friends and family. It’s more than just a place to study, it’s a place to dream big, take risks, try different things and build something meaningful
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Yes, I want to share how transformative this experience has been. TAFE has given me the space to honour both my past and my future, bridging my legal background with my creative potential. Through projects like my “Rooted in Unity” dress, made entirely from upcycled fabrics, and MON’s modular “Evolve” dress, showcased at Eco Fashion Week Australia(opens in a new tab) in Florence, Italy last May, I’ve had the chance to connect environmental activism and fashion innovation.
“Rooted in Unity”, which won the People's choice award at the Bindaring TAFE competition this year, is a symbolic dress handcrafted entirely from upcycled materials, including donated wedding dresses, ribbons, and fabric scraps that would otherwise end up in the landfills. Through techniques such as braiding, hand sewing, ombré hand dyeing, and fabric manipulation by burning and melting, the piece explores the universal concept of unity across cultures. Inspired by the “Tree of Life”, an ancient symbol found in numerous spiritual traditions, the dress represents our shared origins and interconnectedness. By weaving together diverse elements, it reflects how humanity, despite its differences, forms one resilient whole. The garment serves as a powerful reminder that unity is not only essential in current times of division, but fundamental to a sustainable and harmonious future.
Perth has also given me the opportunity to meet unique and talented artists and to work with them in projects very meaningful to the community, like mural artist Hayley Smith with whom I painted the new Langley park mural, and Emilie Otto, who has given me the chance to host and teach watercolour workshops at her business House of Hobby.(opens in a new tab)
This journey has allowed me to rediscover my voice as an artist and designer, while staying grounded in my purpose as a lawyer and community builder. It’s proof that we don’t have to choose between careers or passions, we can weave them together into something beautiful and impactful.