The Sarnia Journal has partnered with local photographer Art Connolly to feature his captivating “Humans of Sarnia” series as he delves into the lives and experiences of everyday people in Sarnia.
The first thing you notice about Riannon Moreno is her smile. It’s the kind that lights up a room—genuine, easy, and utterly contagious. And then comes her laugh, warm and effortless, the sort of laugh that makes you want to laugh too, even if you didn’t catch the joke.
It’s not just for show. Her smile and laughter are part of who she is—an extension of a good-natured spirit that seems to radiate wherever she goes. Whether you meet her behind a bar, see her online, or walk past her at work, you’ll feel it. That spark. That energy. That kindness.
Riannon was born in Phoenix, Arizona, but Petrolia has been home for nearly all of her life. Her dad is a native of Phoenix, while her mom is from Canada. The two met when her mother was still in high school, and what began as a teenage love story became a lasting partnership. Riannon, their only child, was lovingly called a “miracle baby” by her mom, who once believed she’d never be able to have children.
“I think I was just enough for them,” Riannon says with a laugh, that smile of hers never far behind.
She attended Queen Elizabeth II Public School and later LCCVI for high school. After graduation, she enrolled in the Personal Support Worker (PSW) program at Lambton College. It was a decision shaped by a difficult and emotional time in her life.
“The summer before Grade 12, my mom was in hospice,” she recalls. “I saw the PSWs and the kind of care they provided. It pulled on my heartstrings.”
Though she didn’t end up working in the field, she still speaks of the profession with deep respect. “It’s not that I couldn’t do the work,” she explains. “But it’s the environment—it’s heavy. I think it would have been too draining to be in that space every day.”
Instead, Riannon carved out a different kind of path—one filled with creativity, connection, and a whole lot of hustle. Today, she wears many hats: content creator, bartender, model, server, and Service Advisor at Kokomo’s Suntanning Salon. Her work ethic is relentless, but she carries it all with a sense of joy and playfulness that never feels forced.
At Kokomo’s, she’s not just helping clients—she’s also front and centre in creating content for the salon’s social media platforms. “They got me a ring light, and I just have fun with it,” she says, grinning. “I get to try on all the clothes and showcase what we have.”
But there’s more to it than fun. Riannon wants people to know the effort behind those seemingly simple clips and selfies. “People don’t realize the amount of work that goes into a video,” she says. “There are so many skills behind the scenes—editing, lighting, angles, sound. It’s a real production.”
That attention to detail and creative spark have also led her into modeling, where she’s already built up years of experience. She’s a published model, comfortable in front of the camera, and recently caught the attention of an agency that’s excited about where her career could go next.
Still, she never strays far from the community. Riannon is one of those familiar faces in Sarnia—you’ll see her bartending at Sarnia Sting games or jumping in to help at weddings and events. “I’m always looking for small bartending gigs,” she says. “I just love working with people.”
And people love working with her. Whether she’s behind a bar or a camera, Riannon brings the same energy—genuine, light-hearted, and professional. She shows up. She puts in the work. And she does it all with that same glowing smile.
Her joy is not a performance—it’s her way of being in the world. And maybe that’s what makes Riannon stand out. She’s not just doing the work—she’s making people feel good along the way.
In a world that often feels rushed and transactional, Riannon’s warmth is a gentle reminder that kindness, laughter, and hard work can still go hand-in-hand.
She doesn’t just brighten the room—she lifts it.
"Humans of Sarnia" founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens. Follow his series on Instagram and Facebook.
