Rachel grew up in eastern China, where her grandfather, a local Chinese ink-wash artist, inspired her love of drawing from an early age. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from a teachers' college in China,  and later taught art in high school, eventually becoming Head of the Art Department, where she helped students develop both their artistic skills and creative thinking.

​

After moving to Canada, Rachel studied Animation at Algonquin College. Her graduation film received the 2013 BEAC National Student Award in Animation. She then spent over a decade working as a 2D animator at leading Canadian studios, including Mercury Filmworks, Jam Filled Entertainment, and 9 Story / Brown Bag Films, contributing to productions for Disney, Netflix, Sony, Nickelodeon, and CBC Kids, including Open Season, The Magic School Bus Rides Again, Wander Over Yonder, Star vs. the Forces of Evil, The Loud House, Dino Ranch, and Clifford the Big Red Dog.

​

But she never stopped loving art education.

​

As her two children grew up, she found herself wanting to share the joy that art had always brought her. So in 2024, she opened her own art studio. The name "Nina" comes from letters in her two children's names, making it especially meaningful to her.

​

As a teacher, Rachel believes that every child grows at their own pace. Rather than focusing on what a student creates in a single class, she pays attention to how they grow over time. She looks for each child's strengths and potential, encourages their curiosity, and supports them through every stage of their creative journey.

​

In her studio, success isn't measured by a finished artwork. It's reflected in a child's growing confidence, willingness to try new things, and believing in themselves.