We asked some of the most creative folks we know to open up to us about why they chose a creative career path. Check out their responses below.

Michael Gibson | Music Producer & Engineer

I pursued a creative career in music production because I desired to do something I am extremely passionate about full time. I am excited everyday to learn more about music, expand my skill set, and increase my value in the industry. I enjoy developing with musical artist and sharing timeless music with the world. Read more>>

Melissa Corley | Master Cosmetologist

I was blessed to grow up in a family of hairstylists and salon owners so as a child I was always in the salon. Over the years my mother taught me many things. How to conduct myself professionally, the importance of arriving to work early to prepare for the day, how to assist other professionals and best of all, how good it feels to make someone feel beautiful. I have always known that I wanted to be a hairstylist. It is rewarding in so many ways. I have worked in this industry for 23 years and one of the things I love the most is that it is an ever-changing journey. There are always new techniques and technologies to learn so staying on top of my own education is crucial so that I can provide my clients the most current cuts, colors and styles. I am incredibly passionate about my career. If you have or need the vision, I can create it for you! Read more>>

Rashad McCain | Photographer

For me, I’ve always had a passion for telling stories, whether it was by writing or through visuals such as photography. Some of my photographer influences have been Gordon Parks, Ernest Withers, Carrie Mae Weems, and others. I have always appreciated the ways they have told our Black stories through the eyes of a lens, and I just wanted to take a chance and tell some stories of my own. Read more>>

Najirah Marshall | Creative Director, Stylist and Photographer

Since a kid I’ve always been interested in fashion. When I was younger I remember wanting to be so many things (a designer, a fashion editor, a stylists, etc) all of my aspirations derived from me wanting to be apart of the industry someway somehow. My mother was the biggest inspiration for me. She was always stylish and onto the newest trends/brands before everyone else and I think growing up and being around her really drove me to pursue a creative career. Read more>>

LaTosha Humphrey | Jewelry Designer & Craft Artist

Kreative Krafts HQ Growing up, I’ve always craved an outlet to express who I am. We tend to get caught up in what society wants us to be or what our parents want us to be but then you reach a point where you have to ask yourself, ‘What makes me happy? Creativity is something I’m born with not a pursuit; I just make it more of a priority now. Read more>>

Solace Taylor | Poet/multimedia artist and owner/designer of FEED THE POET® apparel.

I’m Solace Taylor (@thepoetsolacetaylor) , multimedia artist and owner/designer of FEED THE POET apparel. FEED THE POET is an independent streetwear brand using ART to promote social/racial awareness and self-love. FEED THE POET is a self affirmation to fuel your life force through creativity/art. Treat yourself like royalty and nourish your soul. I’m a former Division-1 College Football player. I’m a Natural born athlete and scholar. Read more>>

Domevlo Robel | DoMo The Jack of All Trades, Musician, Song-Writer, Vocalist, Composer, Arranger, Choreographer, Dancer, Naturopath

I began dancing at the age of 5 in my aunt’s dance school. When performing at dance recitals and shows, I received great feedback which showed me I have a gift and encouraged my love for the stage. I enjoyed the spotlight and this translated to when I began playing steel pan in middle school and performed with the neighborhood steel band for competitions and other shows. Read more>>

Alexa Rivera | Photographer

I’ve had an interest in art making from a very young age. I always loved my art classes in early grade school because of how much self-expression was encouraged. Of course over the years, my ideas about art making and what it means to be an artist continue to evolve, but the importance of self-expression still remains a core value. I spent most of high school with little to no involvement with anything extracurricular, and wasn’t too involved in anything creative academically – yet I found myself becoming more and more interested in photography outside of school. Read more>>

Manda Dior | Hairstylist

I pursued an artistic career after realizing how important passion was to me. I struggled day in and day out to fit myself into societal norms, profession wise, before realizing the gift that I have been blessed with. Without a true drive to engage in certain tasks, I experienced absolutely no pleasure in those activities despite the reward factor. Hairstyling served as a way for me to incorporate both my passion and a desirable reward system, making others feel more confident in themselves. Read more>>

Courtney Tusie | Self Care Advocate, Writer & Creative Director

I have always been an artsy kid i made everything from puppets out of toilet tissue rolls to summer camp leather friendship bracelets with pony beads. I am obsessed with the idea of unlimited creating each and everyday, it brings me pure joy at its finest. i have since discovered my passion for writing, when i finish a writing piece, its like that last click-clack on a roller coaster at the top of the hill before the weightless fall. Read more>>