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.

Lena Blau | Fashion model

It was more of the pursue of happiness for me that led me to the artistic career. Read more>>

El Aye | Singer/Songwriter/Performer

Ever since I can remember my love for music has always been HUGE! It has always been more than a hobby or a “Jack in the box” moment. I knew that the feeling it gives me and the way it feed my soul and emotions that I had to make it a lifestyle. As my grandmother would say “You was designed for this” and I can honestly say it was no lies detected. Read more>>

Jewel Biondo | Licensed Cosmetologist & SFX Makeup Artist

Before becoming a licensed cosmetologist, I was majoring in English while studying to become a high school teacher and working part-time as a substitute. I spent my school years working with older kids from 7th-12th grade, and my summers as a camp counselor for the little ones ages 5-12. Read more>>

Samantha Salmon | Photographer and Content Creator

I’ve always had a passion for the arts, especially photography. I used to take pictures on my phone as if I was a photographer. I would analyze an angle, try to get it just right and take as many photos as possible until I have the exact right shot I was going for. Read more>>

Nell Potasznik Langford | Artist & Gallerist

The groundwork for becoming a lifelong creative really began early in my childhood. My family was full of creatives – artists, philosophers, teachers, makers, and musicians. Family get togethers were energizing, full of laughter and big philosophical discussions. No topics were off the table, kids were given equal opportunities to participate. Read more>>

Benny Casarez | Owner Of Birrieria Y Taqueria Los Patrones

It all started with a Vision. Me and my wife were tired of always having micromanaged jobs. And Wanted to become our own BOSS! Read more>>

Claire Hinkle | Musician

I grew up in a super creative household. My dad is a musician and artist. His art is all over my childhood home and I would hear his music on a daily basis. I didn’t think I’d really pursue music as a career though until this past year. I mean, it was always a goal, but it just seemed far fetched. Read more>>

Garth LaGrone | Songwriter

The stories intrigued me. From the stories I’ve had the privilege of hearing, to the ones I’ve been a part of making. I enjoy telling those to other people through music. Read more>>

Celina Fierro | Makeup Artist/Hair stylist

I was always very artistic as a kid. I loved to draw and color. One day a friend of mine asked if I could do her makeup. She loved the way I did it on myself. After that her family would ask me to do it for special occasions and would pay me. Word started to spread and I realized that this was my calling. Read more>>

Glenda Freeman | Artist, Abstract Expressionist

As a child I always knew that I wanted to be an artist; painting and creating feels so natural and easy, it is who I am, an Artist. When I paint I am in a world of my own. There are moments I get lost in the process that I feel as if time has stopped. Life is about finding happiness and doing what you love. Read more>>

Jalen Myles | Film Photographer

Some of my earliest memories are of art. Kubrick films, Hendrix records, 90’s hip hop just about sums up my childhood. All by the time I was 8. Needless to say most other kids weren’t really interested in those things, so I kind of put my creative journey to the side in high school. But I was always taught if you have a gift, you have a responsibility to share it. So I put my pride away and got to it. So now we’re here. Read more>>

Eric Ross | Producer/Label Boss/Artist

I’ve always been a creative person since I was young. I use both sides of my brain so I have a balance between Creative and Logical side. This allowed for me to spend energy on creating and also developing the business side simultaneously. The creative space allows you to venture outside of the laws that govern logic. Read more>>

Brittany Tutson | Photographer

I’ve always had a passion for the arts, especially photography. I started out just taking photos as a hobby and eventually thought I would try my hand at opening a small business. Read more>>

Lupita Murillo Tinnen | Artist and Dean of Fine Arts at Collin College

I asked for my first camera when I was 9 years old. It had nothing to do with the act of photographing but more to do with the fact that it was hot pink and it was the 80s! I began creating still lifes and taking images around my house with a 110 camera. The negatives were tiny at 13 mm × 17 mm for each frame so they resulted in grainy and often blurry images. Read more>>