Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrick Moss.
Hi Patrick, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I worked as a live-in nanny for a Mexican family in South Texas over four years. One year, I grew out my beard, which was totally white, and the children I cared for began to call me their very own Santa Claus. I posted a pic on my personal Facebook account and received an overwhelming positive response from family and friends. Soon thereafter, I was contacted to work during the upcoming holidays as Black Santa. It did not work in my favor that year. Early fall in September 2019, I had a heart attack. I decided after my return home from the hospital to spend the rest of the year recovering. By the next Christmas holiday season, I would be ready to don the Red Suit. I got started in this industry after reconnecting with the agency that provided this type of service entertainment. During that season, I realized there was a demand, and I could deliver a little more creativity on my own. That is when I decided to create Black Santa EFX, LLC.
Since my independence, I have sat as a Mall Santa with The Santa Experience MN in Bloomington, Minnesota, at the Mall of America. I have traveled to Washington, DC, and worked with professional photographers and event planners to appear as Black Santa. I have also worked closely with local photographers in my hometown of Houston, Texas, and the metropolitan area. This season, I look forward to expanding my territory with appearances in Bowie and Waldorf, Maryland, Dallas, Seguin, and San Antonio, Texas.
Within the past year, I have written my first children’s book. It was inspired by working with the children I looked after and experiencing their imagination as I watched them grow. A Best Friend’s Christmas tells of an adventure by a group of diverse friends. It shares the importance of family and the magic of dreaming. I am proud to be a first-time author and look forward to writing more. My debut children’s book can be purchased online through my website at www.blacksantaefx.com. Stay tuned for the Spanish translation late fall.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. The biggest struggle I have experienced has been with the publishing company for A Best Friend’s Christmas. I submitted my manuscript and artwork in January 2023. The finished book was released in March with my approval but not to my specifications. It was nothing of what I expected. I immediately contacted my Project Manager, and it took forever to receive a response. After addressing those issues, I waited another 90 days for the correction. Adjustments and modifications were made, but still not to my satisfaction. By then, I just wanted the project to be done. Fast forward to the present, I am waiting to approve the hardcover of A Best Friend’s Christmas with hopes of it being available soon. Follow me on social media for details and notifications.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What I am most proud of is the release of my first children’s book. It’s a heartwarming story for the entire family to enjoy. It’s a story about something we all have experienced at one time in our lives. Spending time with family and friends during the Christmas holidays and the creativity of being adventurous. Get your copy and join in on the fun!
My next proud accomplishment is the diversity in my Santa Suit wardrobe. I wanted to not only offer the traditional red and white that we all are familiar with but add my own creative touch to take my appearance to the next level. I have had each of my suits custom-made by hand. I commissioned a team of seamstresses and tailors to include family and friends. I incorporated authentic African Wax Print and Mud Cloth directly from Ghana, West Africa, to enhance my look. My objective was to capture the essence of Black culture and embrace the tradition in celebration. Along with my natural beard, I wanted to provide a heightened sense of authenticity in my presentation. I believe this sets me aside from others.
In my professional life, outside of being a Santa Claus portrayal artist during the off-season, I sing and work with a few local arts organizations in the Houston area. I have been a part of the Houston Ebony Opera Guild Music Society and Houston Grand Opera for over 20 years plus. More recently, I have participated with the Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra, participating in their celebration to honor the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. What I enjoy the most in all that I do is the seeing the smiles on faces and witnessing the joy brought to many hearts.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is having a peace of mind and knowing that your efforts are sincere in making a difference in the world. It is important to me because it starts with me. If I deliver a certain amount of love, positive energy, and inspirational motivation, it will only spread amongst those I encounter and come across in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blacksantaefx.com
- Instagram: @black_santa_efx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Black.Santa.EFX
- Linkedin: Pat Moss
- Twitter: @Black_Santa_EFX
- Yelp: Black Santa EFX
- Other: www.amazon.com/dp/9655783499
Image Credits
Allison Kolafa Photography
