Meet Mo | Artist & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mo, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Spending time with the people I love is the epitome of happiness for me.

Especialmente mi familia. Family grounds me and reminds me of my roots. I’m very proud to be Cuban and anything that reminds me of my heritage gives me an endorphin boost. From the smell of Cuban coffee to hearing the beats of a Celia Cruz song, I’m happiest when I feel close to home.

Although I’ve never physically been to Cuba, it lives inside me. You can take a girl out of Cuba, but you can’t take Cuba out of the girl.

I’m hopeful to experience Cuba Libre one day but for now, Little Havana is second best.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Some are born with a silver spoon in their mouth… me on the other hand, I was born with a crayon in my hand. The walls in my childhood room were covered with Crayola and I usually had glitter on my face. I’m a self-taught artist – I’m not professionally trained but I’ve been creating since I can first remember.

But if we want to get real, I used to be terrified to call myself an “artist” for the longest time. Coming from a Cuban refugee family, having a scarcity mindset was the norm. Although I lived and breathed art, I knew I did not want to become a “starving artist” – so I turned away from art.

I decided Public Relations was a great mix of creative and business so I dove in and now work full time in a PR agency. For years I abandoned my art and focused solely on work. A couple years in… I pivoted to a creative role within my agency and started practicing creative in my personal life too.

I became curious about exploring my style and became more comfortable showing my work off. I discovered artists who I resonated with and inspired me. And finally… I realized I was an artist all along (ha!) and Mo Art was born.

Mo Art focuses on mood-boosting colorful art that reflects the energy and warmth of Cuban & Miami culture. Creating gives me joy and my art aims to give that joy back to the world. Lately you’ll find me creating interpretations of Cuban idioms, painting my Mueca series or pumping out my Cafecito sculptures.

When it comes to my art, I’m most proud of my journey and how I rediscovered my creativity. For anyone reading… just know that each individual has a unique path and it’s never too late to start creating. Get to it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely check out Little Havana!

Eat – Any Cuban Spot & the best Thai food ever, Lung Yai

Dance & Drink – Ball & Chain

Dessert – Azucar

Coffee – Corner Ventanitas

Hang by – Domino Park

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I was raised by extremely creative women – my mother and grandmother made creativity look easy. It was part of their DNA and they passed that down to me. I dedicate my shout out to mi madre y mi abuela. Sometimes I struggle with imposter syndrome but then I remember: the creativity in them is the same creativity in me.

My family is a refugee family who left communist Cuba in hopes of a brighter future. They sacrificed everything so I could live in a free country and chase my dreams. This is my biggest inspiration – continuing to carry out their legacy and accomplish what they wished for.

My mom and grandma have always been my biggest cheerleaders and inspiration. Last year my grandma passed away but I know she’s always with me. Descanse en paz Abuelita.

I’m blessed to still have my mom motivating me and pushing me to break new boundaries. Look out for a Mo Art x Mom collab soon!

Website: www.moartmoproblemz.com

Instagram: @moartmoproblemz

Other: TikTok: @moartmoproblemz