In a world where everyone’s chasing grades and gadgets, one young woman chose colors. Meet Divya Shalini, the 25-year-old biochemist who swapped lab coats for paintbrushes and turned her childhood doodles into Johor Bahru’s hottest kids art studio DS Art Dream.
🌈 When Passion Meets Purpose
It all started with a crayon.
At just four, Divya was sketching her world one color at a time long before she knew art would become her calling. Between acing science subjects and dreaming of the medical field, her heart always found its way back to art.
Fast-forward to 2018 while friends prepped for college life, Divya turned her family home into a mini art hub, teaching 15–20 kids through word-of-mouth and Facebook buzz. Her rule? Art should be affordable, joyful, and for everyone.
🎨 From Home Studio to Johor Bahru’s Art Haven
By 2023, that tiny home setup had bloomed into DS Art Dream, a full-fledged art studio for kids aged 3 to 17.
What started as one woman’s hustle is now a thriving space of 90+ active students, 120+ alumni, and a dream team of 10 passionate teachers guiding little Picassos to greatness.
Here, every child’s journey is a masterpiece in motion from basic coloring and sketching to watercolor and canvas painting. Some of Divya’s students have already bagged top spots in local art competitions, turning their weekend passion into proud family moments.
“When they rush in with certificates yelling, ‘Teacher Divya, we did it!’ that’s my paycheck in happiness,” she laughs.
💪 The Hustle Behind the Palette
Divya’s life is a real-life masterclass in balance. By day, she’s a biochemist in a medical lab. By night and weekends, she’s the driving force behind DS Art Dream.
Add in her ongoing business studies and tutoring sessions and you’ve got the ultimate multitasker proving that passion doesn’t wait for perfect timing.
Her biggest flex? Doing her own marketing. From viral TikTok reels to Facebook promos, Divya’s energy shines through every pixel.
“If I can juggle science and art, anyone can chase their dream,” she says.
🌟 What Makes DS Art Dream Stand Out
✅ Beginner-friendly art lessons for kids aged 3–17
✅ Watercolor, sketching & canvas painting classes
✅ Affordable short courses & holiday art workshops
✅ Award-winning young artists trained in-house
✅ A creative, inclusive space in Johor Bahru that celebrates every child’s imagination
🚀 The Vision Ahead
As DS Art Dream nears its third anniversary, Divya’s next mission is clearly to grow beyond Johor Bahru and make art accessible to kids of all races and backgrounds across Malaysia.
Her mantra is simple yet powerful:
“Your passion isn’t just a hobby. It’s your legacy.”
So whether you’re a parent looking for the best art classes for kids in Johor Bahru, or a dreamer chasing your next big idea, Divya’s story is your reminder that magic happens when you dare to start.
🎨 Ready to paint your child’s dreams?
Visit DS Art Dream, Johor Bahru where every brushstroke tells a story.
👉 Follow their journey on social media @dsartdream
👉 Book a trial class today and let your little one’s creativity shine!
