We were lucky to catch up with Patrick Moss recently and have shared our conversation below.

Patrick, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

During the process of creating a name for my business, there were a several factors that were considered and put into play. The first that came to mind was to create something that was universal that everyone could identify and relate. Secondly, it had to be short for the sake of being easy to remember. Lastly, I wanted something that would uniquely identify the brand. Part of my presentation as Black Santa consists of a multicolored wardrobe. I wanted a direct correlation to come to mind. All while factoring in mind the placement of the alphabet in regards to a search on the internet. Thus the name Black Santa EFX was formed.

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?

I was approached by an agency after posting a photo on social media of me wearing a full white natural beard donning a red and white Santa hat while at the beach. I was living in south Texas working as a live-in nanny for a family of four children at that time. Soon after I relocated back to Houston with the idea of starting my first year as Black Santa. That was halted after I experienced a heart attack fall of 2019. I spent the holiday season recovering and was looking forward to the year 2020. As we all know, March 2020, the country was brought to shut down resulting in the pandemic. The agency reached out to me once again and we discussed provisions to provide the service in spite of circumstances. The entire world by now was addressing means to provide protection and still deliver. Christmas 2020 came and we made it happen. Although I was ecstatic about my role portraying Black Santa, my first year was just shy of disappointment. I managed to maintain two bookings the entire season that year. I took a minute to evaluate the situation and discovered that I could do this independently. I had the background in performance with over twenty-five years experience. My participation with the Houston Ebony Opera Guild Music Society, Houston Grand Opera, and The Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra continuously grooms me. Over twenty plus years of management has given me the skillset to operate my own business. And my love for children has as much energy as the light that glows in Rudolf’s nose.

What sets me apart from others is the uniqueness of my presentation. My wardrobe is diverse and includes enhancements that are authentic and native to Ghana, West Africa. I offer a variety of services to include but not limited to storytelling, sing-alongs, limited sign language just to name a few. I provide representation to let those know Santa, too, can look like you! Check out my website for more details at www.blacksantaefx.com.

What I am most proud of the progress made over the last two years. I have built a relationship with The Santa Experience MN at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. I have had the opportunity to sit as Santa Pat for the 2021 and 2022 Christmas Seasons. I have established connections with event planners and photographers in the Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan area and look forward to revisiting Christmas 2023. In addition to building bridges, I have completed my first children’s book entitled “A Best Friend’s Christmas!” There is a link to purchase on my website. I was inspired by the children I cared for while working with their family. A few events occurred in my personal life ignited that flame. As the 2021 season ended, I had the idea to up my game and writing a Christmas children’s book came to mind. Look forward to a few more to follow.

I would like to world to know that Black Santa EFX brand is here to bring love, joy, and peace to all.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I obtained the funds to initially to start my business with the Unemployment Pandemic provided by the government through the state. I utilized my stimulus to purchase items needed to create my Santa suits. That capital also was used to purchase the LLC, insurance, laptop, printer, etc. I considered things I know I would need to make a business office function with ease. In addition , I also enlisted a long-time friend for financial support during the launch of Black Santa EFX. Recently, a grant provided by the Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity has helped me purchase additional equipment for my business. The impact has been positive and very much appreciated.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being Black Santa is seeing the smiles on faces of people as they visit. In some cases, there are the shy ones. They open up and all smiles by the time the visit is done. Hearing stories of how much I am appreciated to bring life to the character melts my heart. The compliments made on my Santa suits only adds to my joy. I am beyond glad that I am able to provide something all can relate to and acknowledge.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blacksantaefx.com
• Instagram: black_santa_efx
• Facebook: Black.Santa.EFX
• Linkedin: Pat Moss
• Twitter: @black_santa_efx
• Yelp: Black Santa EFX
• Other: Snapchat: @Black_Santa_EFX TikTok: @Black_Santa_EFX Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
– Erica Bryant ~ Houston, Texas – Unforgettable Memories Event Center ~ Stafford, Texas