We had the good fortune of connecting with Marisa Mustard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marisa, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in Athens, GA. I feel like my background & upbringing greatly impacted my career. My dad, uncle and aunt all own their own businesses and growing up seeing that made me believe it was possible, not to mention all of the advice they gave me along the way. Also, all of the wonderful, inspiring people that live in Athens that I was able to draw inspiration from.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love painting functional art, murals, mailboxes, guitars, etc. it took years of me working side jobs until I finally was able to do art full time. I am currently about to start a podcast where I interview people while painting murals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oooo..that’s a hard one. Breakfast – Mamas Boy, Ideal Bagel
Lunch – White Tiger, Siri Thai
Dinner – Depalmas, Cali n Tito’s
Fun- kayaking down the Apalachee River, walking at Dudley Park, playing pool at the Rail, seeing a show at the 40 watt or Nowhere Bar
Coffee- Jittery Joes Roaster or Hendershot’s

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people in my life deserve my thanks but of all the wonderful people surrounding me, my dad is the one who deserves it the most. My dad used to teach high school & didn’t enjoy it. The year I was born he took a huge risk and quit his job and started roasting coffee. I had heard this story my whole life. For years I was trying to become a full time artist while working side jobs, when I got pregnant with my daughter I knew I had one shot to really give it a try. Thanks to my dads story, I took the leap.

Website: https://mleilaniart.bigcartel.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.leilaniart/

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