Today we’d like to introduce you to PATRICK MOSS.
Hi PATRICK, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a first-time children’s book author who is a native to Houston, Texas. I was inspired to create Black Santa EFX, LLC and write my first book after working as a live-in childcare provider in South Texas. I grew our my natural white beard one holiday season and the children of the family I looked after referred to me as their own personal Santa. I posted a pic on social media wearing a Santa hat and my beard and received a positive overwhelming response. Shortly after relocating back to Houston,, I was recruited by an agency and began my Black Santa journey. The second year I decided to appear as Santa independently resulting in the demand for the jolly old guy, That year was rewarding so I decided to take my talents to the next level and write a children’s book; A Best Friend’s Christmas. It has also been translated in Spanish and is available for purchase online. While writing the first fantasy adventure, an idea to follow up and write a series came to mind. Stay tuned for the next release!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. As with other businesses, the lack of funding resources has been a challenge. My product(s) is seasonal and marketed during the Christmas holidays. That makes it unique. One huge obstacle I have faced is not finding legitimate qualified individuals for guidance with marketing and promoting my children’s books. That vetting process is tedious.
I lost my Facebook Page to hackers last fall It was devastating and a headache attempting to recover it with no success. I plan to rebuild soon. Keep an eye out.. Another challenge that appears to be ongoing is hearing people say they support you but never purchased your product. For those that do, it’s a challenge to get a review..
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am most proud of my writing my first children’s book. The adrenaline surge while writing felt like no other. The excitement led my mind to venture beyond and become even more creative. I have challenged my self to rite more and complete a series. To add, A Best Friend’s Christmas has been catalogued in Houston Public Library Central location. Anyone has the liberty to place it on reserve and/or go physically check it out there.
I am known for my festive eye-catching colorful Santa suits. I have eight different suits with a few enhanced with authentic African Wax Print and Mud Cloth fabric shipped directly from Ghana, West Africa. This concept was derived to enhance and embrace the Black culture. I believe that this is what sets me aside from others in the industry in regards to exposure. We do not compete against each other. It’s a brotherhood.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Honestly, I do not believe in luck. I have lived by the practice that what happens was meant. I relate luck to gambling and I am not a gambler. I will admit to being a risk taker and in most cases have been rewarded.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blacksantaefx.com
- Instagram: black_santa_efx
- Linkedin: Pat Moss
- Twitter: black_santa_efx
- Other: TikTok: black_santa_efx
Image Credits
The Santa Experience MN – Mall Of America – Bloomington, Minnesota Discovery Green – Houston, Texas Kala Ferguson Photography – San Antonio, Texas Future Leaders Learning Academy – Spring, Texas Hooks Family Christmas Party – Spring, Texas Michael Walker Photography, Sugarland, Texas
