About me

 

M.B. Yes, I'm the one who draws cleft lips everywhere!

If you ask me why I paint cleft lips, the answer is: I am cleft-lipped myself and I have undergone 13 surgeries.

The story of my surgeries is like that of anyone who has experienced physical pain of any kind. It hasn't been an easy, beautiful, or much less a happy story, but undoubtedly, I can say it has been magical.

People love sad stories with happy endings and they expect me to share my life story to motivate them to become better individuals. However, being a cleft lip patient didn't make me a better person, nor did it lead me to where I am today. Being a cleft lip patient taught me to live life as it comes, to make the best of what I have, and to experience what it's like to be loved and supported by many strangers who come together to give you a chance.

Through my illustrations, I transitioned from being a patient to being a part of that infinite web of incredible human beings who cling to the dream of gifting smiles. Through them, I tell my story – the story of reconstructing my lips, perfecting the sound of my words, the story of my family, the doctors, and the thousands of people who have joined me on my journey.

My art and my clothing are a way to remind you that you are not the result of the good or bad things that happen to you, but of what you do with them. Today, I invite you to share a kiss and feel the privilege of having lips that can perfectly pronounce "I love you."

I invite you to look in the mirror and gift yourself a smile because you, like all of us, have the right to smile.