From owning a business to being a published author, the freshman with the highest grade point average in Forney High School has her hands quite full. Katherine Spiller, daughter of Andrew and Maggie Spiller, gracefully balances more ventures than many adults, while remaining a humble soft-spoken young lady on top of it all.
The owner of The Paint Puppy, a business that specializes in custom one-of-a-kind pet portraits, Katherine has painted over 70 different pets. From various breeds of dogs and cats to horses, Ms. Spiller enjoys creating special keepsakes for animal-lovers through her business. The Paint Puppy was formed in February 2021 after Katherine entered a project into the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) Competition at the suggestion of her art teacher, Mrs. Tara Torres, and won the prestigious VASE Platinum Award. The art piece entered was a portrait of Katherine’s own dog, S’mores, and thus The Paint Puppy was born.
Owning her own business has served as a great learning experience for this talented young lady. In addition to learning the expected business-related skills involving money management, taxes, etc., Katherine says she has also gained insight into valuable life lessons through her interactions with clients. Communication and time management skills are at the top of that list, and she has had many opportunities to practice a motto her mother reminds her of often: the customer is always right.
When she is not busy producing pet portraits, Katherine also spends much of her free time writing. Inspired by a past teacher, Mrs. Angela Harlan, Spiller published her first chapter book in the fourth grade, An Animal’s Greatest Desire. Since that time, she has re-edited that book with hopes to republish it. Additionally, she has written four other books and is currently searching for literary agents to represent those.
While she has her sights set on attending Notre Dame after graduation to major in environmental sciences, this animal-loving girl wants to eventually open a wildlife foundation as well as continue to write fiction novels along the way.
Between writing and painting, Katherine has plenty to keep her busy, and yet somehow manages to maintain her position as number one in her class of 615 students, spend time with family and friends, play soccer with the JV team at Forney High School, and participate in Student Council and several UIL journalism events. Outside of her upcoming UIL district meet, Spiller’s next big event is the Downtown Forney Artisan & Farmers Market on April 9 where she will showcase art by The Paint Puppy, visit with local shoppers, and take orders for custom artwork. Katherine is also happy to visit with other young entrepreneurs at events like this to share her experiences and encouragement. “Keep pushing, no matter how many obstacles you face,” she says, “because it’ll be worth it in the end.”
For more information about The Paint Puppy, visit Katherine’s website: www. thepaintpuppy.com or come out to the Downtown Forney Market to see her work in person. Spiller’s book, An Animal’s Greatest Desire, can be found on Amazon.
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