I Have Three Passions in Life: Art, Teaching, & Animals. I found my first passion when I was 14. I had an inspiring art teacher who taught me that I could be a successful artist as long as I worked hard enough. The next four years became about refining my skills, techniques, and always trying to "one-up" myself. After A LOT of convincing my parents, I declared myself as an art major at the University of Texas at Austin. Eventually, I graduated with my BFA in Studio Art and BA in Art History with a focus on Mexican American Studies in 2012. After University, I had a few random jobs and then ended up as an AVID Tutor for Austin ISD. This is where I found my second passion: helping kids. I wanted to do more, so I earned my teaching certification, and taught high school art for four years. Along the way, I found my third passion: Animal Rescue. In 2014, I adopted my cat, Kiwi. As my only child, she motivates me and loves to nap at my feet while I'm painting. By 2017, I had fostered 18 kittens who have since been adopted through DallasPetsAlive. Enabling Dallas to become a No Kill city is my way of making the world a better place. Maya X Kiwi combines my greatest passions all into one. My tiny business allows me to interact with animals, utilize my art skills, and teach watercolor workshops around the city. In the future, I plan to open a studio space and workshop, inviting the public to create artwork with me.