Hector "Mulato" Melendez was born on April 19, 1976 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. It was in that same town where he spent much of his youth. He studied at the University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon Campus, where he completed a bachelor's degree in Computer Sciences. He became passionate about the arts of Bonsai, Suiseki and Photography as an adult. 

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He took photography courses in college and started his own Family Photography company in 2012, creating stunning images for his customers with the use of natural lighting.

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He also became member of the Puerto Rico Bonsai Club in 1999 where he has stood out as member, president and secretary, teaching and learning the art of Bonsai and Suiseki, with members of all ages. He has learned the art of Bonsai and Suiseki from the best artists in the island and also from international masters.

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In 2020, Héctor founded his own company under the name of “Mulato Bonsai” in order to spread the arts of bonsai and suiseki throughout the world, using internet technology to distribute books, courses, and using social networks, with his humorous and peculiar style.