Born and raised in a multicultural family in Massachusetts, Jaishi was always around beautiful and bold artistry. Jaishi was interested in art from a young age and could always be found with a coloring book or a crafts project in front of her. Completely self-taught, she painted and drew in books and art diaries, even creating some coloring books of her own. Her artistic interests were encouraged at in elementary and high school, where she learned to crochet, knit, and sew. Even though she never had any professional training, Jaishi’s natural skill was undeniable and she consistently won awards in art shows when she was young. “Although I had no ‘formal’ training,” she explains, “what I did have and still do is a voice and passion, and in my opinion, those more than suffice.”

Although Jaishi spent many years painting under her given name, Shirley Jaiman, she adopted the pseudonym “Jaishi” because she wanted a name that would stand out amongst other. As time went on, this name became more of a way of life than just a simple name. Jaishi, she explains, can mean to “embrace one’s inner child and to completely and freely express yourself without the worry, fear or judgment of others.” With this freedom and creativity, Jaishi continues to inspire other people and express herself through her paintings.