Artistic and creative careers are among the most rewarding, but they also come with unique challenges. We asked some of the city’s best creatives to tell us why they choose to pursue a creative career.

B’ria Wagner | Co-Founder

The reason I chose an artistic/ creative career was because it came so naturally. My mom is an artist and we have always been thinking of ways to combine our talents to create a business together. Juneteenth Unity games gave us a platform to be athletic, artistic/creative and informative. Read more>>

Shandre Van der Sandt | Corporate , Lifestyle & Wedding Photographer

The reason I chose to pursue an artistic career is because since i was little i would always create very creative things . As i grow old those creative ideas and things started to be more helpful in my photos! I knew that i wanted to create beautiful memories of people and from their on I pursued my creative career in photography Read more>>

Damondray Christle | Actor & Director

So to be honest my family is like the Wayans with all do respect to them and what I mean by that is that we are super talented. My family is goofy,crazy all of that and more. I had no choice but, to fall in the arts because I was surrounded by it. Being the youngest of my siblings, my sister is a Gospel music artist my brother is an actor and so I was always around them often. I also have other family members in the art. So when I chose acting that’s when I felt free I was able to be something else without judgement. Read more>>

Jordan Duhon | Blogger, Graphic Designer, Community Leader, Gamer, & IT Professional

In short, I pursued a creative career because I ultimately feel what’s for you, is for you. My parents raised me to believe that “if you do what you love for a living, you will never work a day in your life.” Although it may not be true in a literal sense for most people; its philosophy resonates all the same. Waking up daily to a supportive and engaging community such as The Habitually Elevated has provided me with so much satisfaction and fulfillment! Read more>>

Secily Commons | Lifestyle Blogger/Influencer

I’ve always wanted to start a blog, but I was too nervous to do it. My husband and my close friend Katrina really pushed me to go out of my comfort zone, they have been my biggest supporters through this entire process. Read more>>

John Milner | Singer Songwriter of Golden Week

As a kid, I found myself drawn to the arts solely as a way of expressing myself outwardly. It began as an outlet and kind of grew into a hobby that eventually grew into a core part of my personality. The ability to translate a piece of yourself into an idea and bring that idea into the world through music, or any art form, was not only very appealing to me but it became therapeutic. By the time I had finished high school, I knew it was something that would be a core aspect of my life and what better way to grow something like that then to strive to make a career out of it – something you can live off of. Read more>>

Meghan Cabra | Cosmetology and Lash Artist

Throughout my life, I’ve always steered more towards creative hobbies and careers. From working at a beauty store, to cutting mens hair, my interests – as a whole has been in the beauty industry. I used to be really into special effects makeup, and that’s the reason why I originally wanted to go to cosmetology school. In an effort to broaden my skills in the beauty industry. While in cosmetology school, I learned about eyelash extensions and decided that’s what I wanted to try next and I haven’t really looked back! Read more>>

EvoDidIt | Singer Songwriter & Recoding Artist

Ill give a few reasons why… 1) I’ve naturally always been a creative, I’ve always loved and respected the arts. 2) Music is just something I can’t live without. Whether I’m making it or enjoying someone else’s. 3) Its a great way to express yourself & show different sides of yourself. Read more>>

Tiffany Knowlton | Owner, CEO, and Artistic Director at Elite Dance Company of Texas

When I was 12 years old, our middle school Career Counselor visited Home & Family Life Class (a required course when I was a kid) and made every student take a Career Aptitude Test. I remember being perplexed at the notion that someone holding a stack of optical answer sheets, like the SAT, was trying to narrow my future options and tell me which career path I should take.
When I was 12, I already knew that I wanted to be a professional ballet dancer and, eventually, a dance studio owner. I didn’t need a test to tell me this, nor did I want a test to try to convince me otherwise. Read more>>

Yudiria Arreola | Eye Lash Extension Specialist & Lash Lift and Brow Lamination Certified

Well i see it more as it choosing me. I’m not bragging but in school i was very good in art class from sckaching to pottery. and after graduation i picked up craft hobbys just because i en joyed the satisfaction of the end result. So when lash extension application videos came across on my phone will watching tiktok. I was amazed on how something so simple on your face can make such a difference. So i went and got them done. my self-esteem went up. i felt beautiful and confident. and i wanted to make others feel the way i feel when i get my lashes done. so thanks to tiktok i am now a Lash Extension Specialist. Read more>>

Keerthana Rajasekar | Visual Artist

Art and creativity have always been integral to my upbringing. My family had always encouraged me to advance my art and painting skills, right from my childhood. Finishing college, I did step into a professional career path for roughly three years before I decided that my interests lay elsewhere. Creating good art demands time and focus which I began to understand and respect. Read more>>

Rocio Villegas | Owl Craft for You Artisan and Creator

I was bitten by the creative bug in 3rd grade when my teacher assigned the class a project to make a scale model of the Alamo when learning about it. With the help of my older sister, sticks and rocks from my garden, cardboard and the trustee glue gun, my model came in first place and was displayed in the school library for years. By the age of 10 I had already completed a few quilt squares and was in the process of learning embroidery and from then on my curiosity grew and lead me to learn many other craft making skills. Read more>>

Angelina Villatoro | Artist

I have always loved to create and draw since I was a baby and could pick up a pencil. Art is my passion and I feel that it is my life purpose to pursue this. I can feel my heart ignited with a burning passion and desire for art, my interests, and to succeed. I want to work doing what I enjoy and love the most; following my dreams and my heart’s desire for a happy and fulfilling life of prosperity. I also want to share my art/creations, and my story with the world and inspire people. Read more>>

Hailie Sam | Self taught Artist

I was raised by my artistic mother. I began my journey as an artist after the loss of my grandparents in 2018 and 2020. Art became therapeutic with helping me navigate anxiety and grief. My color palettes are nature inspired. The transitions of colors, gestural marks, and flow of paints across the canvas help connect me to my emotions and promote ideas of self-awareness and mindfulness. Read more>>

Jae’R Tha Geek | Rapper/Singer

I was always a creative person so it was kind of a natural pursuit. I was the kid that was in his room writing poems or stories or drawing my own comic books & begging my parents for new albums so that I listen to them all day. Music & arts was always apart of my life in some form so I always knew I’d end up doing something creatively. Read more>>