Meet The Team: Dora Moua
Dora Moua is our Creative Director & Content Manager. She oversees the content across all our social platforms and ensures that our messaging is cohesive. She creates all our beautiful graphics, actualizes all our visions, along with keeping the team accountable!
Tell us about yourself!
Hi! I'm Dora Pangchia Moua and was formerly a Thao. I am a Jesus-loving, adventure-chasing, lavender obsessed West Coast girl that's privileged to be a part of the team here at The Story Cloth Shop. I was born in Orange County, CA but we've moved so many times throughout my childhood that it was hard claiming any city as "home." I currently live in Oregon and love everything about the Pacific Northwest. I am the oldest of 8 and married to my husband of 14 years and still counting. I am multi-passionate and love helping people. On top of leading here as the Creative Director/Content Manager, I am a Children's Director, Nanny, & Inspirational Blogger as well.
After high school, I had no idea what I was going to do since I was already married. All I could think of was getting a job and bringing in income. I was so worried about security that I never even had a chance to dream and envision what the future could look like. I never would've imagined being a part of a team that has such great passion and love for the Hmong. I knew I loved creating, community, and storytelling but never thought I'd have the opportunity to partner up with the beautiful ladies here on becoming bridge builders for the Hmong community.
Fun Facts About Dora
My favorite hobby is to create. It seems a bit vague but I love all forms of creativity: writing, singing, crafting, etc. Whatever it is that allows me to infuse my personal creative expression.
My guilty pleasure is binge-watching "This is Us." Every episode literally makes me tear up.
My hidden talents are...reading minds? I can almost always tell what people need or how to cheer them up. It's my superpower. I also love singing.
Some activities on my bucket list are to live in a foreign country, visit New Zealand, meet my sponsored children, and ride a hot air balloon.
What's a perfect day look like for you?
A perfect day for me looks like me waking up to a beautiful sunrise, having the freedom of time to have stillness and meditation before the day begins. I then would work from home on all the things I'm passionate about & endlessly spend time on creating. Then, once my husband returns, we can enjoy cooking a meal and going for a walk outdoors together.
What's one thing you have been putting off doing?
One thing I have been putting off is training for a relay race that my husband and I are signed up for, due to the weather. But since it's been quite nice out, this is the month to get it going.
What’s your go-to order at your favorite coffee shop?
I'm not an avid coffee consumer. It's usually a cup of black coffee or more commonly, a dirty chai with almond milk for me.
If you could say one thing to your 19-year-old self, what would it be?
You cannot make everyone happy. Take time to care for yourself first before you prioritize everyone else. You cannot serve people out of a place of emptiness. You cannot give what you don't have. Only when you've learn to love yourself wholly, can you love people well. Set boundaries, and know that it is not selfish to make space for your own personal growth and healing too. Your story matters more than you'll ever know.
Want to Connect With Dora?
Follow her @beautyofbarrenness