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.

Whitney Mitchell | Dj & Entertainer

I chose to pursue my career as a dj because music honestly has saved my life. Ive always been a musician, so once I learned to dj, it helped me find a way to create music in my own way. The thoughts and the way I listen to music are now able to be heard out loud and appreciated. And like I mention it saved my life because in my most darkest moments I’ve been able to take the frustration, sadness and even anger out on the turntables and produce a magical set, and an experience for my audience! Read more>>

Will Focus | Cinematic Photographer

I chose a creative career because of my influences and desires as a child. Ever since I was young, around the age of 4, I knew I wanted to Illustrate and Photograph. These were things that my mother introduced to me both directly and indirectly. Read more>>

Four Square Entertainment | Multi-Genre Content Platform

To be honest, we started Four Square just trying to have fun. We didn’t really have a “structure” to balance at the time. It was also around the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, so we stayed in the house most of the day. Therefore, we stayed up late and into the early mornings going over responsibilities, topics, etc. Once 2022 came and the world started opening up, we started adding more content and focused on creating a real structure of how we were going to produce and market our content. Read more>>

Slim KuttaR | Multi Platinum Artist & Songwriter

I was drawn to music so when the opportunity presented itself to me I jumped at it. Read more>>

Asia Mack | Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Content Creator & CEO of All Dolled Up Cosmetics & Accessories

I decided to ultimately pursue an artistic/creative career because ultimately, I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. In my senior year of high school, I was considering the career path of being a CPA actually. I took accounting as an elective my senior year & I was really good at it and I really enjoyed it. But fashion has always been my first love. No matter how much I tried to get away from it and pick up on other interests, I just couldn’t. I am so happy I stuck with my first instinct. Read more>>

Shaun Moore | Music Producer

The reason I pursued an artistic or creative career stems directly from my childhood, and how my naturally God-given talents in music began to develop very very early in life. I remember being in elementary school heading into 5th grade when you could participate in the school music program. I told my parents I wanted to be in the music program and they supported my decision from day one. I had to choose an instrument to start with, and my mom & dad encouraged me to pick something a little different from the normal choices. I listened, and went with Bassoon. Read more>>

Jay Mason | Abstract Artist/ Artshow Curator/ Aspiring Muralist

I’ve always been a creative person . I like the freedom of expression and this creative path has allowed me to truly unlock my greatest potential, helped me to meet new people, travel, and help others . It’s a path that allows me to be free. Read more>>

Ali Lemma | Founder & Chef

When I was working my corporate job, I had a pretty stereotypical work-life balance; 5pm would hit, I would close my laptop for the day, go to the gym, then home to cook dinner and wind down. I wouldn’t really partake much in social activities during the week. But when 5pm on Fridays would come, I was a full on “weekend warrior” all the way through Sunday night. Read more>>

Samantha Babb | Music Artist

My entire life everybody always told me that music is just a hobby. I definitely understand why people would believe that. You really have to have your life together I’ve learned to even do music in the first place. You have to find that perfect balance of working your traditional job, paying your bills, managing your relationships with people and your relationships with venues, you have to find a marketing strategy, and you have to do it all your self until you partner up with a team that’s willing to help you. Read more>>

Deak J. Smalls | Actor/producer

In all honesty, I really can’t see myself doing anything else that doesn’t pertain to acting or anything surrounding this business. I love art, I love creating it, forcing it, giving and receiving it. I think my life would serve no purpose if I wasn’t in this field. I was a kid with an wild imagination and I want to create and tell stories that gives me a sense of satisfaction that I’m supposed to do this. Read more>>

Dezy Jackson Hughes | Professional Makeup Artist

I Iove to express myself differently and freely! Being able to be creative in makeup is a wonderful feeling and seeing how it all comes together when you’re complete just gives you that “ Yessss” feeling! Whether it’s soft or dramatic it’s a beautiful work of art that I’m able to create and someone can wear proudly. Read more>>

Kimberly Butin | Writer

I’ve been writing since I was about nine years old. Having the opportunity to share my thoughts and stories with the world has always been a plan of mine. I just hope that my words find the right people and helps others feel what I felt when I fell in love with reading – a little less alone in the situations I’ve faced. Read more>>

Andrea Ledbetter | Social Media Marketing Manager, Influencer/ Brand Coach

Work Life balance for me is crazy when I sit back and think about it. I don’t have a work life balance. My work is a part of myself and life so I don’t balance them out. Let me see if I can put it another way. My work, my career, is apart of my life. And to only give that section of my life certain time frames would be putting a limitation on myself and my brand’s growth and development. I have certain schedules that I adhere to, but besides that, I do not follow a strict balance.  Read more>>

Tonya Cryer | Hairstylist to the Stars

I chose a career in beauty because I love being creative and helping people look and feel good about themselves. Read more>>

Zcoria Little | Artist & Actor

Hi, I’m zcoria and I am a self taught artist. I have been drawing and painting ever since I was big enough to understand how to use a pencil. I took a few years off from my art and recently over the past 2 years I have gotten back into my artistic side, I have also found myself as a artist like my art style and what I love to paint, I see improvement in myself with every new piece. With my art fan base growing quickly I would love to reach millions, i am manifesting my future and I’m going to keep doing so until I’m where i need to be. Read more>>