Meet Laura Makaltses | Creative Entrepreneur & Educator

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

Hi Laura, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose to pursue creativity because it gave me something nothing else could—a place to belong. As a child, I often felt out of place in the structure of school. Sports weren’t my thing, and the social dynamics left me feeling isolated. But creativity? That was my refuge. It was the one space where I could be myself, free from judgment and expectations.

My mother, an artist herself, played a pivotal role in nurturing my love for creating. She introduced me to art from an early age, teaching me techniques and encouraging me to explore my own style. Art became more than just an escape—it became a language for me to communicate and express emotions I couldn’t put into words. I attended specialized arts programs through the public school system and took part in many creative after school programs. Over time, I began to understand its power, not just to bring joy, but to provoke thought and inspire change.

This realization deepened when I began using my creativity to address social justice issues. I’ve created artwork for organizations like the United Nations, the National Health Service, ONE Condoms and the Embracing Our Differences Art Billboards. Each piece was a chance to amplify messages of equality, inclusion, and hope. Whether it was shedding light on the climate crisis, advocating for mental health awareness, or celebrating cultural diversity, I saw how my art could make a tangible impact. These projects taught me that creativity isn’t just personal—it’s a tool for collective change.

Over my short life time I have been a TV actress, a fashion model, mural painter, animator, photographer, content creator and more! Creative industries allow for so much cross over! It is never a dull a moment. That is one of the other reasons I love it.

Although I work primarily as an educator now, art and creativity still are the foundation of my work. I create immersive game and STEM exploration based ESL lessons for children online. I also develop programs to push my students creativity and artistic talents!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artistic journey has been anything but smooth, but the struggles I’ve faced have shaped me into the person I am today—someone who values resilience, creativity, and creating positive change. Early on, I encountered harsh realities that tested my passion for art. My school lacked proper learning accommodations for my nuerodivergance, and as a result when I was accepted into a specialized arts program, I was thrilled. Sadly, the admiration I initially felt for my art teachers faded when one of them dismissed my work, calling it “craft” rather than “art.”

One of the most disheartening moments came when I created a painting about the treatment of penguins at the zoo, pouring my heart into the piece, only to receive a grade of 55%. Meanwhile, a peer’s project—a jar filled with poop, human poop—was celebrated with a perfect score. That moment shattered my dream of thriving at ESA (Etobicoke School of the Arts). I didn’t fit in there, in the gifted program or in a regular program. At ESA, failing your major meant being sent back to your home school. For me, that meant returning to an environment I was desperate to avoid—a school infamous for wealthy students with drug problems.

But I refused to let anyone define the value of my art. Determined to prove my work mattered, I entered prestigious art contests—not for personal joy but to provide evidence of my talent. While it didn’t change my teacher’s opinion, it convinced the principal to significantly raise my grades. Though victorious in some ways, the experience left me disenchanted with drawing and painting. Ironically, the teacher who dismissed my art was later fired for racism, though during my time there, he was celebrated as Teacher of the Year.

This experience taught me a powerful lesson: I didn’t need external validation to succeed.

These experiences not only strengthened my resolve but also fueled my desire to create meaningful change. Over the years, I’ve used my passion for art to advocate for diversity, inclusion, and empowerment. I’m proud of the social justice themes woven into my work.

One of my proudest achievements is Lunar Dreams, a piece selected for @lifeship’s 2025 lunar mission, which will send art, stories, and Earth culture to the moon on a @spacex rocket. This artwork, inspired by my ESL students, represents the connection between humanity and space exploration. It serves as a reminder that children, regardless of their background, can play vital roles in shaping industries like space exploration. By integrating STEM and ESL learning, I’ve worked to nurture creativity and ambition in the next generation.

I recently created http://www.moonart.kids a program for kids ages 6-14, (native and ESL speakers) to learn about space exploration and send their art and stories to the moon! Working with Lifeship, students work will travel to the moon alongside other artists and story tellers from all over the world. A story book will be published after the first launch featuring the kids work and some of the kids will even become characters in this book. This will furthure inspire and spark curiosity among young people!

Through my challenges and triumphs, I’ve developed a formula that has guided me:

Passion + Education + Community + Creativity = Foundations of Change.

This formula has allowed me to build businesses, foster inclusivity, and inspire others through art and education. From ESA to the moon, my journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the belief that success comes not from conforming but from carving your own path.

My story isn’t just about art—it’s about proving that when you combine creativity with purpose, you can create a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to dream beyond the stars.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Arrival & Galactic Drinks
Highlight: Start the trip at Offworld Bar, an alien-themed experience with cosmic cocktails and sci-fi vibes. It’s the perfect introduction to Toronto’s unique and quirky side.
Day 2: Escaping Reality
Highlight: Head to Daydream Adventures Escape Room for an immersive and whimsical puzzle-solving adventure. Afterward, celebrate your win with dinner nearby at a cozy spot like Bar Neon.
Day 3: Nature Retreat in High Park
Highlight: Spend the day exploring High Park’s stunning trails, gardens, and maybe even catch a swan sighting at Grenadier Pond. Pack a picnic or enjoy lunch at the park café.
Day 4: Art Appreciation at the AGO
Highlight: Wander through the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and dive into its fascinating mix of contemporary and classic art. End the visit with a coffee at AGO Bistro.
Day 5: Moroccan Feast & Magic
Highlight: Dinner at The Sultan’s Tent, where delicious Moroccan cuisine meets captivating belly dancing performances. It’s an enchanting and memorable evening.
Day 6: Brunch Bliss at Mildred’s
Highlight: Indulge in brunch at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen for their iconic blueberry pancakes and dreamy vibe. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and catching up.
Day 7: Farewell Fun
Highlight: Take in the city one last time with a walk along The Bentway or a casual stroll downtown, enjoying the vibrant energy before they head home.

NYC has always felt like a second home to me and honestly I would probably fly them there for a couple days if they came to visit Toronto! Haha 😆

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout-out to the wonderful and supportive artistic community I have cultivated! I wouldn’t be here with out them. @spfxshoots @fashion_forward_meetups @struttoronto @model.empowerment.workshop @moonart.kids

Website: https://linktr.ee/laura_alien_princesss

Instagram: @laura_alien_princess

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramakaltses/?originalSubdomain=ca