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.

Alexa Guajardo | Artistic Director of North Star Dance Project

I have always been a creative at heart. From a young age, I was making dance, writing scripts, and performing for my family at every holiday gathering. I don’t know if life without artistic expression is one I want to live. There was a brief moment after I completed my associates degree where I took a break from dance. In my last year of community college, I sustained multiple injuries, Read more>>

Tales Ordakji | Actor and Producer

Since I entered kindergarten, I participated in several activities aimed at end-of-year presentations of my own free will, in elementary school. Around the age of 10 I decided to do theater without any intention of pursuing a career, I did it just for fun and passion. At that age, I had no idea that acting could become a profession, that I could make a living out of it. Read more>>

Madelaine Burnett | Dancer

My journey as a dancer began with passion and love for dance, movement and music. As my career started to pick up, I discovered a deeper meaning behind the movement and the power that this art form can hold. Read more>>

Jaqueline Hernandez | Licensed Esthetican & Acne Specialist

The beauty industry is way bigger than what most people think; it is more than just makeup and cute nail polish, or styled hair, it is an art. Art meaning a place to be creative; being able to build yourself up along with helping others. This is why I chose to pursue a career in the aesthetics field, it allows me to put my creativity to good use while being able to help others not only with their skin, but also with their self-esteem and confidence. Read more>>

Jenna Boehm | Business Owner & Photographer

I have always enjoyed the more adventurous part of life, whether that be traveling or coming up with new ideas. Growing up I did not really have an idea for my career path, but I always had photography. I went to college got my degree, and started a job, but it was never truly it for me. I wanted something that I could grow with and expand my knowledge. That is why I chose photography. Every day is new, new people, new places, new ideas….just new! I enjoy that part of it, it makes me happy. Read more>>

Tierra Thai | Master Mixologist | Founder, Agave Blvd.

I have always been someone who saw , heard and felt things different. My ability to creatively express myself and understand art started off at a very early age. I didn’t want to go to arcades, I wanted to visit museums. I was taken to the fair as a kids and the live musicians enticed me more than the rides. This realization of how art and creativity spoke to me lead me to pursue creating just that; magic. Read more>>