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.

Michelle Butler | Calligrapher & Teacher

Mary Lou Cook once said, “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun.” Calligraphy has given me an outlet to express my feelings, and it allows me to take risks, make mistakes and then turn those mistakes into something beautiful. Read more>>

Kendale Walker | Singer/Songwriter

I am pursuing this artistic career because I am blessed with a voice. I am not sure I would even pursue singing if I didn’t know how to sing. I am told all the time to keep pursuing it so that is what I am trying to do. Read more>>

Aisha Dyer | Founder

I have always had a passion for creativity and self-expression. As a child, I loved to draw and paint, and I found that creating art was a way for me to communicate my thoughts and emotions in a way that words could not. As I grew older, I realized that pursuing a career in the arts would allow me to continue to explore my creativity while also sharing my work with others. Read more>>

Marcos Arredondo | Soldier of Christ,Barber & business owner

Initially I would have never thought to enter this industry, but a good military brother of mine told me, “a jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” It was a compliment. Far from letting it deter my path, some entrepreneurs swear that being a jack of all trades brings benefits, but for me this was gospel and it resonated with me. Read more>>

Kierra Kirkwood | Hairstylist & Wigologist

I pursued this career genre because it was what calmed me. To me it’s more than just a career it’s a lifestyle, a coping mechanism when I’m frustrated or feeling down, a calling and just over all my joy. Read more>>

Dricka Nicole | Owner/Director

Being able to work in the arts has exposed me to different kinds of people , places and opportunities that I would have never seen, mostly catering to our new generation and showing they can beat the odds and they can make their passion their career field. Read more>>