Alia is the founder of Sahara Art Studios. She has been creating art for as long as she can remember. Her art spans more than live event painting, to include pencil portraits of people and pets, painted sports jackets and Christmas ornaments, abstract art inspired by nature, and more.

She was born and raised in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors, playing the piano, and baking (fun fact - she made her own wedding cake!).