Meet Mya Drost-Parra | Owner of mdp.art & Swim Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mya Drost-Parra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mya, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?

When I founded mdp.art I was looking for a means to share my creativity with my community and proudly express my queer identity, what came out of it was so much more. By following my inspiration I crafted unique clothing designs and found that the personality of the piece could be matched with the energy of the customer. At first, I didn’t think much about the impact of my clothing, but it all changed when I was at an art fair in Longmont. I watched as this young teen went through my racks of clothing and paused on a pair of vibrant spray-painted jeans, they looked to their father and asked with big eyes if they could get them and lit up when he nodded. As I watched them walk off I felt a feeling of warmth spread over my chest, how special was it to watch a parent support their child’s gender identity and personality? I knew from that moment on that mdp.art was much more than a brand, it is a catalyst for gender expression and wearing clothes that make you feel like yourself.

A core value of mdp. art is inclusivity where all bodies, genders, and sexualities are celebrated through gender-neutral clothing. Creating a safe space where queer people can shop and feel accepted is the best way I know how to give back to the community. Expanding to the Denver area has felt like a perfect synergy for mdp.art. Another core value of the business is upcycling by applying original artwork, redesigning clothing with lino-cut printing, screen printing or sewing to give secondhand clothing another life. 

As the founder of mdp.art, I believe that clothing is a vital form of expression because it makes us feel embodied and proud to be ourselves. It’s my hope that someone can come into the booth and see my art or clothing and emotionally connect to a part of themselves.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

As a multi-media artist specializing in printmaking, textiles, and abstract art, one of the motivators to start mdp.art was the ability to share my recent work. Many artists choose to hone their craft by going to art schools and residencies before they become public with their work. I chose a different route, I love that my work is experimental and always molding into what I am passionate about. For example, when I started my business I made earrings. Then I fell in love with printmaking and switched to the concept of wearable art. People who follow my journey are in store for many mediums from screen and block printing, spray painting, sewing, watercolor painting, and oil paintings. The common link being my vibrant and energetic style. My inspiration comes from nature, conversations between colors, and the relationship between body and spirit. My art is as much about the process as the product. My fluidity and energy run through each piece making my collection at mdp.art one-of-a-kind.

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Art hasn’t always been a language I have been fluent in, my whole life I have been a swimmer and followed that path to swim Division One at Tulane University. The resilience and commitment I learned in swimming made it easier to stick with my business when I face challenges and am uncomfortable. After being dedicated as a captain on my team, when I graduated, I desired to learn more about my artistic side. So, in August of 2023 I enrolled at Front Range and CU and I took classes in digital design, printmaking, and painting. Not only did I find a community in each of these classes, but I found new perspectives and learned patience with my craft. I want to say this to anyone who wants to go back to school; knowledge is our greatest power and finding mentors for your. passions is crucial, take that leap!

Mdp.art has taught me important lessons from the power of networking,  understanding financial literacy, and building confidence in your craft. Mdp.art has been a catalyst for finding myself, and hopefully by sharing my journey others will feel connected to my experience and be brave enough to share theirs. When we are more open as a community we feel united in our experience and I think art says that in the way words cannot.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite things about Boulder is our amazing bike paths, so when my friends come to visit they have to be ready to ride! I would take them on the Goose Creek path or one bike route that I love is behind North Boulder Park on 4th street towards Ebin G Fine Park, there’s a place near the park where you can see the entirety of the Flatirons that is just divine. On our ride, after we hang out by the creek, we would have to stop at my favorite chocolate shop, Piece Love Chocolate – their dark chocolate caramel truffle is to die for. When it comes to eating in Boulder there aren’t any wrong answers, but a couple of my favorite places are Snarfs for a good meatball sub, Bar Taco for their pork belly tacos, and Chey Thuy for their awesome Pho. One Boulder event during the summer is Band on the Bricks, I love dancing to the free music and maybe heading to the Bitter Bar for a drink afterward 🙂

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest shoutout goes to my mother, who since I was young, told me anything I put my mind to was possible. She has been my biggest supporter from day one and has been such a valuable voice in the growth of mdp.art. You may have seen us as we are setting up sometimes arguing about placement, what to put on the racks, dancing around or laughing because something broke. It has been a wild ride and I have been able to reflect on the immense support she has provided throughout my life. It has been special for her to see how much hard work and passion I have put into this business and to share my art with her. I couldn’t have done it without you, Thanks mom 🙂

Website: mdp-art.com

Instagram: mdp.art

Image Credits
photos taken by Mya Drost-Parra