We recently connected with Amor Roldan and have shared our conversation below.

Amor, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on was building and creating the world of Yap and Stitch. Yap and Stitch started off as just an idea. The idea was that I wanted to bring people together who felt like they never had the space to fit in and feel seen, just like myself. I also wanted people from the community to bring in their love for fiber arts and crafts in general, to build connections with others who would join my idea of this thing called Yap and Stitch.

From there, I took a risk and hosted my first ever meet up at KUBO LB in Bixby Knolls. It was amazing to see how many people came out who wanted a space to build community. This process of curating the project was so meaningful because I was able to see a community form right in front of my eyes and experience how amazing organizing events and clubs can be.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Amor Roldan, and most people in the art community know me as Amorcito’s Artcito. As cheesy as it may sound, I’ve always been a creative individual. From drawing with my dad at the age of 5, to making my siblings try on the next fashion piece I sewed at the age of 10, I’ve always had an eye for art.

I started my journey with art, after a long break of self-rediscovery, back in 2024. I began by slowly drawing both traditionally and digitally. What really pulled me back into the creative realm was discovering PLACE in Long Beach, a volunteer run community printing studio. I printed my first ever art piece there, and I saw how amazing it felt not only to see my art beautifully printed, but to feel proud of something I created.

From there, I’ve been unstoppable. I’ve created stationery items, been a vendor at so many events, and most recently started organizing my own events. I’m proud to say I am the creator of Yap and Stitch, a fiber and craft club for the Long Beach, Orange County, and Los Angeles communities, and The Tiny Art Market, an interactive art market where guests can engage more deeply with vendors through a sticker scavenger hunt card.

What I want people to know is that everything I do is rooted in love and community. I always make sure everyone is seen and heard. I want people to feel happy and loved when they leave my events or see my art.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Sometimes in life, things can pile up and become hectic. You do so much and say yes to everything that you forget about you. I had to unlearn the habit of saying yes to everything. Not only am I a creative, but I’m also a sixth grade math and science teacher. At work, I already have a full caseload of responsibilities, but when I go home, I continue with my art and community event planning. People will kindly ask if I want to collaborate on a project, or if I can record something for an event, etc…and of course, I would say yes to every. single. thing.

It got so bad that I would disappear from social media for months without any notice, because I was burnt out. I finally had a meaningful talk with my manager, who also happens to be my sister (so lucky!) and she reminded me that it’s okay to do what I can, and that it’s okay to say no.

As a creative, you want to say yes to every opportunity that comes up, but it’s important to remember to take care of yourself. It’s easy to get lost in everything, especially because it’s our first time living and experiencing life. But you need time for you. At the end of the day, take care of yourself. Saying no for your peace of mind is never selfish.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is having the chance to build meaningful community spaces like Yap and Stitch and The Tiny Art Market, and witnessing different worlds come together.

With the way the world is right now, it can be hard to see the beauty and power of true community, but through my art and events, I get to experience it firsthand. Whether it’s someone feeling seen, making a new connection, or simply walking away happy, I know something meaningful happened.

That’s all I’ve ever wanted, and will always want. These moments are the main reasons why I’m an artist and a community event planner at heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.amorcitosartcito.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yapandstitch?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: art instagram : https://www.instagram.com/amorcitos.artcito/

  tiny art market: https://www.instagram.com/tinyartmarket/

  tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ammorcitoo