Meet Norma Melgoza-Paredes | mother & Nonprofit president

We had the good fortune of connecting with Norma Melgoza-Paredes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Norma, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The Hissing Cats, Corp. was founded as a nonprofit organization to showcase the art of my two beloved daughters, Candice and Marylyn Zepeda. They were extremely creative artists who lost their battles with mental illness. My commitment became to raise awareness about mental health, bipolar disorder, depression, addiction and suicide prevention. To spread the message “it’s ok to be different” and to help rid people of the stigma that follows mental illness and addiction so they can get help.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Researching, learning about art, and creating an art exhibition is now my personal and professional objective. My goal is to cover all significant art districts in Los Angeles County and beyond. I hope to reach as many people as possible who appreciate art, to share vital links to resources in our county and state that aid in the various aspects of mental illness. When people walk into Candice and Marylyn’s art exhibits which always include talented guest artists, it brings awareness and attention to mental health.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the area, I’d start by choosing a Los Angeles County art colony, perhaps Pomona, DTLA, or West L.A. to take them to an art exhibit where they would enhance their experience with the thoughts and feelings that art brings out in a person. We’d then dine on Melrose and finish the evening at my favorite venue, The Hollywood Bowl. I once said, if I could, I’d pitch a tent and live at the Bowl!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Several surviving friends and family who couldn’t accept this tragic loss. First, Beau McGavin, photographer and good friend of my daughter, Marylyn, once comforted my sorrow by suggesting to keep her inspiring and creative legend alive with a nonprofit organization that would bring awareness to mental illness through art exhibits and thought-provoking events to raise the level of consciousness to all who attend. My husband, Paul Paredes, witnessed first hand how devastated I was in losing both my daughters, showed his love and support by creating my business website, my family and friends who showered me with love, in particular, Sara Lawhorn, my devoted friend and supporter of all my endeavors with the Hissing Cats Corp. by lending a listening ear, crying or laughing with me, making donations and keeping in daily contact to check up on her grieving friend.

Website: Thehissingcats.org

Instagram: the.hissing.cats

Facebook: Norma Melgoza

Image Credits
Isabel Cordero, Paris Zepeda, Beau McGavin, Paul Paredes