Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elizabeth Moore. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Elizabeth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Getting fired from my barista job ended up being the most important wakeup call of my life. At the time, I was working three jobs just to stay afloat—exhausted, uninspired, and barely making enough to cover bills. Some weeks, I was literally stealing produce just to eat. But even worse than all of that was the fact that I wasn’t creating. I’ve been drawing since I was four—art was always my escape, my peace, my identity—and I had completely lost touch with that part of myself.

On top of that, I didn’t feel like I belonged anywhere I worked. I didn’t connect with my coworkers, I was constantly masking just to make it through each shift, and every job left me feeling more drained than the last.

The day I got called into that upstairs office, I already felt like I was walking on eggshells. Then came the pink slip. I remember sitting there holding back tears, confused, and wondering why me? I grabbed my things, walked out without saying a word to anyone, got in my car, and just broke down. The only person I wanted to talk to was my mom. Through tears, I told her everything—how lost and defeated I felt. That’s when she said, “Mija, just open your business!”

That single sentence shifted something in me. It was the first time I realized… if I can give this much of myself to jobs that don’t value me and still be disposable, why not pour that energy into something of my own? I was 19. No kids, no mortgage—just me. A dream I’d been sitting on and nothing left to lose. That same evening, I drove to a bank and opened my business, June of 2016.

It was a risk, absolutely. But looking back, the bigger risk would’ve been staying stuck where I was.

That experience taught me a few things: that your lowest moment can be the beginning of your real story. That rejection can be redirection. And most importantly, that taking a risk on yourself—especially when it feels impossible—is one of the most powerful things you can do.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hey there! I’m Elizabeth Moore, a full-time digital artist, business owner, and the founder of E.Moore Art Studio and Mooreoki. I started my business at age 18, after getting fired from my barista job. I’ve been drawing since I was four years old. Art has always been how I’ve processed the world, expressed myself, and connected with others. But it wasn’t until I hit a breaking point that I realized I had to stop waiting for permission to take myself seriously as an artist—and just go for it. That decision changed my life.

Now, I run a creative storefront call Mooreoki in downtown Fargo, North Dakota that offers everything from custom portraits/character commissions, vibrant poster prints, stickers, and host other nerdy creatives like me to community events. I also travel to conventions throughout the year to sell my art. It’s one of my favorite ways to connect with people face-to-face and geek out together. My clients come to me for more than just “a drawing” they come for art that feels personal, nostalgic, and deeply tied to who they are. Whether I’m illustrating someone’s furry friend, designing a line of work that revolves around life experiences, or creating fanart that makes someone excited to see, my work is about connection and transformation.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just create art. I create safe spaces. I’ve built my brand to be a place where people feel heard, celebrated, and represented. I’m proud of how silly or raw and real my work and my presence are, especially in an online world that can feel very curated. I let people in on the behind the scenes—the wins and the chaos—

I’m most proud of the community that’s grown around my work. Especially the young creatives who say they feel less alone when they see what I share. I’m also proud of how my art has evolved to not just reflect me, but empower others. I’ve created collections that turn pain into power, celebrated cultural roots, and honored identities that deserve to take up space.

At the end of the day, I want potential clients and followers to know: I see you. I get you. I’m building something that isn’t just pretty—it’s personal. I’m always rooting for the version of you that dares to dream out loud, even when you’re still figuring it all out.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A major pivot in my business happened when I decided to move my store downtown. For six years, I had a storefront that, while functional, didn’t spark the inspiration I was hoping for. I had reached a point where I was seriously debating closing it down, going back to a small office like when I first started, or maybe even walking away entirely. It was a tough time, and I felt disconnected from the space I was working in.

But then, in late April 2023, a friend who owns her own store mentioned that a spot next to hers downtown was opening up. Suddenly, it felt like a second chance. A fresh opportunity to do things differently. At the time, I had years of experience under my belt compared to when I first opened my store at 19, clueless about how to run a business. This time, I was more confident, more knowledgeable, and ready to take that risk. I reached out to inquire about the space, and to my surprise, I was approved!

With this new space, I knew I had to do it right. I wanted to redesign everything, from the layout to the flow of business, to match the vision I had for a new brand. That’s when I decided to create, Mooreoki—a space not only to sell my work and merch but to support other creatives like myself. It’s been about creating a community where others can grow alongside me, just like I had hoped for when I first started out. On top of that, my friend and I revived the Anime Club we started back in high school. Now, a year into it, we average about 15 attendees each month for our club meetings and outings. It’s been amazing to see how the community has grown, and I’m excited to continue fostering connections among people who share the same passion for anime and creativity.

Making this move felt like reclaiming my passion for my business and putting all the lessons I’ve learned into action. The pivot wasn’t just about changing locations—it was about shifting my mindset and deciding to bet on myself once again.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The best thing you can do for a creative is support them—cheer them on, celebrate their work, and stay curious. Growing up, I was always drawing, whether in class or at home, and I was fortunate enough to be praised for it. Looking back, I realize how kind those people were, even when my art was still in its early stages. But the real power behind my growth came from having a supportive family and close friends who believed in me. That encouragement fueled my passion and pushed me to keep refining my craft.

One way we can support creatives is by engaging with them directly—go to local markets and meet the artists behind their work! Ask questions, get to know the stories behind the pieces. Instead of buying mass-produced art from big-box stores, consider supporting local creators or commissioning custom pieces. When you do that, every dollar goes straight to the artist, helping them continue doing what they love. And honestly, isn’t having a one-of-a-kind piece more exciting than something you can find anywhere? When we show up for artists, we help foster a creative ecosystem where everyone can thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emoorearts.com/
• Instagram: @e.mooreart & @mooreoki
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emoorearts

Image Credits

First picture in front of my store the photographer name is Chase Evert @chaseevert