An Inspired Chat with Moses Lopez of Loma Linda

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Moses Lopez. Check out our conversation below.

Moses, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Are you walking a path—or wandering?
For a long time I was wandering always finding myself not knowing if there was ever a path for me. At times I felt like an outsider not fitting in but standing out from the crowd which had its advantages but also disadvantages. It was not that I was an awkward or solitary person, it was that I see the world differently than most, I notice things that others don’t and express myself through creative avenues like art, music, fashion, photography, writing, videography etc. Further, while being I am a creative at heart I am also fiercely competitive in part that I been play sports since I could walk. In a word I am an athlete who dedicates lots of time to stay fit, pushing my limits and carefully selecting what I out in my body – well sometimes haha! I occasionally splurge on apple pie, gelato, Korean salt bread and snacks to name a few things. In many ways I am unique in that I began to create my own path not paying attention to the “noise” or following trends instead learning to love my self for who I am – a fiercely competitive creative – and living out everyday to the fullest, enjoying the small moments. Which became more evident when my dad tragically passed away 3 years after battling cancer bravely just to succumb to covid. I miss him everyday as he encouraged my creativity and now in everything I do I strive to honor his memory. In addition, I have found through creativity I can heal and traverse grief. Whether that be creating video content about coffeeshops or k-pop, I am able to heal and continue to walk my own path. The beautiful things about creating your own path is that you will find others who have done the same and you will inspire each other to continue to make the world a better place, a place where no matter who you are, you belong. While I am no longer wandering but even when I was I was not necessary lost I just needed time to notice that I was already walking my own path.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Through creativity and content creation I have found healing for my soul and a safe space to traverse the loss of my dad. Professionally I work as a marketing and social media coordinator but in my own times outside of work I create various forms content across diverse social media platforms. The content ranges from coffeeshops to k-pop to fashion. I believe the term is a micro influencer. This avenue allows me to express myself and tell stories. I tend to notice everything whether that be intentional or unintentional, I can’t avoid noticing the finer details. I suppose it comes naturally as I don’t really have to think about it much. Usually that is what takes the bulk of my focus when creating content, to highlight what makes a coffeeshop unique far beyond just the drinks they offer but how do people feel when they come to study or talk with friends. Understanding the pulse or voice of a place is what I am mostly interested in and the goal is to highlight that voice and pulse in ways that others can visually or audibly see. Which also presents its challenges at times but I enjoy the challenge as I further pushes my creative limits and takes me to places that I would have never considered or thought of. Further, I want the story to be impactful but also short to the point as we all know that our attention span is short. All this to say that I love what I do and know that it is just the beginning, I know that I still have further to learn and that is exciting!

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Losing my dad 3 years ago has shaped my view of the world in more ways that I could ever imagine. I become more emphatic, giving and selfless not that I was not already but now it’s much more pronounced and natural. Further, I am more introspective and constantly thinking about others whether it be family, friends or even people I have not meet yet. It’s fascinating and it challenges me to appreciate what I have and to spend every second, minute, hour etc. fully aware and be present. It has helped me appreciate my friendships but also to remove myself from relationships that did not have the best interests in me or were hindering my ability to grow. When I go to coffeeshop before I even create content, I sit and take in the moment. I pay attention to every detail of my surroundings whether that be the ins and outs of customers, what they are wearing, the making of the coffee, grinding of the beans, the smell – every detail! I immerse myself in the moment and enjoy the creative process along the way. Further, I also make k-pop content whether that be from concerts I go to, original content, fancams, photos etc. To me its more than music, its helps me heal the pain of losing my dad apart from also my deep appreciation for Korean culture whether that’s its traditions, language, food and its people. I am very much invested and it’s one of my greatest joys. Also, it influences how I see the world and a deep appreciation of different cultures and what makes them unique. I love this new perspective of life and at every opportunity I will share it with others.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Be yourself and don’t worry about what others say or think of you, you are uniquely made and there is only one of you in the world and that is your superpower. Which goes to say that not all heroes wear capes, we are all in our own unique way with the abilities and skills we have obtained, our personalities etc are, are own superheroes. The greatest gift of life is learning to love yourself for who you are because when you learn to love yourself, you will be able to love others. I would also tell my younger self to live fully every day as tomorrow is not promised. To experience every moment from laughs to tears to accomplishments and everything in between. To feel is what makes us human, it’s what connects us with each other. We are social beings after all and when we connect we find purpose. Further to allow my imagination to flow whatever that maybe as nurturing your creative at early age can help heal the soul and give you an avenue to face lives greatest challenges. Younger me learned a lot and had such powerful influences in my parents and I am proud of what I have become and continue to develop into. I hope to instill the same values when I have kids of my own. It will be a full circle moment for me and honor my dad’s memory.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
A resounding yes. From a young age my parents thought me that to truly live a life free from the burdens of societal expectations or those passed down whether the be to cultural or upbringing, you must learn to love yourself for who you are and be the best version of yourself. It was a powerful lesson that has shaped who I am today. I value being vulnerable and transparent and showcase who I am no matter the setting. I think of it as my superpower and why I never worry about peoples perception of me for I am more focused on what I can control and what I can’t I don’t bother thinking bout as my energy should be invested in those that truly love me for who I am. I truly take care of my own whether that be spending financially, emotionally or relationally. I value my friendships as they shape part of who I am and try to surrounded myself with people who will challenge me to be a better person, neighbor, brother, son etc. Further, by being my full authentic self in private or public, I feel relieved as I don’t hide who I am, I am just me. It brings me great joy. If there is one thing I value the most is an authentic relationship where both persons are free to be who they are and feel any shame or embarrassment further their uniqueness, personality, abilities etc. are celebrated. It’s a gift and I never take it for granted.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
My authenticity I hope. I consider myself to be an open book what you see in private is the same in public. I don’t hide behind a fake persona, I enjoy being myself as why wouldn’t I as there is only one of me in the entire world – think about that! I hope to be remembered as someone who never hid his love for creativity, coffeeshops, fashion, k-pop, family, community etc. but more importantly his love for God and serving others. From a young age my parents taught me to serve others and help those in need. It has become part of who I am, I don’t have to think about it much, it flows naturally. It can be as simple as making someone feel seen through a greeting or hug or volunteering at a soup kitchen. There are so many way s to make the world a better place you just have to start somewhere and that somewhere can be in your own neighborhood . Give it a try, I can assure you it will change you. I hope people also remember me for making them feel at ease with being themselves or made them laugh or even just smile. There is no greater gift than to put a smile in someone’s face, it’s life changing and transformational, I hope that is my legacy.

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