Mayelin J. Lopez: Stitching Culture, Community, and Creativity

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep” - Scott Adams

In the city of Elizabeth, New Jersey — where cultures blend and stories bloom — there’s a woman whose creative fire and cultural pride have built something truly special.

Her name is Mayelin J. Lopez, and to know her work is to witness Dominican heritage reborn through fabric, color, rhythm, and soul.

A proud Dominican-born, self-taught toy maker and artist, Mayelin has become a dynamic voice for inclusivity, cultural preservation, and community collaboration. Her art is not only bold and beautiful — it’s purposeful, personal, and deeply rooted in the immigrant experience.

Born in Santo Domingo, her passion for creativity emerged early. She studied advertising at UNAPEC, one of the Dominican Republic’s most recognized universities, and quickly immersed herself in the world of visual communication. In 2004, she founded her first agency — HABA PUBLICIDAD & MERCADEO, S.A. — focused on brand development and marketing. But in 2008, she made a courageous move: she left her home country to build a new life in the United States, nurturing both her family and her growing vision for how art could be a bridge between cultures.

Mayelin is not only a visionary artist —

she is also a devoted mother of two wonderful children, a son and a daughter, both of whom are on the autism spectrum. Their journeys have shaped her perspective, strengthened her advocacy, and inspired the creation of inclusive spaces through art. Mayelin often says her greatest masterpieces are not the dolls or carnival masks she hand-sews — but the loving, patient, and empowering environment she’s built for her children. She is, above all, a great mom, and her love for her children pulses through every project she touches.

Wanting to pass on the richness of Dominican folklore to her kids, Mayelin founded FOLK SDQ 809, a cultural brand that celebrates the artistry of Dominican Carnival. Using upcycled materials and eco-conscious techniques, she brings characters like the iconic Diablo Cojuelo to life through plush toys, masks, and symbolic creations that feel both ancient and new. These works are part of her renowned collection TRAVESÍA I, which fuses Dominican symbolism with American cultural references — like her now-signature Nutcracker charms that dance with sazón.

Her follow-up series, TRAVESÍA II, is deeply emotional — a love letter to the Dominican immigrant journey. Through 3D puzzles and imaginative design, she channels nostalgia, resilience, and the longing to carry a piece of the homeland wherever you go. These tributes have captivated local audiences and were recently showcased at the Great Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce Art Gallery and Vintage City, where her work received widespread admiration for its authenticity and heart.

But Mayelin’s mission extends far beyond the canvas or sewing table. As the founder of MADRES AZULES of Union County, she provides safe, supportive, and creative spaces for children on the autism spectrum. Through hands-on art sessions and community-building activities, she empowers not only the children, but also the families navigating similar paths — offering resources, encouragement, and representation.

Every summer, you can find her leading workshops for local kids, teaching them the beauty of reusing materials, the power of storytelling, and the value of self-expression. Her home studio in Elizabeth has transformed into a mini art school, cultural center, and recycling lab, all rolled into one — where children learn that art has no limits, and that their stories matter.

In addition to her grassroots work, Mayelin plays an integral role in the Dominican American Association of Union County (DAAUC), first serving as PR representative and now proudly holding the title of Director of Arts & Culture. With her background in branding and marketing, she breathes life into campaigns that promote Dominican traditions, folklore, music, and pride. Whether she’s coordinating an art exhibition or designing cultural materials for DAAUC events, her work always carries that same signature blend of passion, intention, and Dominican identity.

Mayelin is a living example of how art can do more than just decorate — it can heal, teach, and connect. Her journey — from Santo Domingo to Elizabeth, from marketer to maker, from mother to community leader — is filled with courage and creativity. She reminds us that culture is not just something we inherit, but something we shape, pass on, and celebrate together.

Through every project, every class, and every handmade creation, Mayelin J. Lopez invites us to remember who we are — and to build something beautiful with it.

To learn more or get in touch with Mayelin her email is below

Mayelin J. Lopez
[email protected]

Written by Jose Javier Torres VP of DAAUC