Rising Stars: Meet Mary Tawadros of San Gabriel Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Tawadros.

Hi Mary, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Who am I, my name is Mary Tawadros aka EgyptianPrincess8 starting my story this time from the year of September 2020 to Present. In my first Voyage LA article I mentioned how my accident at age seven defined my purpose to help others, this remains true today. I use my God-given gifts and talents to create visual art through canvases, journals, and cards with envelopes, blessing others with vibrant colors that transcend light, energy, and affirmations. I am a Self – Published Author, Life Coach, Visual Artist, Curator, Talent Scout. I have been on the Board of LA Poets Society as Co-Vice President since December of 2023. Also, have hosted numerous Showcase Fundraisers for important causes over the last 6 years.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Over the last six years, my life has changed significantly. In October 2022, budget cuts led to a layoff from my nine-to-five job as a Partner Relations Specialist for the City of Pomona’s homeless shelter. After dedicating over five years to helping displaced individuals in that role, it was time to close that chapter. This transition opened exciting new doors, allowing me to focus on creating painted canvases, journals, and custom cards while expanding my Los Angeles artist network. Today, I am proudly growing my creative business by taking on more life coaching clients, producing original artwork, and completing commissioned pieces. I have also been sharing my latest book of poetry, Cairo Meets Queens, and showcasing my art across Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley, Long Beach, Pomona, and Riverside. On April 19, 2024, I hosted my second solo art show. This date is deeply meaningful to me; it is my “second birthday,” marking the 40th anniversary of the day an accident almost cut my life short. I celebrated this milestone with extraordinary artists who performed poetry and music in my honor. I was humbled by the love shown to me and my identity as an artist. The show featured 23 pieces, ranging in size from 11×9 to 30×40 inches. Currently, I struggle to promote my artwork. There are many platforms and networks out there, and I am still learning how to navigate them. I must admit that in this economy, finding meaningful work alongside my art creation is necessary.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been a poet since the age of 12, with three self-published books: A Burgundy Rose, released in the summer of 2003 (which is no longer in print); If My Body Was a Canvas of Words, released in December 2017 on Amazon; and my third book, which I am most proud of, Cairo Meets Queens, released in January 2022. My original dream for my first book was to have art pair with my words, though at the time I never thought the art would be mine. However, it is never too late, and now in my forties, I am a visual artist too. I finally fulfilled my dream by putting my own art on the front, throughout, and on the back cover of Cairo Meets Queens, pairing it with my own poems. The book features 53 poems about my quest through love, life, and spirituality, carrying a special message for all women to tap into their confidence with fire. It also includes 40 inspirational posts I shared on Instagram during 2021. I want the reader to feel hugged through my words, to feel seen, and to identify with romantic experiences and heartbreak. Mostly, I want readers to feel encouraged and inspired to go after their passions and conquer their bucket lists. One major highlight of the book is a poem titled “Anchor,” which is dedicated to men. It has helped many men feel appreciated and loved. I have seen my male friends go through heartbreak and appreciate the love I show them. Even strangers come up to me after hearing the poem, thanking me for writing it and buying the book just to have it. Men need to be reminded that they are worthy of real love and care, and that the weight of the world does not rest on their shoulders alone. It means so much to me when men and women identify with my words. I am humbled and truly thankful for the gift of writing poetry. God speaks through me in my words and all my gifts. I hope you will pick up a copy on Amazon or through my website to receive a signed copy sent with a gift. Cairo Meets Queens is also available as an audiobook at Awesound (https://awesound.com/a/cairo-meets-queens)

I hosted open mics for four years across three different venues in Rancho Cucamonga and Pomona. Afterward, various artists and non-artists would often ask if I did life coaching, and I said yes. I hold a behavioral science degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and my background includes working as a counselor in the psychiatric field, serving as a peer counselor in high school, and being everyone’s go-to person for advice. The way I hosted my open mic specifically how I spoke about life and dream gave audience members a desire to work with me. It is always an honor and a privilege to be chosen. When someone decides to work with me, I understand how difficult it is to share their most vulnerable thoughts and deepest struggles. To support them, I open up about the challenges I have overcome myself. Together, we dive into their past chapters, closed doors, naysayers, and the root causes preventing them from conquering their dreams. Once we identify what is holding them back, we create a plan to work through those layers. That is when the transformation begins; the mountain tops suddenly seem within reach and are soon achieved. I offer complimentary 20-minute consultations to ensure we are the right fit for each other. I am incredibly proud of everyone I have worked with and honored to be part of their journey as they stretch themselves into fearless powerhouses. (Disclaimer: I am not a therapist. However, if you indicate at any point that you intend to harm yourself or someone else, I am mandated by law to report it.)

