Artists and creatives face innumerable challenges given that their career path often doesn’t come with a playbook, a steady paycheck or any form of safety net.  It’s definitely not easy and so we asked a few of the artists and creatives we admire to talk to us about why they chose to pursue an artistic or creative career.

Corean Reyes | Photographer & Esthetician

Both of my parents are creatives! My dad was a DJ, and his father was a DJ. My mom sings and taught me how to sing and even draw. She would buy me those little art kits that came in the plastic case and I would spend hours painting and sketching, but my true love was music. I swore up and down I was going to be the next Beyonce, but life is funny in where it takes you! Either way, I knew from a kid that I didn’t want to be a doctor or lawyer. It didn’t appeal to me! Colors, sounds, lines, textures, those caught my eye! I knew I wanted to be in a field that allowed me to be me, and not be stuffed behind someones desk punching numbers. Read more>>

Linda Nguyen | Makeup Artist, Instructor & Influencer

Having to grow up quickly out of my childhood made me a tense adult. I tend to be stressed about little things but as soon as I found this creative outlet I found a way to release all that stress. Even on my hardest days doing my own looks or a clients makes me feel a little bit lighter. Read more>>

Charity Powell | Master Cosmetologist

I’ve always had a love for hair since I was a toddler. I started doing my own hair in elementary school and started doing family in middle school. In high school I was doing hair for my friends, classmates, football players and even the teachers. After high school, I went to college pursue a job in the medical field but soon realized that it wasn’t for me. I always knew my love for hair was what I was meant to do so I went to cosmetology school to enhance my artistic/creative gift and I’m so happy that I did. Doing what I loved even as a child is so fulfilling. Read more>>

Chanc’e Watson | American Singer

I’ve had a passion for music ever since the age of 4. Growing up in church and singing in the choir showed me how powerful music can positively impact a person’s life. I wholeheartedly believe that music is the universal language that can allow anyone to communicate their thoughts and emotions to one another, despite their cultural or geographical background. I served in the United States Army for 5 years as an active duty service member, and decided to get out to follow my dreams of creating music full time. Read more>>

Boe Jackson | Clothing Designer & Art Creator

I chose to start this career because I love creating things that remind me of my personality and skills I am not a artist I can’t draw but I can create art in another form and my art is worn on peoples body it’s not about the money it’s about having a brand that people love and admire. Read more>>

Orchee Sorker | Photographer & Filmmaker

This may sound cliche, but personally the first reason is that I am passionate about photography and film. The clock can keep ticking, but it never feels like work when I am creating. Another reason I want to pursue a creative career is to inspire aspiring POC creatives–specifically in the Southeast Asian community–and female creatives. Personally, diversity has been an issue in the entertainment field for many years. Along with societal pressures and the lack of representation, many young creatives may feel discouraged to pursue a creative career. That is why it is important to see more and more creatives coming from different backgrounds and ethnicities. Diversity allows more perspectives and keeps us open-minded. Accurate representation can break down stereotypes, allows the audience to connect more and just benefit everyone working on/off screen in media. Read more>>

Kay Thomas | Graphic Designer | Brand Designer | Web Designer

To be honest I don’t think I tried to. It was given to me by the Ultimate Creator and being a creative was something that I just couldn’t get rid of. I’m honored that He decided to give a little piece of himself to me. I’ve always heard the saying, “your gift will make room for you.” I can honestly say I finally have experienced just that for myself. Through understanding my purpose, and I am right where I need to be. Read more>>