We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Motta. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria below.
Maria, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
In the early days of my career as a children’s book illustrator, I faced a lot of rejection. Trying to get representation felt like an uphill battle, with countless “no” responses along the way. But I’ve always believed that persistence is key, and as much as I am persistent, I’m also a pusher. I knew that if I kept waiting for someone else to give me a chance, I might never see my dreams come to life. So, instead of giving up, I decided to build my own path. I created my own business, pouring my heart and creativity into it. The negative responses only fueled my determination, and every “no” became a stepping stone toward being what I have always wanted to be. That’s how I persist—by pushing forward, creating opportunities, and believing in my vision, no matter what others say.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a Colombian illustrator who started out as a children’s book illustrator, and created Twibbles, my small business —a gender-neutral baby and toddler apparel line that focuses on sparking kids’ imagination and creativity.
What makes Twibbles unique is that each collection isn’t just clothing; it’s a story, a starting point for kids to create their own worlds. Drawing inspiration from Montessori and Waldorf pedagogies, our designs encourage independent play, exploration, and thinking beyond the ordinary.
What excites me most about Twibbles is how it allows me to combine motherhood, my love for illustration, imagination and creativity. We’re not just making clothes; we’re nurturing a child’s ability to dream and imagine.
Right now, we’re working on some really exciting new things, including a fresh collection that I can’t wait to share. We’re also expanding our reach with more pop-up events and collaborations, so stay tuned! I’d love for your readers to join us on this journey and see where their imagination can take them.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are persistence, adaptability, and a strong sense of community.
Persistence has been key. When I faced rejection in my early career as a children’s book illustrator, it would have been easy to give up. But I kept pushing forward, believing in my vision even when others didn’t. For anyone just starting out, my advice is simple: don’t let the setbacks define you. Every “no” is just one step closer to your “yes.”
Adaptability has also been crucial. When my path didn’t go as planned, I didn’t cling to a single idea of success. Instead, I pivoted, creating Twibbles and finding new ways to express my creativity. Being open to change and willing to explore different avenues can lead you to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.
Finally, a strong sense of community has been invaluable. I’ve learned the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, both personally and professionally. Building a brand that supports others, like the people I partner with in Colombia, has made my work more meaningful. My advice for those early in their journey is to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations. Find your tribe, support one another, and build something greater together.
Developing these qualities takes time and experience, but by staying committed, flexible, and connected, you’ll set a strong foundation for whatever journey you choose to embark on.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the difficulty of doing everything by myself. Running a small business is tough enough without juggling every task alone. After relocating from California to the East Coast due to economic challenges, starting from scratch both personally and professionally has been a significant task.
I realized that to truly succeed, I needed to delegate and rely on a strong team. Now that I’ve found my dream team, I can focus on what comes next for Twibbles. Having the right people in place has lightened the load and allowed me to shift my focus toward growth and new opportunities. The goal now is to bring Twibbles to every corner of North America and connect with parents who are passionate about nurturing their children’s creativity and imagination.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.twibbles.kids
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twibblesbaby/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/twibblesbaby/
Image Credits
Photography @bernalphoto
Illustration @mariamottaillustration
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