I am proud of my artwork because becoming a visual artist means everything to me, especially as a self-taught artist. My appreciation for Art started when I was little, I love going to Art Galleries, and museums. Over the last ten years, in my forties, I have been blessed to teach myself to use different mediums: pencil, pen, acrylic paint, charcoal, and watercolor. Through years of experimentation, my artistic style has evolved from free styling to intricate detailing, focusing on colorful designs, faces, abstract figures, owls, and my signature lions. “I started out making hand-painted seashells, journals with affirmations, and sketchbook drawings, before moving on to vibrant, intricately detailed canvases. Knowing that my handmade cards featuring 5×7 prints of original artwork are mailed out for holidays, weddings, and birthdays, or placed in a frame on someone’s desk, truly warms my heart. Breathing life into every piece through a rich, deeply expressive color language. I gravitate towards burgundy, red, orange, yellow, turquoise, emerald green, cerulean blue, gold, silver, purple, and black. Occasionally, some of my art is black and white for a classic look. The primary purpose of incorporating positive affirmations into my artwork is to inspire others to unlock their creative potential. I hope my journal will inspire them to write journal entries, poetry, memoirs, dreams, affirmations, goals, or to-do lists whatever they need a journal for. I custom design journals as well, and I have created over 500 of them. I have been commissioned to create several canvases, and that moves my soul; to know someone has me creating a piece for their home is deeply meaningful. They share a piece of my art brightened a room is a dream come true. Thank you so much to all who have supported me, by buying one of my cards of my original designs with envelopes, Journals, canvases, or seashells.

What sets me apart are the showcase fundraisers I have hosted for displaced individuals, human trafficking organizations, small businesses, Operation Project Hope, and the Eaton Canyon fires, as well as my work assisting the Los Angeles Poet Society with their fundraisers. My showcase consists of ten to twelve performances, including poets, musicians, comedians, vendors, and a DJ. Audience members are blown away by the caliber of performances raising awareness for the cause at hand and have fun in the process. I curate, host, vend, and engage with stakeholders to ensure the fundraiser’s success. My gratitude goes out to my incredible artist family. This community collective thrives because humble, talented creators continually say “yes” to performing together. Hopefully donations continue to support the cause, as that’s most important. Stay tuned! There will be more fundraisers on the horizon.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I found that networking through art shows, festivals, and open mics—both those I attended and those I hosted myself—allowed me to meet many diverse, phenomenal artists whom I now collaborate with. They have become my artistic family, and I can call on them for various reasons. For example, I met three of my best friends this way: Michael Lee (@tenraispeaks), who is a poet, photographer, editor, and youth pastor; Heather Parker (@soulknowingenergyhealing), a poet, author, and Reiki healer; and Ipyani Lockert (@motivationalrealizations, @engagingcapturescaught), a poet, author, speaker, and photographer. All three are truly incredible humans who cross paths with people in the community at open mics. We have mutually shared our different artistic abilities, helping each other stretch and grow through important projects. There are many more examples of wonderful humans I call dear friends and family—too many to mention, in fact.

Heather introduced me to Operation Project Hope, a nonprofit founded by Edward Robles. Ed truly is a kind, big-hearted, and selfless giver of his time, energy, and resources. My first introduction to the organization was in April of 2023, when I painted my first mural at a beautification project for an underprivileged elementary school. Ed’s mission for each beautification project is to transform an elementary school into something magical. He helps shape young minds by placing positive affirmations and beautiful murals all over the campus, installing a “buddy bench,” giving the teacher’s lounge a facelift, and more. In 2024, I joined the Operation Project Hope Leadership Academy as part of Team Nine. I met some very dynamic, powerful human beings while going through the four-month program. I was assigned to an accountability coach, Gary Glass, who is a powerful motivational speaker with the Napoleon Hill Institute. I was blessed to learn from and converse with him three times a week, and I had access to the other coaches as well. The beautiful thing is that I learned a lot about pushing myself out of my comfort zone, having tough conversations with family members and friends, and letting go of things more. Also, I made some lifelong friendships with people who are part of my family now as well. It is amazing how close Team Nine became in a short amount of time. We saw each other in our most vulnerable ‘aha moments’ without judgment—more than those closest to us will ever see. It is not the length of time or a bloodline that makes you close to people; it is who you choose to surround yourself with. I highly recommend going through the Operation Project Hope Leadership Academy. It is truly worth the experience. I painted two more murals in 2024 and 2025. What an amazing experience it is to volunteer alongside 300–500 volunteers giving back!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Egyptianprincess8.com
• Instagram: Egyptianprincess8
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/egyptianprincess8
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marytawadros838787
• Youtube: EgyptianPrincess8 @TheFunnypeople34
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/egyptianprincess8

Image Credits
Sheldon Botler for the main image of me, I gave him credit with his name on the photo. The rest are self-taken.