Meet Kimberly Duran

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

Hi Kimberly, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in the resilience and determination instilled in me by my migrant Mexican parents. They journeyed from Mexico to provide my siblings and me with opportunities they never had in El Distrito Federal. Witnessing their sacrifices and unwavering dedication to building a better life for our family left an indelible mark on me. From a young age, I saw firsthand the importance of hard work as my parents toiled tirelessly to make ends meet. Their relentless pursuit of a brighter future taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and the intrinsic value of hard work. It’s a legacy I carry with me every day, driving me to give my all in everything I do.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Hello my name is Kimberly Duran, known professionally as “Shmi”. My journey into the realm of art began in Santa Ana, where I was born and raised. From a young age, I found solace and purpose in the act of creation, initially expressing myself through the crafting of mural backdrops for local plays at the age of 11. My identity as a first-generation Chicana plays a pivotal role in shaping the essence of my artistic expression. Raised by migrant parents who settled in Santa Ana, I have always felt a profound connection to my cultural roots. Growing up, frequent visits to Mexico exposed me to a rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and values, instilling within me a deep sense of pride in my heritage. My art serves as a reflection of this journey, weaving together themes of identity and belonging. Through the lens of my experiences and observations, I strive to amplify the voices and narratives of those who inhabit the spaces around me. With aerosol and acrylic as my chosen mediums, I specialize in the creation of large-scale mural paintings that speak to the soul of my community. Rooted in the traditions of folk art, my work is a celebration of the vibrant cultural life that thrives within Santa Ana. Each stroke of paint is a testament to the resilience, beauty, and diversity of the people who call this city home. Through my art, I aim to shape and redefine the collective identity of my community, fostering a sense of pride and unity that transcends boundaries. I am the Co-Founder of The Heavy Collective whom has created more than 100 murals, and has partnered with the HGTV, Anaheim Ducks, University of California San Diego, University of California Irvine, City of Santa Ana, City of Los Angeles, City of Laguna Beach, Def Jam records, Viacom, MTV, Univision, Blue Bowl Super food Cafes and Local Non-profit organizations to beautify walls in public areas where people of diverse cultures and backgrounds can have access to free public art on their daily commutes. We also conduct workshops and are available for commissions.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities that profoundly influenced my path are authenticity, discernment, and self-worth. Embracing my roots and identity in my artistic expression allowed me to develop a unique style that resonated with others. My art became a reflection of my heritage and perspective, offering a fresh and individualistic take on my cultural background.

For those starting their journey, my advice is to stay true to yourself and your artistic vision. Dive deep into your heritage, drawing inspiration from your own experiences and cultural influences. This authenticity will set you apart and attract those who resonate with your voice.

Additionally, learning when to say no was crucial in my development as an artist. Not every opportunity is worth pursuing, and understanding your worth allows you to prioritize projects that align with your values and creative vision. Saying no creates space for the right opportunities to come along, leading to more fulfilling and impactful work.

Finally, recognize the importance of originality. Your unique perspective and artistic voice are your greatest assets. Embrace them wholeheartedly and trust in your creativity to guide you towards success. Remember, authenticity and originality are what make your art truly exceptional.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely, I’m always open to partnering and collaborating with brands that share a passion for community engagement, inclusivity, and pushing positive messages through quality visual art. I believe in the power of art to foster connection, inspire change, and uplift communities.

If you’re a brand looking to invest in the neighborHOOD and promote a message of positivity and inclusivity through visual art, I’d love to collaborate with you. Whether it’s through creating custom artwork, developing visual campaigns, or participating in community projects, I’m eager to contribute my skills and creativity to projects that make a meaningful impact.

If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out to me through theartofshmi@Gmail.com. Let’s work together to create something truly special that resonates with audiences and spreads positivity throughout our communities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.5hmi.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/5hmi/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/5hmiii/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbaL6lFJmYRH1VF4YWytJUQ?view_as=subscriber