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.

Jayne Madigan | Music Industry Veteran & Co-Founder

Why did I pursue an artistic or creative career? My passion is music and my purpose is to make dreams come true, on and off the stage!  As a creative soul from a very young age, my journey in the world of entertainment basically chose me.   Music and making people happy have always been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a music industry veteran, I’ve had the opportunity to fill many diverse roles in my 30+ year career ranging from event coordinator, marketing director, booking agent, publicist, artist development, producer to personal manager. I love that music is a language of emotion that represents different feelings with no boundaries or limitations. People are often challenged by the fact that “no one understands them” or knows how they “really feel” so they turn to music. Read more>>

Marquise Staton | Animator

I chose to pursue a creative career because of the simple desire to create something, anything from scratch. Read more>>

Brandon Clifton | Photographer

I was so curious about how other industries work, what different cultures were like and all the unexplored opportunities out there, that I felt it was a disservice to myself to not explore or take that leap of faith. Photography gave me an excuse to travel, meet new people, etc. The more I photographed, the more I felt I was learning. Read more>>

Khiray Richards | Filmmaker

It is in me. Growing up, some people just know what they want/will do in life. Others only get hints. I was a part of the hint party. I’ve always loved watching movies. Believe it or not, I did acting back in the days. I acted in church and did drama for school. When I transitioned to college, I worked more behind the camera. I’ve also done mime ministry since 2011, which involves creating and telling stories to music. All hints. I made my first official short film in 2017, Short Changed. For so long, I kept film as a plan B because it could not pay the bills immediately. I went as far as to enroll into a Masters’ Program for Marriage & Family Therapy. It was easy, but it wasn’t what I ultimately wanted. I’ll never forget, November 29, 2017, the Avengers Infinity War Trailer was released. There are moments in life where people have to make a decision. This is not any ordinary decision. Read more>>

Brittany Williams-McNair | Herbalist & Soap Maker

I pursued a creative business because I’m someone who needs something to channel energy into. I work best with my hands, and I find it beneficial to my mental and physical health. Read more>>

Jamie West | Rapper & Optician

I’ve always had a passion for making people happy, whether it be to make them laugh on or off screen or even dancing with my music, there’ is something that just brings peace seeing other people happy. Read more>>

Nan Kemberling | Singer-Songwriter & Cellist

Music has been a consistent source of joy throughout my life. As a performer, I get to put all of myself into making music, connecting with an audience, and giving them something to remember. I love when folks come up to me after a concert and tell me they could see how excited I was as I played! I also love teaching music. I have developed a specialty of teaching adults who are just starting out with the cello. They aren’t trying to win competitions or make All-State orchestra, but rather they are expanding their mind and developing a skill they might have wished they had for their entire lives. And then this year, I am finally getting to share my music writing with the world, as I’m putting out my first album! Read more>>