Meet Priscilla Chaves | Self-taught artist & Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Priscilla Chaves and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Priscilla, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
I became a new mom right at the beginning of the pandemic in April 2020. I knew I wanted and needed to provide a better life for my son. He was 9 months when I decided to turn my art hobby into a small art business. Every sale goes directly to his savings account. My goal is to be able to give him everything that is saved in his account on his 18th birthday for college. If he has a scholarship, I will save his money until he turns 21 for a down payment on a house or car. My goal is to set him up so he doesn’t accumulate debt right after high school.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am currently in my 8th year teaching. So during the day I am surrounded by a bunch of young scholars as I try to teach them not only the curriculum but life lessons they can take with them beyond my classroom. Previously I worked full-time at ESPN in Bristol, CT while I was a full-time student at Central Connecticut State University. Working full-time while attending college full-time was definitely challenging. I had some amazing peers while working at ESPN who truly valued my education and worked with me as my college schedule changed every semester. Networking with others has been the biggest lesson I learned throughout this entire experience. You never know when you are going to need a helping hand and you never know when you can be a blessing to someone else. Knowing people all throughout the country is what has helped my small art business start blooming.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Im still waiting to take my brother to a Cowboys game at AT&T stadium. One of the greatest spots to eat is Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum so anyone who comes to visit me I always take there. The long line that wraps around the building is definitely worth the wait for their BBQ!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shoutout my parents, Angel Jr. & Mini, my brother Luisito and my boyfriend Rocc. Neither of my parents had the opportunity to go to school past 9th grade due to their family dynamics. However, since Elemntary school they made sure to instill in me the importance of a higher education. They always checked my homework and would make me re-do it if my handwriting was messy. They studied with me and drove me to take my SAT/ACT in high school even though they were unfamiliar with those tests. They took me to enroll at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, FL. Thanks to them, I was the first in the family to graduate with an Associates, Bachelor and Masters degree. Thanks to them, I became a certified teacher. They FaceTime me and my son every day even though they don’t live here in Texas. My brother is 10 years older than me so I see him as a second father figure & my best friend. He has been there for me every step of the way and continues to be here for me and my son. Rocc has given me the opportunity to continue teaching these last two years while taking care of our son. He knew how worried I was about having our son go to a daycare during the pandemic. He readjusted his work schedule without hesitating. I am forever grateful to God for blessing me with them.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art_by_ladyp/

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtbyLadyP?load_webview=1&bid=35ZZS5VJaYoqIsTHNcpvAZBGyhC3