Meet Ethel & Carlo Zafranco

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ethel & Carlo Zafranco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ethel & Carlo, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
The journey of AQMNI has been nothing short of a roller coaster. There have been countless moments when we’ve wondered if we were crazy for continuing. We’ve traded our work for a place to sleep, found ourselves in debt, and faced many days filled with tears, sweat, and even a little blood under the scorching sun. Despite all these hardships, something about this path felt right.

When we looked past the difficulties, we saw our exponential growth. We saw the changes we were making in our community and the positive impact on the people we were working with directly. We also noticed significant changes in ourselves. We’ve become totally different people from when we started, edging closer to the idealized versions of ourselves that we envision.

The decision to keep going often comes from these realizations. Every time we found ourselves inspiring others, we, in turn, found more inspiration to keep moving forward. It’s almost as if we’ve created an ecosystem of inspiration wherever we go. This reciprocal cycle of motivation and growth keeps us going, even during the toughest times.

Ultimately, knowing whether to keep going or to give up boils down to seeing the bigger picture. Despite the challenges, the rewards of growth, community impact, and personal transformation make it all worthwhile. For us, it’s this ecosystem of inspiration and the tangible changes we see that reaffirm our decision to keep pushing forward.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Our art is a vibrant expression of our journey, our community, and our values. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to using art as a tool for empowerment and transformation. Each mural we create is a collaborative effort that tells a story, fosters connection, and brings beauty to the spaces it inhabits. Our approach to creating murals is unique in that we don’t design a single thing until we really learn the story that is meant to be told. This process ensures that our art is deeply rooted in the experiences and narratives of the community.

One of the aspects we are most proud of is our East Palmdale Mural Project, which blends art therapy techniques with community engagement. We just completed the inaugural year of this project, and the impact was more profound than we could have imagined. This project not only beautifies and unites our community but also provides young artists with mentorship and valuable skills, creating a lasting impact on their lives.

Getting to where we are today professionally was far from easy. It involved countless challenges, from financial struggles and uncertainty to physical and emotional hardships. There were many moments of doubt, but we overcame these challenges through resilience, a strong sense of purpose, and the unwavering support of those who believed in us.

Along the way, we learned several valuable lessons. One key lesson is the importance of staying true to our values. Our commitment to community, empowerment, and artistic expression has guided us through the toughest times. We’ve also learned the power of collaboration and the profound impact of inspiring and being inspired by others.

What we want the world to know about AQMNI is that our work is more than just creating art. It’s about building an ecosystem of inspiration, where every mural, every project, and every interaction contributes to a larger narrative of positive change. Our brand is a testament to the belief that art can heal, connect, and transform communities.

Our story is one of perseverance, passion, and purpose. We are dedicated to creating art that not only beautifies spaces but also empowers individuals and brings communities together. Through our journey, we hope to inspire others to follow their dreams, embrace their creativity, and make a difference in the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
With running our business and raising a two-year-old, it sometimes feels like we’re raising two toddlers at the same time! While we don’t get out as much as we used to, we still have a few favorite spots from our time living in Korea Town and hanging out in the Arts District downtown that we’d love to share.

We’d kick things off with some delicious hand rolls at KazuNori, followed by an amazing Korean BBQ experience at Parks BBQ. For a taste of diverse flavors, a visit to Grand Central Market is a must. It’s the perfect spot to explore a variety of food stalls and savor a wide range of cuisines. Another food highlight would be Northern Thai Food Club, where you can indulge in some of the best Northern Thai cuisine.

Art and culture play a big role in our lives, so a visit to Hauser & Wirth Gallery in the Arts District is definitely on the list. This incredible art gallery offers a great mix of contemporary pieces and vibrant exhibitions. Speaking of art, we’d also take a trip to The Broad Museum and the LACMA. LACMA is especially great during the summer with its wonderful events and installations.

For a bit of relaxation, we’d head to our favorite low-key beach in Playa del Rey. It’s perfect for unwinding and enjoying the sun without the hustle and bustle of more crowded beaches. We’d also spend some time at Wi Spa in Korea Town for a truly relaxing spa experience. Echo Park is another favorite spot where we’d enjoy a leisurely paddle boat ride on the lake and soak in the serene environment.

We love to do karaoke in Korea Town, so we’d definitely include a fun night of singing our hearts out. And for some dancing, we’d find a lively bar or club to let loose and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. We also enjoy attending rooftop cinema events, which offer a unique and memorable movie-watching experience under the stars. Catching a show at the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theatre is another highlight, where the combination of live music and the stunning outdoor setting makes for an unforgettable evening.

For dining, we’d have to include The Park’s Finest for an unforgettable Filipino-American BBQ feast. For a good laugh, we’d spend an evening at The Comedy Store, enjoying stand-up performances from some of the best comedians around. To cap off the week, we’d visit Venice Beach to stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy its eclectic vibe, followed by an afternoon at the Santa Monica Pier for some classic LA fun. We’d finish with a beautiful sunset dinner at a beachfront restaurant, taking in the stunning views as we reflect on the week.

While we may not get out as often as we used to, these spots hold special memories for us and showcase the vibrant, diverse, and exciting side of LA. From amazing food to inspiring art and relaxing beaches, there’s always something special to experience in this city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We want to give a heartfelt shoutout to Georgia Van Cuylenburg and the Arts Bridging the Gap organization. Georgia was the first person to truly believe in our potential and show us that our dreams of becoming successful artists, with the intention of empowering others through our murals, were not just dreams but real possibilities.

Her unwavering support and belief in us provided the encouragement we needed to push forward, even when the journey seemed daunting. Arts Bridging the Gap has been instrumental in helping us see the impact we could have on our community and the world through our art. The organization’s mission to use art as a tool for positive change perfectly aligns with our values, and their mentorship has been invaluable in shaping AQMNI into what it is today.

Georgia and her team have been a source of inspiration, guidance, and support, and we are incredibly grateful for their role in our journey. Their impact on our lives and work is immeasurable, and we dedicate this shoutout to them for believing in us and helping us believe in ourselves.

Website: https://www.aqmni.com/

Instagram: aqmni_

Image Credits
image entitled – DSCF0538.jpg Credit to Julian Guevera (@julianguevaraphoto) image entitled – E&C-PPI-23.jpg Credit to Ruby Varela (@pixelsandprints)