Check Out Mari Hines’ Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mari Hines.

Mari, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born & raised in Staten Island, NY. Art has always been a part of my life. I danced ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and African dance throughout my childhood. As I grew older, I began to become more interested in music. I learned how to play clarinet & became a part of my middle school’s jazz band. We performed all over NYC including the Lincoln Center! After high school, I branched out into acting & modeling.

I did numerous plays around New York City as well as small roles in TV shows & movies. While acting I took art classes at 92Y. During the pandemic, I leaned more into clothing design, painting, sketching, and sculpting. Mocha Things is the name of my brand. mochathings.com is where you can find my portfolio & see all of my beautiful creations. Art and creation are an outlet for me to express myself. I am so grateful and blessed to be able to share my expression with the world.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest struggle for me is self-doubt. The talent has always been here with me and it always will be. At times, I may doubt myself & my talents but I always remind myself that art is subjective. As long as I like what I create that is all that matters.

In the beginning, I was afraid of picking up a paintbrush and painting because I kept repeating to myself “What if what I create isn’t good? what if it isn’t how I imagine it should be?” I then realized I was holding myself back from trying. The best thing in life that you can do is try & take a chance on yourself. I am glad I took a chance on me.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an artist and I specialize in creating. I am most known for my clothing designs & paintings.

What sets me apart from others is I believe in myself, I trust myself & I honor myself by allowing my creativity to flow beyond my body into whatever I create whether that be fashion, music, or a canvas. I am most proud of my drive & the fact that I never gave up on myself.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting.
My best advice to anyone starting is to just do it. I know it sounds cliche but you truly have to just try. Don’t think about what you’re going to do, don’t talk about what you’re going to do, don’t look around at the other people who are doing what you want to do. Just do it. Create what your heart tells you to. Set your mind to a goal and actively work towards it. You have to be selfish with your time and energy.

If you care about what you do put your soul into it! One thing that I wish I knew when I was starting is how important it is to have the right people around you. You are who you surround yourself with. I have an immaculate support system now and I am extremely grateful and proud of that.

Contact Info:

• Website: mochathings.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mochathings?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Marimochaa_
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@amarihines6528?si=uaReQRVDDEB0iHbl