Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Erica
Hi Michelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been trying to figure out my purpose for years and have tried many things, from a podcast to blogging but none of them fulfilled me and felt God sent so I didn’t see them through fully. I went through a really dark place from a bad breakup with a person who was not only a partner but a best friend. I also had a toxic boss at a job I loved but due to her was unable to fully be there for my kids. Due to this I decided that I no longer wanted to settle with anything in my life. I wanted to do something I loved, that was fun, and allow my kids and mental health to be my priority! I wanted to focus on healing and doing what made me happy because I had the power to change what I don’t like. So in March 2024 when I lost my job due to discrimination from my Director, as a single mom of twins I had to figure out a plan and what it was I really wanted to do.
At a young age growing up in an East Texas town I’ve always gone at the pace of my own rules and was captivated by the intersection of commerce and creativity. I’ve also always loved kids and they refer to my house as “The Fun House” so I knew that kids were a part of my purpose. Since I was little I’ve known I was meant to be my own boss and live a life of luxury! When things transpired with my job I never wanted to give anyone the power to fire me again. As I navigated through the complexities of supporting my daughters, one who has Autism and the other Dyslexia, through their challenges it instilled in me a deep sense of determination and resilience. Witnessing their unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity served as a source of motivation to push me beyond my own limitations and pursue my dreams to own an Art Studio and be a Kids Art Dealer.
Since I was already collecting art from my kids from when they were little it dawned on me that I had plastic bins of art that I did not want to get rid of. As I started looking through them I said it’s meant for me to sell these, everybody was already giving them accolades and speaking it over us due to their creativity at their age. We made the decision together to sell copies of some and original of others. So I decided to create a website to start selling the art and as they draw I upload them to the site. However, I was still confused on my purpose in this and what it is that God intended me to do so I prayed on it one morning. It was 3:34AM or something like that and I just talked to God and by 4:20AM I had written out my plan for MMMoore Twins & Co Artism Studio.
We started as just an Art Studio but with one of my daughters having Autism I wanted to also cater to those children as well. Being an Autism mother has not been easy and not everywhere is accepting of kids with special needs or learning disability, sometimes due to sensory issues, loud noises, etc. Initially, I just wanted to start a black children’s museum so it would be the first in Houston, but it still didn’t feel like that’s what I should do. So when God sent me the signs and showed me my true purpose I knew that the Artism Studio was it, Autism and art. This would not only allow me to sell my children’s art, but the Co. is for friends and our plan to sell their art as well and they receive all the proceeds without a hassle. Although the studio has not opened at this time it is being planned and with God on my side I will see it through. We will offer art therapy, sensory free/noise events, clay molding, drawing lessons, painting sessions, and so much more. I want to just be able to continue to advocate for special needs children, create jobs, promote economic development, and address the stigma in my community regarding learning disabilities and mental health.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has most definitely not been a smooth road, as of March when I lost my full-time job the income I needed to fund the business I no longer had. My daughter was starting to have her meltdowns from being overstimulated again and it was like the flood gates opened for so many problems and the world was weighing on my shoulders. The struggles of not having some people that I wanted to win with around me not see my vision and believe in me was really a tough road to face. I’m a genuine and loving person, I always want to bless those around me and see them make it as well, it was really tough loosing those people. Some people were so focused on me going back to a job, but nobody was really hearing or seeing the vision God instilled in me. I had to really sit in isolation and figure out a plan to continue to focus on the business and getting things started so that I would not have to return to work for anyone, but myself.
I’ve learned as I’ve been getting closer and improving my relationship with God that He is guiding me through everything and I don’t stress myself. I’ve been blessed to be at peace through the process and so grateful that I can give my all fully to focus. Since this is my first time navigating through starting a business and having a physical location while obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree, being a full-time mother, it gets overwhelming. There are times I find myself crying and praying to figure out how to navigate through everything, but I know at the end of the day God will make a way. He did not bring me this far just to leave me. Since I initially planned to fund the business with my full-time job, the change of events made things different that I planned or expected. I constantly tell myself “Erica stay the course” because I know that what God has for me no man can get in the way of and every thing is going according to His plan and not mine.
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 can’t fully take credit for the Artism Studio and the art being created since I haven’t created any art just yet, but it’s coming. A lot of people don’t know that I went to Fashion Design school and can draw as well as create art. I can however give credit where it is due and that’s to my daughters Mya & Mia. They are the Artist behind MMMoore Twins & Co and they love to draw creative characters based off their imagination, their favorite characters, or even their friends. They will take special request to draw certain things for their friends at times and I’m so amazed at their work. We adopted the slogan “Sparking creativity in little hearts one masterpiece at a time, at MMMoore Twins & Co creativity knows no limits and imaginations run wild! We are a dedicated artist on a mission to inspire and nurture the budding Picassos and Van Goghs” so that we can also include other artist.
At the moment I’m wearing many hats from management, accounting, marketing, social media creator, the list goes on and on. I pretty much do everything by myself and the things that the girls are able to assist with, they do.
I am most proud of myself and how far I’ve came after all that I’ve been through. I’ve beat depression, focused on healing and self-improvement, and bounced back from every thing meant to tear me down. I’m really in this surreal moment like I’m really a dream chaser, chasing and following my dreams, things are really happening for me, I’m really building a legendary legacy. I’m proud that even when I’m unsure and the road gets tough, my faith is very strong, and God is always there. No matter what God continues to provide me the tools and see me through the storms unaffected by the rain. I am also beyond proud of my daughters and their determination to help me see the vision through. They give me deadlines to upload new art, sneak their business cards to school and pass them out, and they continue to reiterate the importance of staying on top of things. I include them on mostly everything that I can when it comes to decisions for the business. With them being so young I was not expecting the determination that they have to be business girls, but they never cease to amaze me in all that they do. They are really wonderful and smart kids who I know have what it takes to get them far in life. One of my favorite memories thus far is when we reviewed samples and they had me correct things with them I didn’t even know they had an eye for.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I feel like I’ve had both good and bad luck, but more so good because of who I am as a person and what I put back into the universe. I am a genuine, loving, and kind person that leads with love and pure intentions in every and any thing that I do. I don’t even care to have recognition for it most of the time. I’m not saying that I’m perfect, I have flaws, but I always try to do the right thing even when it’s hard to do. I feel that my faith in God plays more of a part than luck and either way good or bad I’m grateful and blessed for the lessons. I know that I am unfathomably lucky because I’m educated, motivated, and that I have a wonderful support system from my family that are rooting for me. We normally get a call every other week from someone in our family of friend circle that’s seen or heard about the project and they are excited and offer encouraging words, it keeps me inspired on staying the course. We have a lot of support!
I am also lucky enough to have both of my parents in my life who provided me a great life and taught me things to be successful. A lot of people feel that I was born with a silver spoon, but once they truly get to know me they see my determination and hustle. My parents have been very supportive of this journey I’m on and continue to encourage me to see it through. Anything that I may need I know that they are a phone call away and willing to drop everything to come help!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MMMooreTwinsCo.com
- Instagram: @MMMooreTwinsCo
- Facebook: @MMMooreTwinsCo
