Deciding to pursue an artistic or creative career path isn’t for the faint of heart.  Challenges will abound, but so many of the artists we speak with couldn’t be happier with their choice.  So, we asked them about how they made the decision in the first place.

Chyna Norman | Hairstylist & Entrepreneur

Since a little girl I’ve always been intrigued and invested into the beauty industry. I’ve always loved everything hair, skin and nails. Which is why I decided to take the next step in 2021 to enroll into Paul Mitchell Arlington Cosmetology program. Read more>>

TINA TRAN | Filmmaker & Photographer

Growing up, I navigated the world through my naive eyes and shy, reserved character, which weakened my ability to be able to express how I felt or thought through spoken words. But those long afternoons by myself, while my parents were at work, I remember how I would always draw things I saw around me, which then later led to stealing my mom’s phone to take photos of those things I saw, and that led to creating little videos of everything I wanted to not forget seeing and feeling. Read more>>

Rachel Wierda | Interior Designer, Photographer & Mental Health Advocate

My full time job is in Interior Design and I remember I used to build cabinets when I was a little girl with my dad who was a woodworker. I would often draw up room ideas and found a real love for design in general. Read more>>

Jeremy Cruz | Music Producer x DJ

I wanted to be like Skrillex, create my own tracks disregarding genres, make edits, dj them live,travel, have a custom studio….Shieee highkey i still wanna be like Skrillex lolololll Read more>>

Jon’Quil Smith | Hairstylist, wig maker, performing artist

I finally chose to pursue an artistic field because I knew I’d be forever happy creating things. As a child I’ve always had a high interests in arts, drawing/painting, clothes designing, dancing, etc.. I knew the creative fields would allow me to be more expressive and assist in growth journey as a person. Read more>>

Bishop Booker | Singer, recording artist, frontman

I chose music as my career because it has always called to me. My mother was a gospel singer and my father was a music enthusiasts. My entire family sang every second of every day. I found performing to be a natrual thing for me. I was always taught to do what you love. Making music and performing is my first love. Read more>>

Darby Hardy | Hairstylist

I had known from a young age I would have some sort of creative career. I was always coloring, singing, or crafting something. My dad worked in payroll when I was younger and I remember one time I said “Dad, I don’t wanna sit in an office behind a computer all day when I grow up.” And he said “Well, you don’t have to.” Ever since then I knew I wouldn’t have a regular 9-5 office job. Read more>>

Emilya | Music Artist & Model

I chose to pursue an artistic or creative career in music because I believe your work should be something bigger than yourself. Read more>>

Demaxia Wray | Private Chef & Caterer

Cravin’ Catering Co. Chef Demaxia Wray I pursued a creative career unintentionally. Truth be told, I was an essential worker working for a large, domestic violence program in the height of the pandemic. Read more>>

Aimee Rayner | Artist

Growing up I was always surrounded by art. Some of my earliest memories are of watching my father paint in his art studio. I loved how art made me feel and I always knew I was going to have a creative career. As I grew older, I decided to attend school for interior design. Read more>>