And then I paint
My name is Andrea, and I am a Los Angeles-based artist and entrepreneur.
I went to art school to become an illustrator and designer. Instead of following my heart, I became a business owner.
Life is complicated. I witnessed and survived my dad repeatedly beating my mom, being held at gunpoint for hours by one of the most brutal gangs in Los Angeles, and waking up one night to find my roommate's brother naked and on top of me.
All along, kindness from others combined with creating my art has helped me work through the dark moments.
Art has taught me to look at the world differently and has helped me manifest my goals. What I want is simple: to love, be loved, be healthy, and surround myself with people who want to create a world where every single person is accepted, cared for, and safe.