Diana Mora, Brand & Marketing Strategist

💭 Thoughts on the power of summer, Pale Jay, and putting out the energy we want to receive in return.

Diana Mora is a NYC-based culture creature and creative brand marketer with a focus for building stories that aren't just heard, but felt.  Her passion lies in helping challenger brands, especially those focused on better-for-you and culturally relevant products, to launch, grow, and thrive. From early brand concepts to acquisition, she covers every aspect of marketing—from brand positioning and creative communications to performance marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships and impactful activations. After working with iconic brands like Vitaminwater, Vitacoco, and Apothecanna Cannabis, she decided to bet on heself and open Friends and Lovers, bringing together all of my favorite things, music, people and drinks with a focus on accessibility. In 2022, Diana was named one of Brooklyn Magazine’s 50 most fascinating people.

🎯 Current focus

Friends and Lovers is partnering with the Brooklyn Park Conservancy to host an outdoor party on August 4th at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 . This event is particularly special because it allows us to reconnect with many of our original audience members, who are now older, some even bring their new families to enjoy. It’s always nice to see their faces. This year, we're excited to feature our Shake! Party, an all-vinyl funk party with DJ Prestige and Monk One, along with a performance by 79.5. It brings me joy to share the Friends and Lovers charm with others and extend beyond our four walls.

🎶 Obongjayar’s “Just Cool”

I’m currently obsessed with Nigerian musician Obongjayar’s track “Just Cool”. It feels especially relevant to how I feel happy but sometimes mad. I mean who isn’t these days. The world is a wild place and we don’t know what we’re supposed to do. The beat is light and motivating but when you listen to the lyrics they’re intense… “The government man keeps smothering. It’s so hard to breathe. Do what you want. Just leave me be”  I think we can all relate!

🍃 Putting out the energy we want to receive in return

Honestly, I think most people can agree that things are especially difficult today. Between the wars, politics, global warming, and the struggles of the creative class, I've been focused on living in the present, nurturing meaningful relationships, and achieving balance. We have limited mental and spiritual bandwidth, and it's important to put out the energy we want to receive in return. I spend a lot of time staring at the ocean, laughing, and walking, which has been transformative for me.

💪 Pushing the boundaries on creativity and inclusivity

Someone in my industry that I look up to would have to be co-founder of House of Yes (and past Thought Enthusiast) Kae Burke. I admire her ability to think and operate “big.” She managed to expand her business and change the narrative at events within the music and corporate landscape. By bringing the HoY brand to the masses they’ve been able to push the boundaries on creativity and inclusivity. It’s no small feat.

🎙️ Throughline & Crime Junkie podcasts

These days I listen to a range of podcasts. Honestly, it depends on how I feel or want to feel. For example, I really love Throughline, it's a healthy dose of education on days when I feel like the news is too dense or need a distraction from whatever I'm doing. It's a history podcast that sets up historical context for current events. It asks "How did we get here?" by unpacking the historical background leading up to today's issues and decisions. The recent one on Zionism is mind blowing. On days where I just want to feel like I'm somewhere else, I listen to crime podcasts like Crime Junkie which investigates cold cases. It's fascinating. Honestly, after all the episodes I've devoured, I think I could make a pretty decent detective! Whether I'm looking to learn something new or dive into the underworld, there's always a podcast that perfectly matches my mood.

⛱️ The power of summer

I’m looking forward to more of summer. More beaches, more whales (I’ve been seeing them where I live in Rockaway) and more outdoor parties. I want to go to Hot Honey Sundays, throw a dance party on the beach and try to get on a boat party somewhere. Summer is powerful and it’s a time to really get out and reconnect with nature and people.

🎷 Pale Jay 

I’ve been paying attention to the artist Pale Jay – such a beautiful sound and voice. Plays into my love for funk, jazz and soul. Does harken to Mayer Hawthorne and the Delfonics.

📢 Provocative and insane billboard campaigns

See below for a campaign that cut through the noise! I don’t know if this is getting it “right” but it definitely gets noticed. I see this and I think “WOW! Does this work?” I’m curious. So maybe it’s just provocative and insane yet folks are talking about it. LOL.

Follow Diana on Instagram & Linkedin and check out her website here.

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