We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Erica a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

MMMoore Twins & Co. was born from my journey as a single Black mother navigating the world of Autism after my daughter’s diagnosis at age 3. I faced countless challenges, from understanding her unique needs to finding spaces where she truly belonged. However, upon learning about her love for drawing and art I decided to provide her the necessary tools and allow her to draw what she was imagining. From this I decided to work on opening The Artism Studio—a place where children with special needs can express themselves freely through art, be celebrated for who they are, and find a community that understands their journey. Our mission is to provide a safe, sensory-friendly environment where every child, especially those like my daughter, can explore their creativity, grow in confidence, and feel seen for something creative.

Michelle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I initially got into art through my passion for fashion design. As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a model, and I had a deep love for fashion. I would always ask my parents for clothes and shoes that were anything but ordinary. I had a flair for furs, necklaces, and purses—anything that made a statement. However, as I grew older and tried to figure out what I really wanted in life, I decided to focus on business and earned a degree in it.

My return to the creative world was inspired by my daughters, especially after seeing their natural talent for drawing. Watching them create without formal lessons—especially my daughter with autism—was incredible. It reignited my love for creativity, and that’s when I decided to build something special around their talents.

Entrepreneurship is definitely a journey with its ups and downs, but I don’t let the hard times get to me. I’m incredibly proud of the work my daughters are creating, and I’m focused on building a legacy for them. Their dedication to completing their pieces and pushing me to upload them to our website is something I admire deeply and motivated me to focus on the Artism Studio.

What sets my businesses apart from other art spaces is our commitment to creating a sensory-friendly environment. We want to cater specifically to children with sensory sensitivities and developmental challenges, offering customized art tools, quiet spaces, and staff who are trained to understand the unique needs of each child. This is not going to be just an art studio—it’s a safe, creative haven where every child can express themselves freely, regardless of their abilities.

Ultimately, my goal is to build a brand that not only showcases my daughters’ amazing talents but also provides a space where other children with special needs can thrive creatively. I want our clients and followers to know that we’re about more than just art—we’re about creating opportunities for children to express themselves in a way that’s authentic and supportive.

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

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and I love the saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” For years, I worked at a job that I loved and gave my all to. I even won multiple Employee of the Month awards and was named Employee of the Year multiple times. However, to excel in that job, I had to sacrifice time with my daughters, which weighed heavily on me. My plan was to work full-time while focusing on my art business part-time. But in March 2024, that plan was disrupted when my job was terminated, leaving me unexpectedly jobless. While the situation was tough, it also freed me from what had become a toxic and stressful environment. I knew in my heart that God was doing what I wouldn’t do for myself—removing me from a place I no longer belonged.

So, I decided to turn that pain into motivation. I pivoted by shifting my focus entirely to building my art brand full-time, while still pursuing another degree. Many people around me questioned how I would manage, especially since I had children, a mortgage, and bills to handle with no steady income. But my faith in God was unwavering. I trusted that He was leading me toward something greater, even though I didn’t fully understand the path.

The journey wasn’t easy, especially when I had to keep my faith strong and stay positive while facing challenges that seemed overwhelming. It’s hard when people around you don’t see the vision God has for you and, at times, can be more discouraging than supportive. But I’ve learned to remain faithful, pray, and stay focused on the belief that everything will work out in the end.

My ultimate goal is to build a brand that helps not just my own kids but also others in the growing special needs community. Through my faith and perseverance, I’m confident that I’ll end up exactly where God wants me to be, fulfilling the purpose He set for me.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn on my entrepreneurial journey is the need to control everything. I’ve always had a habit of wanting to know exactly what’s going to happen so I could prepare for it or ensure things went according to plan. However, I realized that this need for control was holding me back. I had to unlearn the idea that I could manage every aspect of my life and business and instead focus on trusting the process.

I had to learn to let go, be in the flow, and have faith that everything would work out as long as I kept God first. This mindset shift also helped me slow down and embrace the idea that success takes time. The saying “the turtle won the race” became a powerful reminder that rushing through the journey wasn’t necessary.

I’ve also fought through depression, especially during a dark period when I was prioritizing everything and everyone but myself. I was trying to control too much at once, and it eventually took a toll on me mentally. Learning to let go and trust that things will be alright was one of the hardest but most important lessons I’ve had to internalize. Now, I remind myself to take things one step at a time, with faith guiding me forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mmmooretwinsco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MMMooreTwinsCo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMMooreTwinsCo

Image Credits

Headshot-Grace Photography