Meet Patrice Monteiro

We recently connected with Patrice Monteiro and have shared our conversation below.

Patrice, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Many times, being the only one in the room representing my age and ethnicity has definitely taught me a lot about confidence and purpose. Over time, I’ve learned to be effective by grounding myself in who I am before I even walk in. I remind myself that I’m there for a reason — my voice, my experience, and my perspective have value. I try to lead with authenticity. Instead of trying to blend in, I focus on contributing in a way that reflects my truth and background. I also pay attention to the room — listening, observing, and choosing moments to speak that move the conversation forward. Building genuine relationships has also been key. Even when others don’t share my background, I find common ground and connect through shared goals and respect.
Of course, there are moments when being ‘the only one’ feels isolating, but I’ve learned to turn that into strength. It’s helped me become more resilient, empathetic, and intentional about how I show up. I’ve found that difference is actually a superpower — it allows me to bring something new to the table that might not otherwise be there.

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?

Thank you — I’d love to share. I’m the founder and creative force behind GABA GIRL, a platform that blends art, mental health awareness, and empowerment. My work centers on transforming emotion into visual storytelling through mediums like 3D paper quilling, textile-inspired portraiture, and mixed media. Each piece I create is rooted in themes of healing, resilience, and identity — often exploring what it means to be a Black woman navigating both creativity and community. What’s most exciting to me about my work is its transformative power — not just for me as the artist, but for those who experience it. I use color, texture, and pattern as emotional language, allowing viewers to feel seen, grounded, and inspired. Many of my portraits carry a sense of spiritual reflection; they’re built from layered materials in the same way people are built from layered experiences. Beyond creating art, I’m passionate about building community connections through workshops, artist talks, and collaborative projects. I’ve partnered with spaces like Long Beach City College, Cerritos Library, and Expo Art Center — using art as a bridge between creativity, mental health, and social healing.
Right now, I’m expanding GABA GIRL’s reach through a series of upcoming art-therapy-based events and limited-edition portrait commissions designed for wellness spaces and offices. My hope is to continue creating spaces — both visual and emotional — where people can reconnect with their stories and remember that healing, too, is a form of art.

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

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities and skills that have shaped my journey are resilience, emotional intelligence, and creative adaptability. Resilience has been the foundation. As an artist and entrepreneur, there are seasons of uncertainty — moments where opportunities take time to unfold. Learning to stay grounded, keep showing up, and trust the process has made all the difference. My advice to others is to embrace setbacks as part of your story, not the end of it. Growth often happens in the quiet in-between moments.

Emotional intelligence and creative adaptability have also been essential, especially in the work I do that bridges art and mental health awareness. Understanding people — listening deeply, reading energy, and communicating with empathy has helped me connect authentically with others. I’d tell those early in their journey to slow down and really learn to see people. Connection is a skill that will carry you farther than competition ever will. The ability to evolve, experiment, and pivot — has kept my work fresh and meaningful. Whether through 3D paper quilling, photography, or textile-inspired portraits, I’ve learned that art, like life, requires flexibility. For anyone starting out, I’d say: don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. Your creativity will grow when you give yourself permission to change.

I’d definitely say, resilience, emotional awareness, and adaptability — have allowed me to turn purpose into practice and to keep building a life where art, healing, and impact intersect.

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 — collaboration is at the heart of everything I do. I’m very interested in connecting with artists, educators, therapists, wellness practitioners, and community leaders who believe in the transformative power of art. My work exists at the intersection of creativity and emotional wellness, and I’m always looking for people and organizations who want to explore how art can heal, teach, and build community.

Whether it’s through art therapy workshops, community installations, or interdisciplinary projects, I’m drawn to collaborations that make art more accessible and restorative — especially in spaces that serve women, youth, and underrepresented voices. I also love partnering with wellness-focused businesses, schools, and nonprofits that want to integrate creativity into their environments in ways that inspire and uplift. My goal is to build bridges — to use art not just as expression, but as a form of connection and empowerment. Collaboration, to me, isn’t just about producing something beautiful; it’s about creating impact that lasts beyond the canvas.

Anyone interested in partnering can connect with me through GABA GIRL, my creative and art therapy brand. I’m available via Instagram, LinkedIn, or email — and always open to meaningful conversations that turn shared vision into collective action. Together, we can turn art into a tool for healing, visibility, and change.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1gabagirl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quilldoodles
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrice-monteiro-9297934b/

Image Credits

Patrice Monteiro