I first met Dora at one of our events in our showroom. After chatting with her, I realized that she painted the amazing murals inside and outside of Freedom Apothecary (see our blog post with Bon) which are SO beautiful. It might be silly to admit it, but when the mural first went up on the exterior, we pulled over and the whole family got out to take a photo in front of it after school. We were so excited to visit her home and studio to learn more about her creative process and chat about how she manages being a mama of three and a successful artist. Read more below! -Amy Voloshin
Ok, we LOVE your artwork—how did you get into murals?
I became friends with Daniel at Mission Taqueria thanks to Sunday mornings at OX coffee. One day, he came across my Instagram account and realized I was an artist. Next thing I know he is asking me to paint all of the bathrooms at Mission. Of course, I said yes! It was the perfect opportunity to work big scale, something I had been wanting to do for a while. After that, things just kept coming. I worked with Bonkosi and Morissa on the Freedom Apothecary murals (inside and on the corner of 2nd and Brown), Streets Dept Walls at the Fashion District, and a couple murals at home in Costa Rica. I love bringing my art to public and private spaces in a big scale and I can’t wait to share the projects I have lined up this year!
What’s your morning routine like?
I’m an early riser by nature but no longer by choice with my three little ones. We keep our mornings slow. As soon as I get downstairs, I put on coffee and music. My husband cooks breakfast for us all and I try to sketch for a bit while the kids eat. I love slow mornings but then it’s time for school drop off and the day just flies by after that.
What’s your favorite spot in your house?
During the cold months, it’s definitely our living room—reading books, playing legos, drawing on the iPad—it all happens there. During warmer months, the hammock out back is my go-to. There’s a lot of good bird watching in our yard.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee. So much coffee!
Breakfast or skip it?
I don’t really function if I skip breakfast.
Favorite recent read?
Know My Name by Chanel Miller
Favorite way to exercise?
Dancing is my favorite way to move my body.
Meal prep or just figure it out mid-day?
Figure it out mid-day.
Full set pajamas or mix and match your bottoms with something else?
Tank top and pants or dress, as long as it’s soft and comfy.
What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
Dance parties with the kids are at the top of my list.
What do you do for self-care?
I go home. Costa Rica is everything for me. Being far away from my family, the way of life and its nature has a profound effect on me. Going home roots me in myself and fills me up.
Favorite beauty product?
I picked a stain stick from NOTO Botanicals at Freedom Apothecary a couple of months ago and I wear it almost every day!
What’s your favorite thing about yourself?
My ability to let go and be shamelessly silly and goofy with my kids.
Do you have a nighttime beauty ritual?
I wash my face and moisturize. I keep it simple.
Slippers or barefoot?
Always barefoot.
Netflix / Amazon / Hulu? What are you watching and how?
With Apple TV we jump from one to the other! Lots of Disney lately with Disney+. I love comedies or a good thriller, but never anything scary. The Marvelous Mrs. Mazel was my latest binge.
How much do you sleep?
Not much at all.
What is the last thing you do before you go to bed?
I’ll usually doze off while drawing on my iPad, talking to my husband and watching TV.
You can follow along with Dora's life and art through her website and on Instagram.
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