Meet Maya Modi of Maya X Kiwi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Modi.

Maya, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was passionate about art since I could remember, so I didn’t think twice about making it my major in college. I now have a BFA in Studio Art and a BA in Art History from the University of Texas at Austin.

After college, I started fostering kittens through DallasPetsAlive. One day I painted two of my bottle babies (Olive and Pickle) and posted it on our Facebook Page. I thought my painting could help them get adopted and it became so much more than that! Before I knew it, everyone wanted a watercolor painting of their own furbabies!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh goodness! Honestly, the hardest part of owning and operating my own business is my own inner struggle. My mind is always churning with new creative ideas and balancing all the accounting, marketing, social media, painting, and shipping… it’s exhausting!! Between my full-time business and day job, I work about 70 hours a week!

Please tell us about Maya X Kiwi.
In 2017, I officially began my business, named after my resident cat, Kiwi, who gives the final meow of approval after each design and commission!

I’m known for my pawtraits because of my background with fostering animals. I get commissions from all of the US for my pet portraits. I think you can see my love for each cat, dog, and bunny through my brushstrokes. Does that sound cheesy? It’s true though!

Recently, I launched a line of stationary and prints with adorable animal puns and I started teaching watercolor workshops around DFW! You can find them at restaurants, retail stores, and bars to give newbies the opportunity to create with me!

With all my different ventures, I’m proud of the perfectionism in everything I do. I am constantly trying to one-up myself instead of rivaling with other ladyprenuers because there is so much we can learn from each other! I’m combining all my passions of art, animals, and teaching; I’m basically living my dream!

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
One of my favorite memories is when I got constructed a mixed-media book as a high school freshman. My art teacher called me very late on Saturday night to tell me the news that changed my life: my artwork that I had spent months creating would be shown in a statewide art competition! I knew then my passion could be more than a hobby and from then on, I was motivated to make it my career.

Pricing:

• 8×10 Watercolor Pawtrait $75
• 11×14 Watercolor Child Portraits $150
• Watercolor Prints: $20
• Greeting Cards: $5
• Watercolor Workshop $30-$45
• DIY Watercolor Kit $60

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mayaxkiwi.com/
• Email: mayaxkiwi@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayaxkiwi/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MayaXKiwi/

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