Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronnie Marquez.
Hi Ronnie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Some of the most meaningful things I’ve created in life were born from moments that required faith, resilience, and a willingness to heal out loud. I’m a self taught artist based in Kansas City, and my journey started at five years old with just a pencil and my emotions. Growing up in the foster care system, drawing became my way of processing what I didn’t have the words for. I always say the pencil felt as heavy as my heart, and the more I drew, the lighter it became.
Over time, that personal connection to art turned into purpose. In 2024, I had the opportunity to be part of the Tech N9ne Roll Call video shoot, where I met Rittz. That moment opened a door I never expected. He not only encouraged me but later gave me the opportunity to create cover art and merchandise for his CNT Records releases. Around that same time, I experienced the loss of my twin, which was one of the hardest seasons of my life. Through the support of artists like Tech N9ne, Joey Cool, Jerry Robinson, and Rittz, along with my faith in God, I found the strength to keep creating.
That journey led me to build MamiRonnie’s Art Therapy, where I now help children and adults use creativity as a safe space to process emotions. Everything I do today is rooted in healing, faith, and giving others a way to feel seen and understood.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been an easy path. I have faced homelessness, deep personal loss, and moments where I felt completely overwhelmed by life. Losing my twin changed me in ways I am still learning to navigate. There was a period where I withdrew and struggled to even show up for myself.
One of the biggest challenges was learning how to face pain instead of running from it. Art became that outlet, but it also took community. Serve The World played a major role in helping me rebuild my life when I could not figure things out on my own. They helped me understand financial stability, gave me guidance, and reminded me that I was capable of more. That support led me to go back to school, earn my diploma, and eventually serve as a board member so I could give back to others.
Another challenge was fully embracing my identity and trusting that my story, my faith, and my creativity all had purpose together. Once I stopped trying to separate those parts of myself, I found clarity and strength to keep moving forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an artist and art therapy instructor who uses creativity as a tool for healing. My work is focused on helping people, especially children, process emotions like trauma, anxiety, and everyday stress in a safe and positive way. Through MamiRonnie’s Art Therapy, I create spaces where individuals can express themselves freely while building confidence and emotional awareness.
What sets me apart is that my work comes from lived experience. Art was my therapy long before I ever taught it to anyone else. I understand what it feels like to carry heavy emotions and not know how to release them. I also create inclusive, childlike characters that reflect real differences in children so they can see themselves in the artwork. My daughter is a huge inspiration behind that. Her journey of self acceptance, including wearing glasses, is reflected in my designs as a reminder that what makes you different is something to be proud of.
My faith is also a big part of what I do. I walk closely with God, and I see my creativity as a gift that allows me to uplift others, bring healing, and create connection in a way that goes beyond words.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Surprisingly I love to dance and sing gospel songs. I’m very shy so I normally keep it at home. But I love music. My art is normally created while listening to music, it helps me release everything in feeling.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamironnie?igsh=ZmN6MjFxcXIzcGJx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1aNN2M2Aur/
