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.

Keenan Artelli

I’ve known since I was a kid that I was meant to be in the hair industry. I was that little kid cutting my Barbies’ hair and using actual highlighters to give them “color.” It wasn’t just play—it was creative expression. My brain has always worked in a visual, imaginative way, and I realized early on that a creative career was the only path that truly made sense for me. Hair was it for me. Read More>> 

Leah Wilson

LeahRonise Unlimited Creations

I did not purposely pursue a creative path. I believe I was born to create. Ever since I was in elementary school and we had art classes, I fell in love with art. As I gotten older and the more money I got I started purchasing arts and craft supplies. And to this very day, I create, make and teach craft classes. Read More>> 

Naimah Thompson

Honestly it kind of just happened? I began my journey as an artist through my need of expression. I loved drawing as a child. I was always known as one of the more artistically gifted students in my classes.

It was only when I started watching YouTube videos in elementary school that I saw everyday people turn into stars overnight. Read More>>