I am an Indigenous artist, dancer, and entrepreneur. I grew up in Northern Ontario (The Soo) and attended Toronto for Dance and Fine Arts (York U). I started a family and business in Victoria, BC, and after 22 years, I am excited to be in San Diego.
As an artist, I am exploring my First Nation ancestry (Ojibwa) in my painting. I enjoy doing portraits of people and animals. I am an international artist with exhibits at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada in Victoria from 2022 to 2023. I was recently an Artist in Residence at Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty in La Jolla for the First Friday Art Walk in December. I’ve been asked to take part in July 2024 as well.
As an entrepreneur, I grew and developed my Non-toxic Dry Cleaner, The WetCleaner, into a successful Canada/US International business. My most recent work was as Development and Volunteer Coordinator for The Victoria Film Festival. I am currently using my Development and Event Coordinator skills by promoting the “Man & Dog Fashion Show and Fundraiser” hosted by Sotheby’s Realtor Dave Hatt on June 15th, 2024. I am also a team member with Whole Foods La Jolla.
About Cindy Hatt
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband Dave and I have an incredibly talented artist and animator, Sadie, 22, and an entrepreneur and business whiz, Kai, 19. Our four-legged children include our cats, Flower and Sammy. I recently lost my chocolate lab buddy, Duke, after 13 years of love and companionship.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I enjoy meeting people in San Diego as I promote the “Man & Dog Fashion Show and Fundraiser.” It’s a great way to learn about the community and support a great Non-profit, Mad Mutts Dog Rescue. It’s an opportunity to create a fun, positive, feel-good event while finding good families for dogs in need.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Learn how to do a lot of things. Try to be self-sufficient, but don’t be afraid to lean on people for help. Work hard.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I would love to have a family art gallery and teaching space. My Dad’s an artist, and my grandparents, all my aunts, uncles, cousin, and both my kids are artists. It would be awesome to have a space to exhibit and perform together. The group includes writers, painters, sculptors, animators, illustrators, musicians, dancers, filmmakers, art teachers, singers, and actors.
Cindy Hatt & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Beaumonts in Bird Rock. The food was great, and the cocktails were wicked good. The staff was great!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Five months
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Tonya Mantooth – San Diego Film Festival
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I love the local old-school surf shops in this town. You can feel history in them.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The portulaca that grows everywhere!
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today who is not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where would you meet locally for this lunch?
Isadora Duncan. A world-famous dancer from the 20’s.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Of course, the Princess Bride! I also love Out of Africa. Ooh, I love the TV show Northern Exposure.
Q: (Even for friends or family) What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?
I was a professional Argentine tango Dancer
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Dogs, of course!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids Sadie and Kai. If I am successful, they are too.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
San Diego Film Festival, Centre for World Music, Mad Mutts Dog Rescue.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Believe in myself cause I have a lot of support behind me.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
University City
What I love about my Neighborhood:
The people. The beach. Getting a private airshow almost every day from the good folks at Miramar.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Walking along one of our awesome beaches, meeting people, working out at one of our awesome Crossfit boxes.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Comfort, Pets
