Jennifer Mota
Tell us about you and your work.
I'm a Dominican-American clothing designer, Multimedia Creative, and Journalist. Most of my work focuses on music, fashion, and Black Latinx identity. Within music, specifically Latin American music, I've spearheaded content relating to genres under the Movimiento umbrella —such as reggaeton, Latin trap, Dominican Dembow— and Afro-Latinx stories. While working as a digital assistant for People en Español's English-language vertical People Chica, I wrote a deep dive and crash history article Recognizing Dominican Dembow: From Jamaica to El Alfa, in which I highlighted the history and pioneers behind the sub-genre. I would say it positioned me in the industry as an authority, and I earned a lot of respect from established journalists and industry OG's, which led to the creation of my column at Remezcla "Si Tu Quiere Dembow," where I focus on different aspects of the culture.
What inspires you?
The arts and social issues heavily inspire me. When you think of fashion, music, film, and politics, they all intersect and go hand in hand. Whenever I fall in love with a particular song or genre, I’m actively thinking about the creation process, what it’s rooted in, and who is the music for? (Who is the audience, and what is their story?) My background also inspires me: A Dominican-American bodega baby that grew up in one of the greatest cities on the east coast, Philadelphia. My identity will forever spill into my creations, and I can’t remove it from my work.
What does community mean to you?
Fuerza. I find strength in community, I find solace, and I find support. If it wasn't for the various communities that have supported my work and believed me in times that I didn't, I don't know where I would be today. I will never forget that.
Favorite film
It's so hard to choose one. But Selena: The Movie has always been a favorite since I saw it on VHS as a little girl. Her performances and music enamored me. The movie depicted how relatable she was and why so many of us looked up to her. She was down to earth, silly, and graciously navigated her bicultural identity even when she was openly struggling. Abraham's scene lecturing his kids in the car about not being Mexican enough for the Mexicans and not being American sufficient for Americans is iconic and resonated with so many of us.
Favorite song
I feel like I’m betraying all my music idols, but currently, I’ve been navigating a lot towards Blondie's “Heart of Glass.”
Favorite place
My room. It's a vibe, purposefully curated to bring me peace, soothe me, and bring me clarity and happiness. I'm very particular about my style and interior design, and I also feel that you see me when you see my room.