When Dia Café set out to amplify Latin voices through the power of storytelling and coffee, they turned to an artist whose roots are as deep as her brushstrokes are bold: Lucinda Y Hinojos — better known as La Morena. Through a soulful creative collaboration, Dia and La Morena came together to celebrate cultura, resilience, and creative expression — using both paint and perspective.

In an interview captured during our production shoot, La Morena opened up about what this collaboration meant to her and how her art reflects her story — and the message she wants to share with the Latino community through Dia’s platform.

From the moment she stepped onto the Dia set, it was clear this wasn’t just another content shoot. It was an opportunity to connect with the community and showcase a project born from lived experience. Her commission? A custom art piece embodying Dia’s mission to uplift Latin creatives and remind people of their power. And one that represented acceptance.

"I feel like Dia, as a brand, is meant for people like me."

La Morena’s work is rooted in narrative — not just hers, but in the lives of those whose stories often go unseen. And her path to this moment wasn’t always easy.

She speaks openly in the interview about childhood hardships, describing herself as the product of a resilient mother and a turbulent upbringing. Despite the odds stacked against her, she made it clear that struggle was never going to be her ceiling.

That history gave La Morena the clarity to build a career with meaning. Art, for her, became both an escape and a declaration. With every line, she carves out space for people who’ve felt overlooked.

"I use my story to connect to others. I use my paintbrush and my voice and my story to show that you can make it."

That message is at the heart of her collaboration with Dia. As a brand born from community and coffee, Dia’s mission aligned perfectly with La Morena’s lifelong desire to celebrate her culture and uplift others.

"When I think about being a Latina artist, I think about being a voice. I think about being someone who creates change."

In the interview, she reflects on the process of creating the custom piece for Dia — a work that embodies strength, softness, identity, and pride. While the piece itself speaks volumes, La Morena’s intention behind it is just as powerful.

The piece she created for Dia is layered. It’s textured. It’s colorful. It’s soft but strong.

She notes that the collaboration was more than just another job — it was personal. It was a celebration of her journey and of the shared experience of so many Latin creators who hustle to make space in industries that weren’t built for them.

Throughout the shoot, La Morena emphasized how rare it is to partner with a brand that genuinely supports the message beyond the marketing. For her, Dia wasn’t just checking a diversity box — they were building a table for the community.

"They let me be me."

Her reflections reveal how powerful true collaboration can be — when an artist is trusted with not only creating something beautiful but saying something real.

The energy around the content shoot was tangible. You could feel it in the way she moved through the studio and danced to 90s hip hop music with the production crew. The pride in her voice as she described the brushstrokes, and the connection she had with everyone behind the scenes. This wasn’t just a campaign. It was a special cultural moment.

That story is now part of Dia’s tapestry. And as we continue to platform artists who embody our spirit, we know this piece will serve as a symbol for what we believe in: culture, connection, and creative power.

"I just hope that people see my work and feel seen. That they feel like they matter. Because they do."

La Morena’s collaboration is live now. You can catch the full interview, behind-the-scenes content, and her one-of-a-kind Dia artwork — all created with intention and powered by cafecito.

Seize the Dia. Support the story.