I have never really thought about it, but I think I have always been an artist, even though I have a very diverse background and done many things. I grew up in a family grocery store, and I worked there growing up. After high school I worked full time with my father in the store, and ran the carry out shop. After giving birth to my son, I stayed home, but needed extra income, so I developed a baking business. I baked and delivered to my fathers store, homemade bread, brownies and cakes. After about 10 years I moved away from the neighborhood, and could no longer bake everyday as the distance to deliver was too far. That is when I discovered that I was an artist. I began painting with a paint set that had been given to my son as a gift. I had no training, and had never painted before, but everyone wanted the original designs that I created on t-shirts. Designs just flowed from me, and no one was more suprised than me! One thing led to another and soon I was handpainting 1,000 pieces of clothing a year to sell to my customers! I also applied my skills to paint on walls and furniture, and I was having so much fun.