Today we’d like to introduce you to Aylen Chappeta.
Hi Aylen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hello, and thank you so much for having me!
I was born in Argentina and raised between Buenos Aires and Miami, Florida. I’ve truly been surrounded by art my entire life; my aunts were painters, and my mom created beautiful cakes and handcrafted porcelain clay pieces. Growing up in that environment taught me to appreciate creativity in all its forms. I attended Miami Arts Charter School as well as an art-based high school while living in Argentina, which further deepened my love for the arts. I first learned how to use a camera at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s summer program back in 2013, and that experience sparked my passion for photography. I’ve been developing my artistic style and creative concepts ever since. In 2019, at 19 years old, I moved back to Florida on my own to start a new chapter. I spent a few years exploring different jobs before finding the right fit at the Museum of Graffiti. I started there in 2022 as a part-time employee in the gift shop and gradually worked my way up to Retail Manager. As I took on more responsibility, I also began overseeing the Museum’s e-commerce operations. Then, in 2023, when our sister location, The Art of Hip Hop, opened, I expanded my role to manage retail and online operations for both spaces.
What drew me to the Museum of Graffiti was the opportunity to work in an environment that celebrates art and culture. At the time, I was pursuing my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography, and being surrounded by other creative, like-minded individuals felt natural and inspiring. It allowed me to merge my passion for art with my professional life, which has been incredibly rewarding! More recently, I’ve switched my major to Business Administration and Digital Marketing, since it lines up with where my career is heading. But my background in the arts still plays a huge role in everything I do, from how I approach visual storytelling in-store to the way I collaborate with our social media team and present products online.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s what makes it all meaningful. Coming from an immigrant family, I’ve always seen what hard work and sacrifice look like firsthand. My parents are two of the hardest-working people I know, and watching them build a life for my sister and me really shaped who I am.
All of my family is back in Argentina, so living far from them has definitely been one of the hardest parts. I miss the little things, family dinners, long talks, just being around them. But being on my own here has pushed me to grow in ways I don’t think I would have if I’d stayed. It’s made me stronger and even more grateful for where I come from. Family aside, starting at the Museum of Graffiti was a big turning point for me. I learned a lot on the job and had to figure things out quickly. What started as a part-time role eventually became something much bigger.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Outside of my work at the Museum, I’m also an artist and photographer. My work focuses on studying interpersonal human connections, the ways people relate to one another, and the emotions that exist in those in-between moments. I work across film, digital, and mixed media, including cyanotypes, which allow me to experiment with texture and tone in a really personal way. In 2024, I was featured in an exhibition during Miami Art Week, and later that year, I participated in a group show called Rising Stars, where I sold my first art piece. Both experiences were incredibly meaningful and helped me gain confidence in sharing my work publicly.
As an artist, I’m drawn to capturing raw emotion and authenticity. I love exploring vulnerability through imagery, and I think that shows up not only in my personal work but also in how I approach my professional life. I’m constantly learning, growing, and finding new ways to connect art, people, and storytelling.
What makes you happy?
That’s definitely a big question! What truly makes me happy are the people in my life. My friends, my family, my mentors, and of course, my cat, Nine. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by people who inspire me, support me, and believe in me. They’ve all played such a big role in shaping who I am today.
I’ve learned that it doesn’t take much to make me happy. I find a lot of joy in simple things. A good laugh, or time spent with loved ones. I try to live with gratitude every day because I know how fortunate I am to do what I love and to be surrounded by people who bring so much light into my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayl%C3%A9n-chappeta-3a747a330?trk=contact-info
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ay.lens/?hl=en
