Today we’d like to introduce you to Quena Mora.
Hi Quena, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I come from a unique and proud line of musicians, so in many ways, music was never just a choice — it was a calling. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, surrounded by rhythms, melodies, and a deep cultural respect for sound. My earliest memories are filled with family gatherings where everyone played something — congas, brass, strings, voices — it was like growing up in a living, breathing band.
My journey with music began with maracas, a violin, and the infamous recorder. Ironically in my childhood I never had much interest in the musical arts— rather an eye and passion for the visual. Charcoals, chalk pastels, and acrylics were the mediums through which I expressed my creativity, recreating folkloric scenes of farmhouses in the hills of Puerto Rico, the scapes of the rich and colorful flora of the world I knew, and of course the faces of all of my favorite action cartoon characters. It wasn’t until I unexpectedly moved to Cincinnati as a nine year old that I made the transition. That transition wasn’t much of a voluntary one. The abrupt change in scenery trumped my creativity as once vibrant colors became seemingly bleak. That same year was also the year in which my school district began music lessons, and not being part of the arts was non negotiable in our upbringing. I started playing trumpet at a young age and later taught myself guitar, drawn to the way guitar could carry emotion and fill the space with harmonies. When my family relocated to Cincinnati, I quickly saw how Latin music could bridge cultures and connect people, even far from the island. My mother is a composer here, and many of my relatives are active in the Latin music scene throughout the city, so music has always been a shared language in my home.
As my own career evolved, I began to realize that being a musician today is about more than just performing — it’s about creating space and opportunity. That led me to brand development, where I work alongside other artists to shape their identities, build their platforms, and help them navigate the business side of music without losing sight of the heart behind it. Whether I’m on stage or behind the scenes, my mission is always the same: to elevate Latin voices and make sure our stories are heard
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a road full of both beauty and hardship — definitely not smooth, but deeply meaningful.
Moving from Puerto Rico to the mainland U.S. was one of the earliest challenges that shaped me. There’s a quiet grief that comes with leaving your homeland, especially when you’re young. I had to learn to navigate new spaces, new expectations, and sometimes, a lack of understanding for where I came from. That experience taught me resilience and gave me a deeper appreciation for my roots — it’s something that still echoes in my music today.
Of course romance and relationships have also played a big part in that growth. As many of us, I’ve experienced love that transformed me and pain that nearly broke me — both became fuel for my creativity. I try to honor those experiences in my songwriting, not just for myself, but for others who need seen in their own highs and lows. Music became the place where I could turn confusion into clarity, and heartache into healing.
At the same time, I have to acknowledge the incredible privileges and opportunities I’ve been blessed with. From sharing stages with legends to working on projects most people only dream of, I’ve been given chances that I don’t take for granted. I come from a family of musicians and creators, and that legacy has opened doors — but it’s also given me a sense of responsibility to walk through those doors with humility, integrity, and purpose.
The road hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been rich with meaning. I’m grateful for every step — the hard ones, and the ones that felt like flying.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At my core, I’m a storyteller — whether through music or through helping others find their voice. As a musician, I focus on blending soul, Latin roots, and raw emotion to create something that feels timeless but honest. I’m proud of the fact that when people hear my music, they feel something real — whether it’s joy, heartbreak, or reflection. I aim to make music that speaks to the human experience while honoring my cultural heritage.
At the same time my company Baila Bruquena Productions, a creative studio and branding company that works with musicians and artists to develop their identity, elevate their visuals, and navigate the business side of the industry. It was born from seeing so many talented creatives with powerful voices but limited access to the tools and support they needed to grow. Through Baila, I offer everything from songwriting and arranging to visual branding, photography, and digital strategy — not from a corporate lens, but from someone who gets it, because I’m in it too.
What sets me apart is that I’m not just helping people with branding — I’m walking the same road they’re on. I know the struggle of balancing creativity with survival. Everything I build — whether it’s a song or a brand —forges a path towards autonomy for creative and innovative minds.
I’m most proud of the artists & entrepreneurs I’ve watched grow through this work, and of the way the arts and guided mentorship continue to keep me grounded in purpose.
Any big plans?
Right now, the focus is on strategic growth — both musically and through my work with Baila Bruquena Productions. I’m expanding the business side of things in a way that allows support for more artists across different stages of their careers, while refining the systems that help creatives thrive.
Musically, I’m continuing to develop new projects that reflect my evolution as an artist, leaning into a more intentional, refined sound and focusing on more frequent performances. I plan to continue collaborating, performing, and producing work that’s rooted in culture and built to last.
Long-term, the goal is to build something that carries forward — something that can support the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs and keep the creative legacy alive. Whether through music or mentorship, I see everything I’m doing now as groundwork for what’s to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bailabrand.pro
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bailabruquena/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bailabrandmorales/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@QuenaMora
- Other: https://www.bailabrand.pro
