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.

Symira Dixon | Musician & Actress

Well, I’ve been singing for the public since I was six or seven years old. From that point on, I have sung in many choirs and worship teams. As I grew in my passion for singing and music, I joined the Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance to train myself in theatre. Once I became a junior in that academy, my entire life changed. I began to discover who I was as a person and began to write poems about it. Having both worlds of theatre and music began to change my artistic journey in such a creative way. I carry a journal everywhere I travel; whenever my senses are triggered by something I like or would love to have/do for my art, I write it down.  Read more>>

Gigi Chinh | Founder of Bittersweet Cakes & Events

“No way!” is exactly what my family and friends would have said if you told them I’d become a baker in five years. This career began as a hobby five years ago when I was a bored stay-at-home mom with a six-month-old baby. Little did I know it would grow into what it is today. It all started with baking a cake for a friend’s birthday, which gained popularity over time. Although I was never much of a cake baker, I enjoyed making sweets and cooking. I’ve always been a naturally artistic and creative person who loved planning events. That passion has led me to where I am today, offering our community the cake of your dreams along with event decorating. I truly love all forms of decorating, and I must say, this career truly found me. Read more>>

Destiny Love | Actress, Model & Photographer

I pursued an artistic career because it’s been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. At first, I dreamed of being a singer—largely inspired by Hannah Montana—but as time went on, I realized I had a love for all three: acting, singing, and modeling. Even at five years old, I was throwing concerts in my bedroom, complete with tickets, outfit changes, and all the energy of a real performance. Those childhood moments were a glimpse of where my heart was leading me. Read more>>

Tormund | Music Producer – DJ – Audio Engineer

I’m not sure it was ever a choice. Most musicians will tell you that it’s a connection to the music — a passion. Even for those who do not follow it as a career, it remains a hobby. I’m fortunate enough to have a full-time career as an audio engineer and those skills can be applied laterally to my passion of music production. How I ended up here is a matter of dedication, determination, practice, and obsession. Creating art is an itch. I’ve spent most of my life trying to scratch that itch and continue to every day. Read more>>

Zachary Vazquez | Actor and Model

I have a passion for entertaining people and storytelling. I love being versatile in my opportunities and having the chance to showcase my range with different types of characters. Read more>>

Robin Fay Massie | Violist & Registered Nurse

In an attempt to get to know someone, one of the most commonly-asked questions is: “What do you do for a living?” Perhaps we ought to ask: “what gives you life?” Inspiration drives us to seek and discover purpose and invites others to do the same.

As a shy child, I loved to sing, dance, draw, and I desired to take care of people. At age four, I announced that I wanted to be a nurse. At five years old, while visiting a family friend, I wandered over to her old Wurlitzer upright piano. While tinkering on its aged ivory keys, I was entranced by the colorful soundscapes that I painted in those moments of exploration.  Read more>>

Cameron Zane | Wedding Photographer & Videographer

I pursued a creative career early in life because I have always loved art. When I learned about the wedding industry and the opportunity to earn a living while being creative, I knew it was for me. I immediately took steps to pursue my newfound passion. Over the years, I continually refined my process and product to provide an excellent experience for my clients and deliver a high-quality gallery. Read more>>

Hallie And Thai Acuna | Artist & Illustrators

Hallie: I knew early on that art and illustration were ways in which I could share the inner world of my imagination with others. I spent a good many of my early adult years working in the mental health field. While working in that field can be rewarding, it can also be very taxing on your own mental health without proper self care. I needed an outlet. While most of my experiences working in mental health revolved around less positive human emotions and experiences, I am able to use my own imagination to transport people through my art to the magical world ‘Mo’relia,’ a safe space full of wholesome stories and kind hearted characters. Cafe Mushroom was born out of a desire to spark the imagination and fuel a sense of belonging and magic in everyone who runs across our art. Read more>>

Skyler Harris | College Graduate & Industrial Designer

Without being too vain, I chose a creative career because I like the act of creating intrigue. Whether it’s to provoke new thoughts or to have someone become enamored with a concept, I have a high respect for people and creations who achieve that feat. I realized in high school that I wanted to be a person who could accomplish that with my work, so I picked the closest university that could teach me about industrial design. It’s a discipline that is broad enough for me to experiment with where I can make a difference. Read more>>

Ashleigh Worthington | Chef & Food Blogger

I chose to pursue a career in the culinary arts because it offers boundless opportunities for creativity and self-expression. In a world governed by numerous rules, cooking allows me to transcend limitations and convey my identity through my creations, without the need for words. This profession not only fuels my passion but also enables me to connect with others on a profound level. Read more>>

Adrian Dunk | Songwriter & Chef

The idea of creation, of shaping something from nothing gravitated me towards a career where I could express and expand upon ideas, whether through writing, storytelling, It’s the infinite possibilities that make it exciting. Read more>>