Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Cabrera.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Veronica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in Houston. I grew up watching my father draw in the evenings. When I was ten, he passed away. Years later in his memory, I drew hands praying with his name around them. Someone in my class liked it and asked me to draw something for them. I did, my classmates liked it and I kept on. Later, I would find myself in my room drawing for hours and hours. A teacher noticed and helped me apply for H.S.P.V.A. I was accepted and was crazy excited! Unfortunately, I quickly was overwhelmed and got into trouble and was expelled. The following year, I enrolled at Davis High where I met my now-husband.
As a teen mom, life became extremely complicated. Although my passion for creating art was strong, the day to day challenges overpowered my passion. Shortly after my 3rd son was born, my husband suffers a severe injury that pulls him from work for about four years. I became the head of the household and took a job as a scaffold builder in the oil and gas refineries. In between building scaffolds, I found myself drawing on gloves and painting hard hats.
Eventually, my husband is able to return to work. I find myself with different freedom and decide to volunteer at my children’s school. I begin creating all kinds of art for PTO functions. One day Susanna, the PTO president, assigns me to be the face painter for the school festival. I had never done this before and was extremely nervous to take on the task. I dove in and people loved it! By the end of the event, everyone was taking my number to hire me for their birthday parties. My new gig as a face painter quickly grew. Now, I’m a professional face painter.
Aside from being a face painter, I have become very passionate about art in the life of children. I work for the Vineyard Church of Houston and have combined imaginative prayer with art. Recently, I coordinated our first Next Generation Art Exhibit.
For three years now, I have coordinated the Arts and Entertainment for the Sabor Del Northside Festival. It has been such an honor to connect with other artists and find places for them to also express their passion.
Recently, I have been working on graphic art and hope to turn my graphic art into a children’s book. My latest accomplishment is my largest project yet. A 60 foot mural in Heights Houston. Which I am also coordinating a block party around for this Nov 9th from 10 am-2 pm at Vineyard Church of Houston.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Life has been crazy difficult! I have four children, no formal training, have had many life challenges. There was a time where I felt I wouldn’t survive!
However, the love and support from my four sweet boys and the never-ending encouragement from my husband, has given me strength and a desire to move forward. I also know that God has been with me the entire time and there’s a plan, I just don’t know what it is. It’s not always clear, but one thing I know is art flows through me. I plan to bless those around me with it in any way I can. I know I just can’t stop. I wish I could cover everything in paint!
Please tell us about Paint Brush Express.
Currently, I am Paint Brush Express. I paint walls, glass, people and even your dog! I’m not joking I’ve painted Dogs at events before! I offer services like face paint, Henna, Paint parties, Murals, Art Meditation, etc.
Eventually, I hope to be an advocate for artists that may find it difficult to navigate this industry. Last week I pulled a friend in and took her with me so she could also paint and earn her share. In the past, I have trained people to face paint. I believe in “teaching men to fish.” I feel we can all be empowered in our skills with a little guidance.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
It’s hard to say if I could start over since I believe that our decisions and life experiences make us who we are today. I mourn many losses like that of my father, my relationship with my biological mother, the loss of my grandmother who raised me. I mourn these and so many other things.
The only thing I wish I could change is not pursuing an education. This is a bit of a thorn in my side. However, I know we all follow our own path and this just happens to be the one God put me on. Who am I to say it should be different than what it is. I also know it’s not too late. Not having done things the conventional way has taught me the meaning of hard work and how to push through. I value work ethic and perseverance. These are values I wish to teach my children.
My boys have seen Mom, a woman, work hard. They have seen her get dirty and I pray they appreciate and respect not only me but any woman around them!
Contact Info:
- Email: v.cmoreno4@gmail.com
- Instagram: htxronni3
- Facebook: Paint brush expresses PBE
Image Credit:
Alex Barber
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