We asked some of the city’s leading artists and creatives to tell us about how they decided to pursue an artistic or creative career. We’ve shared some highlights below.

Shanique Mccall | Female Artist & Influencer

I decided to pursue this creative career to broadcast my talent worldwide! Read more>>

Adriana Simmons | Creative Director & Recording Studio Co-owner

I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember, even though I didn’t realize it at first. I used to sketch outfits when I was little, and I thought I was going to be a fashion designer or a stylist. I actually started a fashion brand right after high school, but it didn’t quite feel like the right fit. Before that, I made and sold jewelry. So, I’ve always known that pursuing a creative career was something I was meant to do, it was more of a “how should I do it?” Read more>>

Jaleesa Jackson | Reader & Book Influencer

I accidentally fell into content creation. I’ve been an avid reader my whole life, and for years I would simply tweet about the books I was reading. I connected with a lot of Black Indie authors that way as well. I was following Bama Rush on TikTok and randomly came across a Booktok post. I was curious and decided to search “Black Romance Books” and to be honest the recommendations were lacking. There was one series that everyone would recommend and it wasn’t even Black Romance so I decided I would join Booktok and my purpose was to bring awareness to Black Romance books being written and published by Black Indie authors.  Read more>>

Callie Mann | Aesthetician

Prior to pursuing esthetics, I was working as an Executive Assistant and felt there was little room for growth in that career path. I decided to go to esthetics school because beauty had always been a passion of mine, and I trusted my intuition that learning a skill would propel me into a new world with a multitude of opportunities. I found that learning a creative skill with my hands turned out to be much more rewarding than sitting at a desk was. It has come with its own unique challenges, and I find it to be a much more exciting and fulfilling way to live and work.  Read more>>

Ivan Garza | Bartender & Videographer

I have a photo that my mother sent me recently of a drawing that I did when I was 6 years old. The theme of it was, what do you want to be when you grow up? I drew me painting and wrote I want to be an artist. It’s been my dream since I was little. In my journey of life I’ve found so many ways to create art from the culinary world to videography. I’ve always been an artist and I still hope to be one when i grow up. Read more>>

Rob Smith | Private Chef

From the moment I stepped into my first kitchen at the tender age of 13 as a dishwasher, I felt an undeniable spark ignited within me. The hustle and bustle of the kitchen, the symphony of sizzling pans, and the intoxicating aromas of fresh ingredients created an environment that resonated with my creative spirit. Although my initial role was far from glamorous, it was the beginning of a remarkable journey that would ultimately lead me to embrace an artistic career as a chef. Read more>>

Shannon Roberson | Nail Artist & Graphic Designer

Since I was a little girl, I could always draw. I was very creative. I would spend hours coloring in coloring books and drawing pictures. I always loved to express myself through art. However, I was discouraged at the thought of possibly not making any money as an artist. I always strived to be my own boss. I just didn’t know how or what to do to make that happen. I loved Art so much that I started college as an art major. I wanted to be a graphic designer but I felt as if I didn’t fit in with the art students.  Read more>>