Artists and creatives face innumerable challenges given that their career path often doesn’t come with a playbook, a steady paycheck or any form of safety net. It’s definitely not easy and so we asked a few of the artists and creatives we admire to talk to us about why they chose to pursue an artistic or creative career.

Tetza | Recording and Performing Artist

I don’t think I ever considered a different kind of career outside of the arts at any point in my life. I don’t think I really could. If there were an easier path that seemed realistic for me, I’d consider it. However, I don’t think there’s a reality where I could be happy in a career that isn’t involved in the arts in any way. Growing up I always wanted to be creating in some way. I continue to pursue this career because I love my art so much and think the world should experience it too- not just me. Read more>>

Nic Noblique | Sculptor

I have always loved creating art. I made ceramics in middle school and actually exhibited that work at the Miluakee Museaum of Art. My biggest passion growing. up was skate boarding and snowboarding. After various and numerous injuries I found myself revisiting that passion for art. I picked up a stick welder and made my first sculpture with steel scraps, then another, and another. When I had enough Peices I showed them at a local art market and sold everything. That is the origin story and I’ve not stopped since. Read more>>

Rick E. Warden | Podcast/ Musician

Music and art are the most natural essentials of life. I’m fortunate to have followed my passion naturally as every day living and enjoyment since a small child. I have treasurable experiences that top all the memorial mountains of Rock and Roll and also Heavy Metal music. I am still adamantly in the pursuit of great music and the best guitar players. today. I’m most excited about X610chil upcoming release Escape The Dream System and the shred of James Norton in the Guitar Competition by Jared Dines on YT. There are so many excellent musicians and bands in Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth that deserve to be enjoyed by the masses, which is the fun of our BLOW YOUR BRAINS OUT podcast. BYBO. Read more>>

Marquita Johnson | Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Nurse

One day in 2018 . I woke up in my historic brownstone in Brooklyn, New York City and asked God, “What should I do with the life you gave me?” His answer, “Heal with inner and outer beauty.” I worked a decade the management rat race of New York City however my career did not incorporate the beauty of healing. I was betraying my true calling of using my creativity to provide healing. As a daughter of a burn victim, I witnessed how my mother’s burns truly affected her beauty, self esteem and confidence. However, when she was able to receive plastic surgery skin grafting and skin procedures to improve the look of her scars, she healed from the inside out. Read more>>

Nekiwa Smith | CEO of Harvestegy Music, Founder of Harvestegy, Inc., Gospel/Christian Recording Artist

Life is a journey of wearing different hats and juggling at times. Different seasons call for different responsibilities. Being a mom of small children to now teenagers and young adults, my responsibilities changed a tad with each season shift that occurred throughout my life. One thing remained and will remain the same, regardless of where I was at profess9ionally, personally, etc. and that is the importance of balance. I believe having a work life balance is critical to being successful. Without adequate balance, we’re not able to effectively manage our lives. We can’t be effective entrepreneurs if we don’t take the time to take care of ourselves spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally and relationally. I notice that when I neglect balancing all of the countless things that I’m responsible for, I’m not as effective. Read more>>

Stacy Inthisane | Finance and Strategic Transformation Executive

When I first started in my career, I was so career focused that I didn’t really care about work / life balance. I pride myself on my strong work ethic. I was always the one that had to figure it out and had to get the job done otherwise I wouldn’t be able to focus on anything else. That ALL changed when I had my first child. I was a consultant, traveling Monday – Thursday and I had a small baby that my parents and husband were taking care of at home. I was missing milestones and I really hated it. It was a really hard adjustment for me because I always felt I had to deliver and that if I didn’t do it, it wouldn’t be right. I started getting really burnt out. I wasn’t always eating relatively healthy and I wasn’t working out in the mornings. I think I had a manager/mentor tell me “Stacy, you have to learn to let other people figure it out too. You may already have the answer, but sometimes, people need to think through the process so they can learn too.” So, I learned that I could shift a little at a time and ensure the work is still being completed as expected and on time. My children are still young and I’m a working mom. I have a 5 year old, a 2 year old and one to be here January 2024. Its really important for me to have that work / life balance, but also to make sure others do too. As I continue to advance in my career, my motto has shifted to “I don’t necessarily care if you have to take time to do personal things as long as you deliver quality work when you say you’re going to.” When you’re able to do what you say you’re going to do, it builds that trust and accountability and you can make work / life balance a reality for everyone. I also think when I’m at work or with my children, I try to make sure I’m really present so I can focus and really give my attention to that part of my life at the time so I don’t feel like I’m juggling too much. Read more>>

Cindy Thurk | Wedding and Event Planner

This could not be a more perfect question for this stage of my life! As I type this I have a 2 month old son snuggled at my chest. As a business owner who has an incredible passion for planning weddings and events, building a team and constantly trying to see how we can grow; it was hard to imagine stepping away from the business. When I started CM Promotions, I was working 12 plus hour days, taking on every wedding and event myself and never asked for help. Read more>>