We recently had the chance to connect with Mery L. Hamlin Cardona and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mery L., thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Thank you for having me. I believe most of us struggle secretly with impostor syndrome one way or another, and we don’t speak about it. Impostor syndrome is when we struggle to believe that our success is deserved and achieved as a result of our own effort or skills. Regardless of all the efforts and work we put in day in and day out, there may be a lingering feeling of undeserving. That we are somehow not good enough and that there is something better out there, and other people will realize that we tricked them into believing we are more than we are. People hide it in many ways, some act overconfident to help overshadow those feelings, and others just secretly work harder to make sure they keep deserving their success. Regardless of what people do and whichever situations happen to them in their lives, this is a reminder that you are, in fact, enough and deserving. There is a reason why you are where you are and have achieved things. I myself have to remind myself of this. We are enough, and we do deserve what we have worked for.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Mery and I am a visual artist based in Houston, TX. I started my brand name BrokenxPalette, where I sell cute with a tint of dark art. It’s a mix that really speaks to who I am. I have always been into the dark and the spooky, and the cute and kawaii. Growing up, I felt like I had to choose between both aesthetics, but time has changed that for me, and I can now appreciate both. I create for others like myself who enjoy both aesthetics. I also love creating original work, but you can catch me creating fan art for my favorite nostalgic characters.
BrokenxPalette is still a small brand that is local to markets and conventions in the Houston area. I am hoping to expand my brand by branching out in the upcoming years, and I will be posting those updates on my social media regarding future events and markets. On that note, exciting news is that BrokenxPalette is launching its online shop in October 2025! This will be a great next step that I am very happy and excited for! New items and past favorites will be included in this launch, in a range of items such as art prints, stickers, sticker packets, bookmarks, magnets, car air fresheners, and a growing list of new merch ideas! This is done in mind for the ones that I hope to provide for who can’t attend live events or are not in the Houston area. I appreciate everyone who loves my work, and I want to make sure I do my best in creating systems that work for them.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a child, I believed that to be successful, I had to be financially successful at a young age. I no longer believe this, as I have realized that success can mean so many different things. Everyone has their own definition of success as well as their own path. Whether you are a stay-at-home parent who finds success in making sure your child is happy and has the best version of a childhood. Or someone who wants to pay their bills and finds success in enjoying their free time whichever way they please, regardless of the career they chose. Up-and-coming artists, musicians, and dreamers who are choosing to pursue their passions at whatever stage in life they are in and have found success in being their most authentic selves. I have now realized that is what success means to me, living your most authentic self in whatever way that may mean to oneself. Now, when it comes to age being tied to it. I believe it is never too late to start and pursue one’s authentic self. It is a journey, and it can be easy for some, but for others, you may need to experience different experiences first to understand who we are. I am now a believer that I can be successful at any age. I just have to live a life that I am happy with.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
One thing suffering has taught me more than success ever could is resilience and perseverance. It’s easy to keep going when everything is going well. The true test arrives when everything goes wrong and you have to stand strong and keep pushing for what you believe in. If you fold when times get tough, then you may have never stood for the cause as strongly as you may have thought. You won’t know if you are up for the challenge until put to the test. Suffering challenges you to prove your commitment to your own success. Staying strong and finding ways to bounce back is a great skill in life.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
A project I am committed to, no matter how long it takes, is my graphic novel that is slowly but surely being written. It speaks of my take, hopes, and dreams of this world and a better one. I am writing this story to cope with injustices I see in the world and help others find light and meaning through lessons and positive takes on what should and could be. Although the story is not realistic, as it is full of magic and whimsical characters, I do hope I can help bring peace to myself and to those who feel this world has become too dark. In this project, there will be darkness and harmony, and it is my mission to bring it to life.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people remember me as someone who inspired them. I hope they tell a story of my wacky personality that shined even when things were dark and help them find light in the darkness. My work and stories documenting my existence, and I hope they speak bittersweet about my stories, for it is cute with a tint of dark.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/BrokenxPalette
- Instagram: @brokenxpalette
- Youtube: @brokenxpalette
- Other: Email: brokenxpalette@gmail.com
Image Credits
Isaac
